Should Vehicle Sit Level When Weight Distribution System is Used and Set Up

Updated 04/22/2019 | Published 04/20/2019

Question:

I have a 2014 GMC Yukon. I am towing a 2014 KZ spree escape. The tongue weight that I have calculated with the trailer loaded, and cargo in the back of my vehicle Is just over 600 pounds. The listed tongue weight of my trailer is 350 pounds. I have a round bar weight distribution hitch that it is rated for 500 to 800 pounds tongue weight. I bought the system a few years ago when I was pulling with a jeep grand Cherokee. I am now trying to get it set up on my Yukon. I read in the set up instructions for the hitch that the front end of the tow vehicle shouldn’t squat more than the back end of the vehicle if the hitch is set up correctly. If I put seven links in my round bar distribution system, the rear of my vehicle squats 3/8 of an inch and the front raises about 1/16 of an inch. If I put six links in the system, both the front and the rear squat about 1/8 of an inch. Should I use seven links so I have slightly more squat in the rear of the vehicle, Or should I use six links and have the squat to be almost exactly the same in the front and rear? My only concern is that I don’t want to put too much weight on the front of the tow vehicle. Thank you

asked by: Don H

Helpful Expert Reply:

You'll want to use the amount of links that allows the tow vehicle to sit as close to level as possible. So in your case you'd want to use 6 links since you said that gives you the more level height. Since your weight distribution system is rated for 500 to 800 lbs and your tongue weight is 600 you're good in that regard as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C