Weight Distribution and Sway Control Recommendation for a 9,990 Pound Trailer and 2001 GMC Sierra

Updated 02/23/2012 | Published 02/22/2012

Products Featured in This Question

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2640)

$23.42

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(4028)

$19.13

Question:

I am looking for the correct hitch set up for a travel trailer that has a gross weight of 9990 and a tongue weight of 640lbs. I am pulling it with a 2001 GMC Sierra 2500 HD. I was looking at the PS49582. It seems to be rated correctly. I am also wondering if it comes completely ready? Thank You

asked by: Tyler W

Expert Reply:

The 1,000 pound Fastway system has a tongue weight capacity of 1,000 pounds which would be too heavy for the 640 pounds of your trailer, but at the same time, the 10,000 pound capacity of the system would be too low since the gross trailer weight is a mere 10 pounds from the maximum of the system.

I recommend going with a system that is rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds tongue weight and 12,000 pounds gross trailer weight like the Reese system, # RP66560. This system comes with everything you will need except a properly sized ball. Use # A-90 for a 2 inch diameter or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch diameter.

Tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. For a loaded trailer weight 9,990 pounds, that would be at least 990 pounds tongue weight. So 640 does sound low unless this is a boat trailer. Boat trailer or not, I do recommend raising the tongue weight to get a better ride when using weight distribution.

Any cargo loaded behind the rear axle of the truck will also count as tongue weight. If the trailer tongue weight is 640 pounds and you have 200 pounds of gear loaded behind the rear axle of the Sierra, the total tongue weight would be 840 pounds.

If there is any gear on the trailer that you can move forward to raise the tongue weight, I do recommend doing that. If this is a boat trailer then you will need to use a pole tongue adapter, # RP58393. The Reese system will work with this adapter and the Reese system is the only one that will work if the trailer has a surge coupler.

If the trailer frame is aluminum, make sure to check with the trailer manufacturer to determine if weight distribution can be used.

I have included a link to our FAQ on weight distribution and sway control for you to view.