How to Determine Which Weight Distribution System to Select for a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
Updated 07/19/2012 | Published 07/18/2012
Question:
What weight distribution system would you recommend for a 2003 Tahoe
asked by: Dean
Expert Reply:
Towing a travel trailer with your Tahoe will require a bit of investigation on your part. First you will need to find the GCVWR (Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating) of your truck. These ratings can usually be located in the owners manual or on a sticker in the driver side door jamb. Once this is determined you will need to subtract the weight of the truck from the GCVWR to give you the total allowable amount your vehicle can tow.
You will also need to determine the weight capacities of the hitch that is installed on your vehicle. The highest rated aftermarket hitches available for your vehicle are rated at 16,000 pounds with 1,600 pounds of tongue weight, with weight distribution. Your hitch capacities may differ, and the hitch capacity may exceed the capacity of that the vehicle is rated to tow.
You will also need to determine the tongue weight of your specific trailer loaded and ready to tow and the gross trailer weight loaded and ready to tow. Dry weights are not representative of actual towing weights because there are added items like camping gear, water, battery, propane and other items.
Once you have the above weights and capacities we can select a weight distribution system with a gross weight and tongue weight capacity that will work with your vehicle and the trailer. Let me know what you have and I can make a recommendation for adequate weight distribution that still provides a smooth ride.
The Pro Series Weight Distribution System, item # PS49582, and all weight distribution systems work to spread the tongue weight of the trailer to the vehicle and trailer axles and level the rear of the vehicle for safer towing. This is accomplished by using the leverage applied by the spring bars to transfer the weight. When weight is applied to the spring bars the spring bar is actually pulling down on the trailer frame at the attachment brackets and pushing up on the weight distribution head that is attached to the shank and trailer hitch. This pull push condition transfers tongue weight to the axles on both the vehicle and trailer but does not reduce the amount of weight the vehicle must pull.
I added links to a couple of articles that you should find helpful when trying to select the proper weight distribution system for you.
