Weight Distribution and Sway Control for a Chevy Tahoe and Jayco Eagle Super Lite RLS 298

Updated 08/17/2012 | Published 08/15/2012

Question:

My Tahoe and trailer together weigh 12,680 #s. The trailer is a 31foot Jayco Eagle Super Lite RLS 298 and weighs 6,980 #s, with a loaded not dry tongue weight of 1,100#s. I currently use a system of dual round leveler bars with a friction sway attachment that is almost 20 years old. I have sway problems and wish to get something better. So, what is the best WD system with sway prevention I can get for my vehicles? Is the #RP66074 not sufficient for my set-up since I am over the 12,000# limit?

asked by: Jim G

Expert Reply:

First, the weight rating on a weight distribution system is just for the trailer and not the gross combined weight rating of the vehicle and the trailer so a system rated for 12K is more than enough for a trailer weighing close to 7,000 pounds.

Since the tongue weight of the trailer is 1,100 pounds, and if your are going to have any gear loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle, that could increase the tongue weight. You have to add the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle to the trailer tongue weight.

Based on the trailer tongue weight you proved I recommend a system rated for 800 to 1,500 pounds tongue weight. There are several systems available but for the best sway control option, go with the Strait-Line system, # RP66130. This system comes with dual-cam sway control which proactively and aggressively resist the start of sway by forcing the vehicle and trailer to ride in straight line.

You will also need a shank like # RP54970, and a properly sized ball like # 63840 for a 2-5/16 inch diameter. I have included links to the installation instructions and a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control.

If you have a surge coupler, the dual-cam sway control will not work so you would want to go with a different system that has friction sway control, # RP66561 which is actually rated for 700 to 1,400 pounds.

expert reply by: Michael H