Weight Distribution for a 2005 Chevy Tahoe and Dutchmen Aerolite 195QB Travel Trailer
Updated 10/18/2012 | Published 10/17/2012
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Question:
I plan to purchase a Dutchman Aerolite 195QB trailer and would like to have the hitch so I can tow it home. Can you tell me what I need: hitch size, hitch ball, etc? I drive a 2005 Chevy Tahoe 4x4. I already have a Tekonsha PRODIGY Brake Controller installed.
asked by: Mike B
Expert Reply:
When choosing a weight distribution system you will need to go by the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.I did some research and found that on a 2012 Dutchmen Aerolite 195QB the gross trailer weight is approximately 5,400 pounds. Tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of gross trailer weight so we are looking at 540 to 810 pounds.
If nothing is loaded behind the rear axle on the Tahoe then you would need a weight distribution system that either has a range that encompasses the total tongue weight or that has a maximum that exceeds the total tongue weight. A system like the Pro Series, # PS49583, has a capacity of 1,000 pounds tongue weight so it would work well.
It also includes 4-point sway control, shank, and ball. I have included a link to the instructions for the system and a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control.
If you like the Reese Strait-Line system # RP66083, it would be a good choice if the tongue weight of the trailer plus the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the Tahoe was within the 400 to 800 pound limit of this system. It includes dual-cam sway control as opposed to the friction type of sway control in the other system I referenced. Both types are covered in the FAQ. I have linked instructions for the Reese system as well. You would need to add a ball to this system as well like # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch diameter.
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on Weight Distribution Hitch
