Setting Up Weight Distribution When Transferring from a 1/2 Ton Truck to a 2009 3/4 Ton Silverado

Updated 01/03/2013 | Published 01/01/2013

Question:

I have a 2009 silverdo 2500 and a 19ft travel trailer. I had a smaller truck at first1/2 ton everything was level cause the tongue weight pushed truck down and the round bar distribution hitch put it all level. Bigger truck now 3/4 ton trailer rides high in front no weight to load truck down. Do I need longer to fix this? Weight is not a problem now. not sure what to do.

asked by: Ross K

Expert Reply:

It sounds as if your new 3/4 ton truck has might be a bit taller and the suspension is stiffer so the tongue weight of your trailer is not affecting the truck suspension nearly as much. In this case, I would recommend adjusting the height of your weight distribution head mount so that the when the trailer is coupled the trailer frame will be towed as level as possible.

To adjust the ball mount, park the trailer on fairly level ground and measure from the ground up to the top of the coupler. Then set the ball height on your weight distribution head so that it measures 3/4 to 1 inch higher than the coupler measurement. This will accommodate for some of the sag at the rear of the vehicle.

Once you have the weight distribution head height set properly, go ahead and setup your weight distribution system, using the manufacturer instructions.

If you find that you cannot set the weight distribution head low enough to tow the trailer level, then you would need to use a weight distribution shank with a lower drop. I provided a link to all of the weight distribution shanks that we carry for you to select from.

expert reply by: Robert G