Recommended Weight Distribution System for 2009 Silverado 1500 Towing 24ft Boat with Surge Coupler
Updated 01/09/2014 | Published 01/07/2014
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Total boat and trailer weight is around 5500 lbs but Im not sure of tongue weight. I need a sway control/weight distribution solution. Whats my best bet?
asked by: Michael B
Expert Reply:
We typically calculate tongue weight as being 10-15 percent of the weight of the trailer plus its load. Since boats tend to be heavier at the rear due to the motor and fuel tank, you will probably at or below the10 percent figure. This being said, we recommend using a tongue weight or truck scale to definitively find your trailer tongue weight. I have linked you to an FAQ article that shows how to do this.
To choose the proper system, you need to find the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of the trailer. TTW is the tongue weight PLUS the weight of anything stowed behind the rear axle in the cargo area or bed of the tow vehicle. Your TTW should fall someplace near the center of the effective range of the system you choose. Since your boat uses a surge or hydraulic coupler, you will need to choose a system that is compatible with that type of braking system. The traditional chain-suspended type of W/D system can prevent the surge coupler from working properly.
Take your 5500 lb boat/trailer, for instance. With a full load of fuel and gear, the TTW is probably someplace in the neighborhood of 500-600 lbs. If this is indeed the case, I would recommend the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System, part # RP66558. This system is effective on trailers with tongue weights ranging between 400-600 lbs, and would offer weight distribution along with proven sway resistance.
Most boat trailers have a straight pole tongue. If yours does have a pole tongue then you would also need a pole tongue adapter, # RP58393.
The Reese system includes a weight distributing shank, but the appropriately-sized trailer ball is sold separately. If you need a 2 inch ball, use part # A-90 or part # 19286 for a 2-5/16 ball.
I have also linked you to the install/set-up instructions for the system, as well as to another FAQ article that explains what a W/D system does and how it works.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Video: The Low-Down on the Pole-Tongue Adapter for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems
- Search Results: surge brake compatible weight distribution hitch
- Search Results: eoh
- Video: Review of Hydrastar Brake Actuator - OEM Electric-Hydraulic Brake Actuator - HS481-8067
- Video: In-Depth Review of the Gen-Y Torsion Weight Distribution Shank
- Q&A: Weight and Sway Distribution Hitch For 2013 Camplite Trailer And Aluminum Frame
- Shop: Blue Ox Pole Tongue Weight Distributing Hitch Adapter
- Shop: Pole-Tongue Adapter for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
- Shop: Kenda Karrier KR35 ST175/80R13 LRC Radial Trailer Tire w/ 13" Aluminum AM03 Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2
- Q&A: Is Weight Distribution Needed for 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 Towing 2019 Keystone Hideout 22RBWE
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Shop: Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch w Sway Control - 8" Drop/Rise - 14K GTW, 1.4K TW
- Q&A: Weight Distribution System for Boat Trailer That Installs 32 Inches Back from Coupler
- Q&A: Recommendation of Weight Distribution System for 4500 lb Boat /Trailer With Surge Coupler
- Q&A: Will Weigh Safe Weight Distribution Work for Towing Boat Trailer 2017 Kingfisher 2425
- Q&A: Can a Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System be Attached to a 6,000 lb Kingfisher Boat Trailer
- Q&A: Weight Distribution Hitch For Boat Trailer With Pole Tongue
- Shop: Gen-Y Torsion Weight Distribution Shank - 2" Hitches - 6-1/2" Drop/Rise - 1,100 lbs TW
- Shop: Gen-Y Torsion Weight Distribution Shank - 2-1/2" Hitches - 7" Drop/Rise - 2,400 lbs TW
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
on Weight Distribution Hitch
