Weight Distribution System for 2005 Chevy Silverado with 24 Pace Trailer

Updated 04/08/2014 | Published 04/07/2014

Question:

I have a 2005 Chevy Silverado 2500HD towing a 24foot Pace American Shadow GT tandem axle enclosed racecar trailer. I have weighed the truck on a commercial scale with and without the trailer attached and determined the tongue weight is 1,540 lbs. The loaded trailer weight as measured at the trailer axles, while attached to the truck, is 8,740 lbs. So, I believe if the tongue weight and trailer axles scaled weight are added together, the total trailer weight as towed is 10,280 lbs. not sure if thats an accurate way to do that though. Anyway, if the tongue weight is 1,500 lbs., is it sufficient to use a WD system that is rated for a tongue weight of, for example, 900 - 1,500 lbs., where it would be at the maximum rated tongue weight, or is it better to use a system rated at, for example, 1,100 - 1,700 lbs. instead, so the tongue weight isnt right at the maximum? One other factor - the trailer is sometimes towed without the car inside, which will reduce the tongue weight at those times. The car weighs 2,750 lbs., with about 1,500 lbs. of that weight in front of the trailer axles, which I think would put the tongue weight at those times right near the low end of the higher-rated system. I would like to not have to readjust the WD system every time the trailer is being towed without the car in it unless that would be necessary regardless of the system being used?. Given all this, which WD system would you recommend?

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

Ideally, you want the Total Tongue Weight of the trailer (TTW, which includes the fully loaded and ready to tow trailer PLUS the weight of any gear in the truck bed behind the rear axle) to fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.

We offer one system with integrated sway control that has an effective range of 1000-1700 lbs, which would be the Reese Strait-Line, part # RP66075. This system is only compatible with 2-1/2 inch receivers. Not only does this system offer the tongue weight capacity you need, it also offers top of the line sway control that will force your trailer to follow the tow vehicle like it was on rails. If you currently have a 2 inch receiver, you'll need to remove it an replace it with a Draw-Tite Class V Trailer Hitch # DT45517.

For a 2 inch hitch, the highest rated W/D systems we offer are the # RP66130 and the # RP66561. Since both these systems have a 1400-1500 lb max capacity, I wouldn't recommend using them. Since your TTW is over the 1500 lb figure, the # RP66075 would be your best bet.

When the car is not in the trailer, the ride of the trailer will definitely change. You might find you need to make minor adjustments to level the truck front and rear axle ride height.

I have linked you to some Weight Distribution Help articles that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L