Recommended Weight Distribution Product for 2008 Suburban Pulling 5500 lb Travel Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

A suspension enhancement product is primarily intended to support the weight of any cargo carried in the bed of a truck or in the cargo area of an SUV like your Suburban. A weight distribution system would be a better option, as they are specifically designed to transfer a portion of the trailer tongue weight to the front vehicle axle, which will level the right height.

The first step in choosing a weight distribution system is identifying the tongue weight of the trailer when it's fully loaded and ready to tow. To that figure, you'd add the weight of anything (people, cargo, etc) stored behind the rear axle in the cargo area of your Suburaban. The combined total of these two weights represents the total tongue weight (TTW) of your trailer. Your TTW would ideally be near the middle of the effective range of the system you choose. I'll link you to a help article that further explains how weight distribution works, and an article that specifically explains how to determine your tongue weight.

For instance, let's say you determine your TTW is about 750 lbs. In that case, I'd recommend the Reese Steadi-Flex system, part # RP66559. This system combines weight distribution with sway control. The system is effective on trailers with tongue weights ranging from 500-1000 lbs. If your TTW happens to be less than 600 lbs, I'd recommend a lower rated model, part # RP66558 which is rated for 400-600 lbs of tongue weight. Both systems include the weight distributing shank, but the trailer ball with a 1-1/4 inch diameter shank is sold separately. For a 2 inch ball, use # A-90 or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.

expert reply by: Mike L

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