Recommended Weight Distribution System for 2004 Chevy Avalanche Towing 4000 lb Trailer
Question:
I will be pulling a 23 Nomad weighing 4000# with a 2004 Chevy Avalanche 4x4 1500. What hitch do you reccomend? Thank you.
asked by: Guy S
Expert Reply:
Weight Distribution Systems are rated by their effective tongue weight range. We typically calculate the tongue weight of a trailer as being 10 to 15 percent of the fully loaded or as-towed trailer weight. If the 4,000 lbs you mentioned represents the as-towed weight of the trailer, then your tongue weight would be in the 400 to 600 lb range.
Given this, I would recommend the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution, part # RP66559. This system is specifically designed for trailers whose tongue weights range from 500-1,000 lbs. The system you referenced is good for 800-1500 lbs, and although it would probably work, the ride of the trailer would be very rough.
The Steadi-Flex system combines weight distribution with a dependent sway control system. The downward pressure of the spring bars helps to resist trailer sway once it occurs. It is the only system recommended for trailers with surge or hydraulic couplers.
If your trailer has a standard coupler, check out the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System, part # RP66073. The system has the same effective range as the SC recommended above, but uses the Dual-Cam Sway Control. The Dual-Cam is considered an active system, which prevents trailer sway before it can occur.
A height-adjustable weight distributing shank, part # RP54970 and trailer ball with 1-1/4 inch diameter shank (2 Inch Ball, part # A-90 or 2-5/16 inch ball, part # 19286) will be needed for either system.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Shanks
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Round - 2 Inch Drop
- Trunnion - 1 Inch Drop
- Round - 5 Inch Rise
- Trunnion - 6 Inch Rise
- Reese
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 8K GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10K GTW, 1K TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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