How to Choose a Weight Distribution System to Tow a 7x18 Trailer with a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500

Question:

I need some assistance with a WD and sway setup for my 7X18 V-Nose trailer. I drive a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 with the standard 2 inch receiver. I am interested in the Reese RP66559, trunnion setup. I have attached some pictures and would like your input on this. My Frame it 2 wide, 4 tall and my ABSOLUTE length to the ATP is 32. I believe this RP66559 will work by about a few millimeters! I would rather have the Snap up chain hangars over the Hangar brackets but id like a second opinion as to the length of my tongue. I also would like to know your thoughts on the shank that comes with that kit and its ability to slightly. I brought my trailer home and with a straight hitch 0 and I have to put a chock block under the jack to get enough height to make that connection. I have also attached pictures on my truck side hitch and my trailer at full throw of the jack. Any help would be great!

asked by: Josh J

Expert Reply:

As far as fitment goes, the Reese Steadi-Flex # RP66559 that you referenced should fit your application just fine. The brackets will fit a trailer frame up to 6" tall and they can be adjusted 27" - 32" from the center of the hitch ball. The hitch ball is sold separately so you would need part # A-90 for a 2" hitch ball or part # 19286 for a 2-5/16" hitch ball.

For some reason your pictures didn't come through so I am not sure about the height of the unit in relation the height of the coupler on your trailer but what I can say is that you want your trailer as level as possible. I have attached an article about ball mounts that you can reference to ensure that the included shank will work for your setup but you can also send me the pictures and I can give you input in regards to that.

You do need to make sure that the total tongue weight (TTW) of your towing setup falls in the middle of tongue weight (TW) range for the weight distribution (WD) system that you choose. The TTW of a setup can be found by adding the loaded TW of your trailer with the weight of any equipment that you will have behind the rear axle of your 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. You can easily find the TW of your trailer by using a scale like part # e99044. Please note that a properly loaded trailer will have a TW that is 10-15% of the weight of the trailer.

The Steadi-Flex # RP66559 that you referenced has a TW range of 500 lbs - 1,000 lbs so if your TTW falls within this range this WD system will work great for your application. For this system to work with your 2" wide frame you would need to get 2 bolts that are 1/2" longer than the ones supplied as this is for 1-1/2" frames.

You did mention that you liked the chain style WD systems better so you may be interested in a Reese Strait-Line system. We have part # RP66083 which has a TW range of 400 lbs - 800 lbs or part # RP66084 for a TW range of 600 lbs - 1,200 lbs. The brackets mount about 30" back from the center of the hitch ball but if that doesn't work you can use the bolt on chain hangers # RP58305. You will also need one of the hitch balls I mentioned above to complete the setup.

This is a lot of info to take in so if you have any additional questions just let me know. I have attached some videos and helpful articles that you can also reference.