Weight Distribution Recommendation for a 2005 Chevy Silverado 2500HD and 4,800 Pound Trailer

Question:

I am buying a trailer that weighs about 4800 lbs. empty and is 26.5 ft. long. I am pulling it with a 2004 2500 HD Silverado short bed with the Duramax and Allison. Do Ineed a weight distribution hitch on this light of a trailer? The tonque wt. is nearly 800lbs. I have read that unless the weight of the trailer is 50 more than the tow vehicle you dont need it. Which one would you recommend for the best tow available?

asked by: Ron

Expert Reply:

I do recommend weight distribution for your truck and trailer. First, the empty weight of the trailer is 4,800 pounds so when loaded and ready to tow it will be over 5,000 pounds. Your 2004 Chevy Silverado 2500HD is more than capable of towing the weight, but the truck would have to way over 10,000 pounds for it not to follow that 50 percent guideline you have mentioned. It is actually 50 percent of the vehicle weight. Not 50 percent more than the vehicle.

With a tongue weight of 800 pounds, you also have to add in the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle to get the total tongue weight. So if the trailer tongue weight is 800 and you have 100 pounds of gear in the very back of the truck bed, that means the total tongue weight is 900 pounds. You will want a system with a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses this weight.

I recommend the Reese system, # RP66561. It has a tongue weight capacity of 700 to 1,400 pounds. It also comes with friction sway control. You will just need to add a ball like # A-90 for a 2 inch diameter or # 63840 for a 2-5/16 inch diameter. I have included a link to the installation instructions and a link to our FAQ on weight distribution.

expert reply by: Michael H