Can Weight Distribution Systems Help with Towing Trailers Close to Your Hitch's Max Towing Capacity

Question:

I am trying not to buy a new vehicle for another year or two. The tow capacity of my yukon is 6,300 lbs. My boat and trailer weight is 6000 lbs dry. I figure with fuel and other items we are probably at 6,200 lbs. What can I do to improve towing safety? I was thinking a Long Trunnion Bar Weight Distribution Hitch 6K - 8K capacity. GVWR is 7300 lbs GAWR FRT is 3600 lbs GAWR RR is 4100 lbs Tow capacity is 6300 lbs. Thanks!

asked by: Amos K

Expert Reply:

If you're looking to improve your vehicle's towing capacity with a weight distribution system, there are two things you need to keep in mind.

First, your hitch needs to be rated for a WD system. That is to say, though you can use one of these systems with most any hitch, that won't necessarily increase the hitch's capacity. Some hitches have higher towing capacities when paired with a WD system. Others, though, don't make a difference to the capacity at all. You will need to check your 2015 GMC Yukon's owner's manual to confirm this.

Of course, that's not to say that a WD system won't help even if it doesn't increase the capacity. These help keep everything level by evenly distributing weight, keeping your vehicle closer to its factory height. In your case, you are estimating that your trailer will be just 100 pounds under your max towing capacity. That's cutting it close, but the WD system can at least help in keeping your Yukon level and therefore safer.

The other thing to keep in mind is that WD systems are matched to your hitch's tongue weight. For example, the Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System, part # C17499, has that 8000 pound capacity you were looking for (I've linked to a video review of it below). However, this system is rated for hitches with a tongue weight of 600-700 pounds. More than likely, this is your hitch's max tongue weight, but you should still check your manual to make sure.

I've linked to a list of our WD systems just in case the Curt one doesn't suit your needs.

expert reply by: Kef G