Towing Kodiak Express 223RBSL Trailer with 2010 Chevrolet Traverse

Question:

I have a Chevy Traverse 2010 and I am considering buying a Kodaik Express Ultra Lite model 223rbsl. My Traverse can tow up to 5200 pounds and the travel trailer is 4200 pounds. Do you think this would be a good buy for me based on those weights? I do plan on getting the weight distribution for my vehicle too.

asked by: Dave

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Kodiak Express 223RBSL Trailer has a specified dry weight of 4300-lbs and a dry hitch weight of 516-lbs, according to my research, but when you fill your water and propane tanks and load up your equipment and supplies you will be much closer to 5000-lbs total. Generally we always recommend having some safety margin in your towing system. In the case of this particular trailer used with your Traverse you might want to consider a lighter trailer that when fully-loaded with all gear and supplies will still leave you some extra towing capacity for a safety margin.

Your Traverse can be fitted with a 2-inch Class III hitch such as # 75528 from Draw Tite. These hitches are all rated for use with weight distribution and the hitches offer plenty of capacity, and more than your vehicle: 7500-lbs gross trailer weight. You need to remain within the capacity of the lower-rated item, which in this case is your Traverse.

Weight distribution (WD) systems need to be selected after measuring your trailer's fully-loaded tongue weight (TW), just as it will be loaded when you hit the road. WD must be tuned to the tongue weight to insure you get the desired redistribution of weight to the tow vehicle's front axle without being so stiff that it results in erratic handling. The linked article explains how to measure TW. Once you know that figure you'll add to it anything in the vehicle that sits behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler or generator. This total effective tongue weight figure will let you choose a suitable system. Ideally your TW will fall into the middle of a WD system's effective range.

You can use the link provided to select your TW figure to see appropriate systems. Let's say your TW figure is 600-lbs. A great option is the Reese Straight-Line system # RP66083 which prevents sway along with providing weight distribution. All you need to add is a hitch ball, either 2-inch # A-90 or 2-5/16-in # 19286.