Weight Distribution System Recommendation for 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV w/ Trailer Sway Issues

Question:

I have a compatibility question about what kind of weight distribution hitch would work best with my current setup. I currently have a WD hitch with a single friction type sway bar but have encountered really bad sway issues, looking for something better. This is my setup 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV and a forest river FLT829FKSS camping trailer with a GVWR of 7882 lbs with usable cargo load weight of 1200 lbs. I feel that we come close to this number fully loaded to go camping. My truck handles the weight just fine, and my current WDH allows a nice level ride and looks good going down the road. But after a nail biting sway incident while passing a semi truck at highway speeds a year or two ago I have been doing a lot of research on how we can address this problem. The trailer fights the truck with sway depending on what the wind and trucks on the road at doing. I know you have good products and excellent customer service from what I can see, Im looking for a complete package minus the ball and chain hooks currently on the trailer. Thanks!

asked by: Dustin

Helpful Expert Reply:

If your current weight distribution system has a head like the one in the attached picture, I would start by adding a second to the other side of the trailer. Adding and additional unit like the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit, # 83660, would be the most economical option and could correct the issues that you are having with your trailer.

As to a recommendation for a new weight distribution system, I have included a link to all of our weight distribution system that are equipped with sway control prevention. I highly recommend these dual-cam sway-control style systems because they actually stop trailer sway before it begins. This is a significant improvement over traditional friction-style controls which only help to correct sway after it has already begun.

In order to make a specific recommendation, I would just need to know the tongue weight of your Forest River trailer when it is loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. If you find that your tongue weight falls somewhere around 900 lbs, I recommend going with the Strait-Line Weight Distribution with Sway Prevention, # RP66074. We do not offer a kit that does not include the chain hooks.

One thing that I do want to mention is the towing capacity of your 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV compared to the weight of your trailer. From the information that I have obtained on the web, it looks as though the towing capacity of your Escalade ESV is 7,800 lbs (I do recommend verifying this with the info in your owner's manual.) You will want to make sure that you do not exceed this capacity as doing so can damage your vehicle.

expert reply by: Leah S