Weight Distribution and Sway Control for 600+ lbs Tongue Weight and 2008 GMC Sierra Denali 1500

Question:

I have a 2005 Keystone Outback 26rs. Tongue weight 600# . Camper weight 4480#. I pull it with a 2008 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 Crew cab. I have the normal camping equipment in the trailer, plus bicycles. Two adults and three kids in the cab. I haul fire wood and coolers in back of the truck. I have a hitch now but it is from another camper my in-laws had. I had get a different shank though. I want to get the correct one. What is the correct set up ? I would like sway control also. Thank you for the help.

asked by: Bruce

Expert Reply:

To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

The trailer tongue weight of 600 pounds is part of the equation but the additional items in the back of the truck are going to raise that tongue weight some. But you will likely fall into the 400 to 800 pound range or, worse case scenario, the 600 to 1,200 pound range. After you have determined the total tongue weight it will be easier to nail down. I have included a link explaining how to determine tongue weight.

If you fall closer to the middle of the 400 to 800 pound range then I recommend Reese Strait-Line system # RP66083. This system comes with dual-cam sway control. Dual-Cam sway control stops sway from starting and will allow you to back up the trailer without having to disengage the spring bars or sway control unlike friction systems.

If you are in the 600 to 1,200 pound range then you would use # RP66084. For either of these systems you would just need to add a properly sized ball. Use # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch or # A-90 for a 2 inch.

The included shank has a max rise of 6-1/2 inches and max drop of 1-1/4 inches. Other shanks are available separately if more rise or drop is needed.