Weight Distribution System Recommendation for Towing Trailer that Weighs 4,855 lbs

Question:

I am seeking your input on a weight distributing hitch for my father in laws new Rv / Truck. The truck is a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado crew cab. The RV has a dry tongue weight of 468 lb, UVW of 3779, and a GVWR of 4855 lb. For simplicities sake, I was thinking of the Reese WDH, P/N RP66540 rated for 600 lb tongue weight and up to 10k trailer weight or the Curt WDH, P/N 17300 rated for 600 lb tongue weight and 6000 lb trailer weight. Ive always preferred Reese products, but am open to suggestions for this particular set up. Thank you for your input.

asked by: John D

Expert Reply:

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

Since tongue weight can be 10 to 15 percent of a trailer and your max trailer weight is 4,855 then your tongue weight would most likely be between 480 and 728 lbs. A system like the part # RP66541 would be a better option as it has a range of 400-800 lbs.

expert reply by: Jameson C