Recommended Weight Distribution Set-Up for 32 Foot Jayco Camper Towed by 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500

Question:

I have a 2005 Chevy half ton and a 32 foot jayco camper with one slide out. I was wondering what products I need to make it pull easy. Such as torsion bars, sway control, and a hitch. It has a 2 5/16inch ball hitch. Thank you for a any information in advance.

asked by: Luke

Expert Reply:

We recommend weight distribution anytime the trailer/camper weighs more than half the weight of the vehicle. Given the size of your camper, there's no doubt that you'd benefit greatly from using a w/d system.

In a nutshell, weight distribution will use leverage provided by the spring bars to level the ride height of the front and rear truck axles. This eliminates the sag in the rear suspension caused by the trailer tongue weight. Eliminating this sag allows the trucks headlights to focus the way they're supposed to, and it also improves steering and braking response.

A long travel trailer like yours provides plenty of cross section for cross winds and turbulence from passing traffic to act against. I'd highly suggest using a weight distribution system with an integrated sway control component. A friction sway control device like the # 83660 would be insufficient for a travel trailer your size.

Which system to choose? To pick the right system for your needs you'll need to first determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the truck bed behind the rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures represent the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.

Given the length of the trailer, I'd recommend the Reese Strait Line system. The Strait Line combines the proven weight distribution performance of the Reese Trunnion Bar system with the second to none Reese Dual Cam Sway Control. This system literally forces the trailer to stay in line behind the trailer unless the trailer and tow vehicle are negotiating a turn. This system actually prevents trailer sway form happening before it can begin.

For tongue weights between 400-800 lbs, use # RP66083. If the trailer tongue weight is between 600-1200 lbs, use # RP66084. The weight distributing shank is included with either system, but you'll need the # 19286 2-5/16 inch trailer ball, which is sold separately.

For a trailer hitch, use the Curt Class IV hitch, part # C14332. This hitch has a towing capacity of 10,000 lbs or 12,000 lbs when used with a weight distribution hitch. These capacities will be limited by the actual towing capacity of your truck if it's lower than the capacity of the hitch.