Towing an 8,700 Pound Boat and Trailer Using Weight Distribution with a 2011 Chevy Tahoe
Question:
I have a 2011 Chevy Tahoe and purchased a 26 foot boat with a tri-axel trailer . boat weight is 6700lbs and the aluminum trailer is approx. 2000lbs . Tow capacity is 8200 with weight distribution system. I have a Titan Model 20 actuator 20,000lbs surge braking system max tongue WT. 2000. Information that I have found on line states that titan actuators can be used with weight distribution system as long as you double the tongue weight of the trailer to match the capacity of the actuator. example 2000lbs max tongue WT. actuator. 1000 lbs max with weight distribution system. I should fall into this spec. The Trailer manufacture said I should be at 750lbs tongue weight.. GM states I am allowed 10 percent of the 8200 lbs with weight distribution system. I know I am over the total trailer weight by 500lbs but with three axels with brakes I feel ok about it. My question is which system would be the best . Can I use a system with chains ? Would the Reese be better? I read that you can not back up with the friction sway control ? I also may have a problem with mounting the brackets for the bars. The dimension of the actuator is 32.125inch long ,so from center of the ball to the end of the actuator is 30.50inch . The trailer is aluminum 8inch channel another problem with the bracket mounting. Any help in setting this up would be appreciated.
asked by: Brian B
Expert Reply:
Boat trailers with a long pole tongue instead of an A-Frame can use weight distribution by using a pole tongue adapter. But since the trailer frame is aluminum you will need to check with the trailer manufacturer to make sure weight distribution is allowed.
If it is then I have a solution for you. You will need to use Equal-I-zer pole tongue adapter # EQ95-01-5950 which can be mounted up to 32 inches back from the ball. But to get it to fit the 8 inch tall frame you will need to drill into the frame since the adapter as it is can only fit frames up to 5-1/2 inches tall. If the frame is not a box frame then it will have to be boxed where the adapter is mounted. This will require welding and since the frame is aluminum it will require a professional welder with aluminum welding experience.
Once that is done you can use an Equal-I-zer or Fastway weight distribution system. You will not have to double the tongue weight of the trailer to use this set up with the Titan actuator and the system will work with surge brakes and backing up will not be a problem.
Since the maximum tongue weight for your 2011 Chevy Tahoe is 820 pounds you cannot exceed that so I would do what I could to keep the trailer below that limit. Tongue weight on a boat trailer is usually 10 percent at most of the gross trailer weight so you are right in that ball park if the gross trailer weight is 8,700 pounds.
Based on the tongue weight specs I recommend using Equal-I-zer 1,000 pound system # EQ37100ET. This is a complete system including the shank and a 2-5/16 inch ball. The only other recommended part is a thin-walled socket to install the ball, # ALL643216.
Products Referenced in This Question
1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel
- Hand Tools
- Ratchets and Sockets
- Sockets
- SAE
- 3/4 Inch Drive
- 1-7/8 Inch
- Alloy Steel
- Powerbuilt
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Pole-Tongue Adapter for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Adapters
- Pole Tongue Adapters
- Equal-i-zer
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 12K GTW, 1.2K TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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