Weight Distribution Recommendation for a 2002 Chevy Suburban Towing a 1988 Hi Lo Chaser

Question:

I have a 1988 HiLo Fun Chaser 22foot camper that weighs 3500 lbs empty that I tow with a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1/2 ton 4WD with the 5.3L engine. The trailer pulls pretty well but every once in a while will have a little bit of sway. I am considering a weight distribution system but I do not have a lot of money to spend on it. I am extremely impressed with Curt trailer products and have looked at some of their systems that yall offer on you website. Im not exactly sure what the tongue weight is but I was wondering which system you recommend. The trailer has a 2 5/16inch hitch on it. I have also installed all the trailer brake equipment on my Suburban and am looking to get them working on the trailer. I was wondering if you could tell me if Im just suppose to have the hot wire from the 7 way plug connected to the wires on the solenoids in the drums or if their is more to it than that. Thank you so much for any help you can provide me.

asked by: Dylan

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.

If the trailer weighs around 3,500 lbs unloaded you would be looking at a tongue weight most likely of 350 lbs to 525 lbs. The Equal-I-Zer system part # EQ37060ET would be great for this tongue weight range as it has a range of up to 600 lbs.

The 12 volt accessory hot wire of your 7-way does not connect to the trailer brake's wiring otherwise the brakes will be activated at all times. The brake output circuit is what connects to this circuit. See the help article I attached for more info on brake controller installs. I also attached a picture of a diagram that explains it all.

expert reply by: Jameson C