Weight Distribution with Sway Control Recommendation for a 2007 Chevy Avalanche

Question

Question:

I will be towing a Cruiser XT-245 Toy Hauler with a 2004 Chevy Avalanche Z-71. Tow capacity of the Avalanche with a Wt. Distributing hitch is 8000 lbs. with a max tongue weight of 800 lbs. The trailer tongue weight is 765 lbs and a 4650 dry weight. With my motorcycle, water and other stuff the total towing weight will be about 7000 lbs. What system would be best and is a sway control recommended?

asked by: Roger

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Expert Reply:

In order to choose the best weight distribution and sway control system for your 2007 Chevy Avalanche, you will need to go by the gross trailer weight and tongue weight of the trailer, fully loaded and ready to tow. You will want a system that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses your trailers tongue weight.

Tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. So for a trailer weighing 7,000 pounds loaded and ready to tow, you are looking at a tongue weight of 700 to 1,050 pounds. I recommend a system that is rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds tongue weight capacity. However, if the owners manual states that the Avalanche can only tow 8,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 800 pounds tongue weight, you must stay withing these limits as adding weight distribution will not allow the truck to carry more weight.

I recommend a system that uses dual-cam sway control. Dual-cam systems are superior to friction systems because the dual-cam design stops trailer sway before it starts. In a friction system, the friction pads work to try to stop sway after sway has already started. I have included an FAQ on weight distribution and sway control that covers the various aspects of both types of systems.

For a dual-cam system, I recommend the Reese Strait-Line Hitch with Shank, # RP66084. This system uses the dual-cam sway control, and it is rated at 600 to 1,200 pounds tongue weight capacity. It also includes the required shank so you will not have to buy one separately. I have included links to the installation details below along with a video showing a typical installation.

For a friction system, you can use High Performance Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System with Shank, # RP66560. This system is rated at the same 600 to 1,200 pounds as the above system. It also comes with the required shank.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

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Answer 4

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