Correcting Sway While Towing Boat Trailer with 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe

Question:

Hi there, Im a newbie to towing. I recently towed up my Sea Ray Sundeck 4500# dry and noticed a significant sway at 60MPH. May be because the hitch I had was so high and it distributed a lot of the weight to the rear. Im sure putting a drop on the hitch will remedy most of the problem, but Im interested in the Reese RP66151 to be able to go over the road. I cant tell from the picture and dont know enough about towing, but is that shank adjustable to compensate for the height of the vehicle vs. the trailer, and be able to level the load? Thanks! Tow vehicle- 2016 Chevy Tahoe Z71

asked by: Chris O

Expert Reply:

When towing any trailer, it is always important to tow the trailer as level as possible. Since your Tahoe is a taller vehicle, it is highly likely you will want a hitch with a drop to be able to tow your boat trailer level. Level trailers that are properly loaded tow better and tend to sway less.

I have attached a help article that will go over how to measure to determine what drop (or rise) is needed to be able to tow the trailer level. I have also attached a link to all of our 2 inch hitch ball mounts for you to choose from once you know the amount of drop you need.

I recommend starting by towing the boat trailer with a ball mount that offers you the correct drop to see if that offers you a solution to your sway. Many issues, sway included, can be improved by towing level.

A weight distribution system, like the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System # RP66558, isn't traditionally designed to fit on the pole-tongue style of a boat trailer. If you find you really need the system in order to combat trailer sway, you will want the Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter for Weight Distribution Systems # RP58393. This adapter is designed to allow a system like the Reese SC to be fitted to a pole-tongue trailer.

The shank included with the Reese # RP66558 will offer a 2-7/8 inch drop. A longer drop can be achieved with a different shank. The # RP3215 will offer up to a 5-3/4 inch drop for the # RP66151. For even more of a drop, the # RP3344 will provide up to a 7-5/8 inch drop for # RP66151.

I have also linked some help articles on towing and weight distribution for you.