Recommended Weight Distribution Towing Setup for a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71
Question:
Have a 2002 Tahoe z71 with a v-5 talon hitch, is it safe to tow a gross dry weight camper of 5,800lb?
asked by: John
Expert Reply:
I was able to check your owner's manual and depending on whether you have a 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive model you will be able to tow the 5,800lb camper just fine.
If you have a 2WD you will have a maximum trailer weight of 7,800lbs and for the 4WD 7,600lbs. The maximum tongue weight when using a weight distribution system is 1,000lbs (2WD) or 1,200lbs (4WD).
To choose the right weight distribution it will be based on loaded tongue weight which is typically between 10-15% of the trailer and anything in addition to that loaded behind the rear axle.
The Strait-Line weight distribution # RP66083 you were looking at would be good if your trailer has a tongue weight of 400-800lbs; if you find that you are closer to the 600-1,200lbs then you will want the # RP66084. According to your owner's manual on page 4-59 you will not be capable of carrying more than that.
Both systems mentioned above will require a hitch ball with the 1-1/4 inch shank for your trailer. Two of the most common sizes of hitch balls are the 2 inch # A-90 and 2-5/16 inch # 19286.
If you have a trailer with brakes you will need a brake controller to control the brakes. For a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha P3 # 90195, because of its easy user interface. The P3 is a proportional brake controller which means it senses how the tow vehicle is slowing or stopping and applies the trailer's brakes with the same intensity. It also has a full display screen instead of codes that need deciphering. The Tekonsha P2 # 90885 is like the P3's little brother, it has all the great qualities but doesn't have the display of the P3.
If you have a factory 7-way on your vehicle you will need the # 3025-P brake controller adapter to plug into your vehicle and complete your wiring.
I have linked all the above mentioned products to this page for your convenience.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - GM
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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