How to Select Proper Weight Distribution/Sway Control System for 2009 Silverado
Question:
Which weight distribution system will allow safe towing. Is it ok to keep system connected during backing up. Would like to use tekonsha p3 brake controller 09 Chevy Silverado 4x4 , gvwr 7000, trailer tongue wt 1046 lbs. , trailer wrist 6800 lbs.
asked by: Joseph H
Expert Reply:
The weight distribution systems that use a friction bar for sway control, like # PS49583 with # 83660 from Pro Series, do not allow you to back up your trailer without first disconnecting the bar. If left in place when reversing the trailer this mechanism would suffer damage.
The systems like the Equal-i-zer 4-Point Sway Control # EQ37140ET and the Reese Steadi-Flex # RP66560, which use an integrated anti-sway system that does not rely on a separate friction bar, do not have this limitation on backing up the trailer. The same applies to the Reese Strait-Line system that you referenced, part # RP66074. All of these allow backing up.
The key to choosing the right WD/SC system is to know your trailer's fully-loaded road-ready tongue weight (TW). To this loaded trailer TW you need to add the weight of anything that sits behind the rear axle in the truck bed, as this too will act like TW. Examples of such items are a fully-loaded cooler or generator, which could easily weigh a few hundred pounds.
This total effective TW will let you choose a system that is stiff enough to provide the shift of trailer weight to the tow vehicle's front axle, but without being so stiff that it creates weird handling effects from the trailer. The easiest method to measure TW is to use a scale # e99044 but other methods are outlined in the linked article.
The linked page will display all WD/SC systems for 2-inch hitches that work with electric drum brakes (that you'll power with a P3 # 90195) and that allow you to back up the trailer. Just click on your total TW figure to see suitable options. You'll notice that some systems like the Equal-i-zer # EQ37140ET feature smaller frame brackets than some others; this can mean easier installation on trailers that may have limited available space along the a-frame.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- Reese
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 >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 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
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12K GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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