Recommended Weight Distribution System For 1999 Chevrolet Z71 Towing 2016 Avenger 20RD Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The best way to determine what system will work for you is to know what your total tongue weight is. The total tongue weight is the tongue weight of your fully-loaded-ready-to-tow trailer added to the weight of any cargo you place behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. You will then want to find a system where your total tongue weight falls near the middle of the tongue weight range for the system. Getting a system that is too small will be useless, but getting a system that is too big will result in a stiff, uncomfortable experience.

Based on my research, the loaded weight of the Avenger trailer could be a little over 7,600-lbs. The tongue weight could be from 760 to about 1150 lbs. You then need to add the weight of any cargo placed behind the rear axle like food, firewood, or any other gear.

With the weight capacity of your truck at 6,200-lbs, you will want to make sure you stay below the total weight capacity of the trailer and you are careful not to overload the truck. Even though your hitch may be able to handle additional weight with a weight distribution system, you have to stay below the towing capacity of the truck.

I recommend a trunnion bar system that has anti-sway included for your camper like the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution w Sway Control, part # RP66560. This system has a tongue weight capacity between 600 and 1,200 lbs and has built-in sway control. Trunnion bars provide a bit more clearance than round spring bars which can be important. Hitch balls are sold separately so if you need a 2-inch ball I recommend part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball you can use part # 19286.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

0