Weight Distribution System Recommendation for 2011 Coleman Pop Up
Question:
Hello, I have a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado CrewCab, z71 with 7k towing capacity. I recently purchased and rpod ~2700lb Dry Weight, ~290 dry tongue weight. GVWR is about 3800. Previously I pulled a 2011 Coleman HW pop up with very similar weight 3200/3900. For the Coleman I purchased an EazLift 1000/10000 weight distribution and sway control. Ive transferred that system over to the rPod. Generally I didnt experience any issues with the Popup. It took care of nearly all the bounce, and there was virtually no sway. While I havent had anything horrific happen with the rPod, the setup generally seems much less stable way more bounce and sway than the camper. I have tried towing without the WD and I can tell its at least doing something without made bounce way more prolonged and pronounced. As best I can tell I have it set right pulled to level ground with the vehicle straight and tightened the WD until the camper was level, then added sway control and tightened to a quarter turn. However, after some reading I realize now that this system was over rated for my previous setup and current one as well, and Im thinking that the slightly lighter trailer has pushed that even further. Ive been looking at the E2 Fastway WDH/Sway combo as it comes highly recommended from other rPod customers. I was wondering if you could offer any advice on a better way to go. Id like to avoid completely tossing the previous purchase, but for a safer tow, Im definitely willing to do that. Thanks -
asked by: Jeff
Helpful Expert Reply:
The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.
When your trailer is loaded it's most likely going to have a tongue weight of between 350 lbs and 525 lbs so your 1,000 lb tongue weight system is much too high.
A much better solution would be the Strait Line part # RP66082 which has a tongue weight range of 200-600 lbs and features only sway control designed to fight sway before it starts.
For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.
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 >
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 >