Recommeneded Weight Distrubution System For 24 Foot Forest River Wildwood 24QBXL Camping Trailer

Question:

i am looking to purchase a weight distributing hitch with sway control for my newly purchased 24 ft Forest River Wildwood 24QBXL camping trailer, pulled with my 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The trailer specs say the UVW is 4173 lbs, and hitch Weight of 499 lbs. Since i havent loaded the trialer , or know how much weight will be behind the real axle of the truck, how do i make the best guess at what hitch to buy? I was considering the Reese Weight Distribution - RP66559, i like the idea of the automotive type friction pads vs. others with metal on metal. but is the 1000 lbs TW over kill?, and going to be a very stiff ride? thanks

asked by: Larry M

Expert Reply:

The Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control # RP66559 is a very good option for your application. With weight distribution, you want to go off the total loaded tongue weight of your trailer as well as any cargo behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle. The listed tongue weight you gave of 499 is most likely the dry load rating as you stated and the loaded tongue weight is typically between 10-15% of the total loaded weight of your trailer, then you add the cargo behind the rear axle of your towing vehicle to get the total tongue weight for your weight distribution system.

The # RP66559 has a total tongue weight rating range of 500-1000 lbs, and you want to be in the middle of that range ideally. That means this system is likely what you need for the proper ride and function, so it wouldn't be overkill. The automotive grade friction pads are a really nice feature that adds value as well as reduces noise compared to the metal on metal systems. I highly recommend this system for weight distribution and anti-sway.

This system does not include a hitch ball. You will want # A-90 for a 2 inch ball or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.

I've attached a couple articles to help.