Is a Weight Distribution System or Sway Control Needed for 3,500lb Trailer with Chevy Silverado 3500  

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Expert Reply:

Considering the towing capacity of your Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and the relatively light 3,500 pound Casita Trailer, you most likely will not need a weight distribution system or sway control. I recommend simply going on a few test drives with your trailer to see how everything handles. If after a few trips, you feel like the control and stability of the ride can be improved upon, a weight distribution system might be a good idea.

If you do end up looking for a weight distribution system, you will just want to keep in mind the total tongue weight of your setup. This will include the loaded tongue weight of your trailer along with any added weight coming from behind the rear axle of your Silverado. This number should fall somewhere around the middle of the weight distribution system's weight capacity range you choose.

Typically, the trailer tongue weight will be around 10-15% of its total weight. Using the 3,500 pound GVWR of your trailer, we can estimate a loaded tongue weight of 350 to 525 pounds.

Using these figures, the Reese Straight-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control # RP66082 will be a good option. This system has a tongue weight capacity of 200-600 pounds and will do a nice job of evenly distributing the weight over the axles of your Silverado and trailer to create a more level ride and improve stability and control. You will just need a compatible hitch ball like # A-6 to complete the system.

I have attached a video review of this product as well as an article on weight distribution systems that you may find helpful.

expert reply by: Chris R

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