How to Choose Correctly-Rated Weight Distribution Hitch

Question:

i have a 2007 gmc 1500 long box pulling a 2014 gulf stream ameri-lite ultra lite 21mb that registers 5780 3215 dry plus 1125 cargo with a tongue weight of 340. figure with cargo/water and the weight behind truck axle would put me around 600 plus tongue weight. I have friction sway control, but may be in the way of trunnion bar, which hitch would you recommend? am looking at curt brand because of price, but list as light weight and think i may need an adjustable shank for height? thank you in advance. anxiously await your reply

asked by: Ted

Expert Reply:

Replacing your friction-style sway control device with a weight distribution system that includes integrated sway control will give you a substantial jump in handling quality. The best integrated systems actually prevent sway, instead of trying to only react to it like the friction bar systems do.

The ideal is to have your total effective tongue weight (TW) - the combination of the loaded trailer's actual measured TW plus your behind-the-axle cargo weight - right near the middle of the operating range for the system you choose. This will ensure the system is stiff enough to shift your TW forward to the front axle but without being so stiff that it leads to weird handling from the trailer. We offer a handy scale # 5780 but other measurement methods are shown in the linked article.

Based on your estimated total effective TW of about 940-lbs you will want a system like # EQ37120ET which works for a TW range from 800- to 1200-lbs. I linked our page for replacement shanks in case you need one with more drop.

Curt # C17501 is rated too high for your trailer and part # C17500 is rated too low.

expert reply by: Adam R