Weight Distribution System Recommendation for 1997 GMC Yukon Towing 4,300 lb Trailer

Question:

Hi There, I have a 97 GMC Yukon with the 5.7L Vortec, heavy duty tow package and 3.73 locking diff rear end and a 6,500 lbs tow rating. What I am looking to do is pull a travel trailer and I want to keep the trailer weight under 4,300 lbs and no longer than 26. I drive a semi for a living and I fully understand the safety implications on a tow rig when not properly setup. The biggest obstacle I am up against here is the shorter wheelbase of the Yukon vs a full size pickup. What I need to know is what hitch would you guys recommend for WD and sway control for my setup? Thanks!

asked by: Jonathan H

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.

If your trailer is going to be right at 4,300 lbs total the tongue weight will end up being between 430 lbs and around 600 which would work great with the part # RP66082 which has a tongue weight range of 200-600 lbs and the only sway control on the market 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.

expert reply by: Jameson C