Recommended Weight Distribution System for Jay Flight Trailer with 325 Pound Tongue Weight
Question:
Hi. I just purchased a travel trailer and it is my very first trailer. I picked a small and light trailer because my towing vehicle is 2015 Chevy Traverse with towing package. The trailer is 2017 Jay Flight SLX 154BH and has 3200 lb gross weight and 325 lb hitch weight and I thought it is perfect for my Traverse with towing package which has 5200 lb towing weight and 600 lb tongue weight. When I was looking for a hitch, a friend of mine gave me a weight distribution hitch, Pro Series Weight Distribution System w/ Friction Sway Control - Round - 10,000 lbs GTW, 750 lbs TW. My friend said that weight distribution gives much better safe and comfortable driving. However, when I asked the RV service to install this hitch for my Traverse and the trailer, they refused to install it. They said that the weight distribution system that I have is too much for Chevy Traverse and Jay Flight SLX 154BH combination, and it can damage the vehicle and the trailer. They just recommended a hitch ball without weight distribution. I searched QandA on etrailer.com and it seems Pro Series Weight Distribution System w/ Friction Sway Control - Round - 10,000 lbs GTW, 750 lbsfoot Item # PS49902 is actually recommended for Chevy Traverse. Could you please tell me what I need to do? Do I need to return this weight distribution system and go with a simple hitch ball? Or can I just use the system ignoring what the RV service people told me?
asked by: Shawn K
Expert Reply:
A weight distribution system will help to ensure a smooth and level ride when towing your Jay Flight trailer. As a general rule, a weight distribution is going to be beneficial if the trailer weight is more than 50 percent of your vehicle's weight, which is the case with the 3,200 pound gross weight on your trailer.
Based on the trailer hitches we have available that are custom fit for your 2015 Chevrolet Traverse, you can absolutely use a weight distribution system. The issue that the RV service is having is likely due to the weight rating on the particular Pro Series system you are wanting to install as it relates to the weight of your trailer.
When choosing the correct weight distribution system, the most important factor to keep in mind is the total tongue weight of your setup. This will include the loaded tongue weight of your trailer, along with any added cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your Chevy Traverse. Ideally, you will want this number to fall somewhere around the middle of the tongue weight capacity range for the system that you choose. You can use a tongue weight scale like the etrailer # e99044 to verify your trailer's tongue weight when it is loaded as if ready for a trip.
The Pro Series Weight Distribution System # PS49582 that you have has a tongue weight capacity of 550 to 750 pounds. This means that this system is simply a bit over-rated to work effectively with a trailer like yours that has a 325-pound tongue weight. An over-rated system is going to lead to an awfully rough ride when towing that may in fact potentially lead to damage on the trailer or tow vehicle.
I recommend going with a lower rated system like the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37060ET. This has a tongue weight capacity of 200 to 600 pounds, which will work perfectly with the total tongue weight of your towing setup. This system features integrated 4-point sway control that will limit side-to-side movement of your trailer. I have included the installation details and a demonstration video for you to check out.
I have also included an article on weight distribution systems that you might find very helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 400 lbs
- 500 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
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