Weight Distribution System Recommendation for Grand Design Reflection

Question:

We are pulling a Grand Design Reflection travel trailer with a listed GVWR of 10995lb and a tongue weight of 1065. These are the printed numbers and not our measured loaded weights. However, being full timers, I imagine we will be getting close to the max. The tow vehicle is a 2016 GMC Sierra Denali 2500 Duramax with a 2.5inch receiver. Ive poured over the options but I cant seem to land on the perfect setup. Id like something that allows backing up without ny disconnecting. It seems not many include a 2.5inch shank, is it ok to run the sleeve adapter? Thanks for the help!

asked by: Mike S

Expert Reply:

So with weight distribution systems you can back up with them with the spring bars connected, but you have to make sure that you don't get anywhere near jackknifing the trailer. If you are backing up mainly straight you'll be fine. If you end up really needing to get the trailer in a tight turn the bars will have to come off.

Since you have a 2-1/2 inch hitch you will want to use the right size shank ideally. The sleeve adapters can work but sometimes they introduce a bit of movement and are one more thing to remember.

So based on the weights you listed I would go with the Strait Line system part # RP66130 because it has a tongue weight range of 800 to 1,500 lbs and does not come with a shank so that you can add the one you'd need like part # EQ90-02-4800. Then for a hitch ball you'd want part # 19286. This system also has the only sway control on the market designed to fight sway before it starts.

expert reply by: Jameson C