Weight Distribution Recommendation for a 6,500 Pound Jayco Trailer and 2005 Chevy Avalanche

Question:

I have a 2005 Chevy Avalanche Z71 rated to pull 7200 lbs. I am purchasing a Jayco SLX 264BH with a dry hitch weight of 485 lbs and GWVR of 6500. Will Item # RP66073 be a good choice for this set-up? Is there a better option?

asked by: Max N

Expert Reply:

based on the weights you have provided (thank you) the tongue weight of your trailer will be anywhere from 485 pounds to 975 pounds. I came to 975 pounds going by the gross weight rating of 6,500 pounds. And since trailer tongue weight is usually 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight the maximum would be 975 pounds.

You also have to factor in any weight loaded behind the rear axle of your Avalanche. So for example if the tongue weight is 700 pounds and you have 100 pounds of stuff behind the rear axle of the Avalanche then the total tongue weight is 800 pounds.

The Strait-Line Weight Distribution # RP66073 is rated for 400 to 800 pounds tongue weight so it could potentially be a great option for you. But if you are loaded to capacity, even without anything in the truck bed, then this system will not be rated high enough and you would want to go with the next system up which is # RP66074. It is rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds tongue weight.

Once you know the tongue weight with the trailer loaded and ready to tow you can pick the system that will work best. Ideally you will want the trailer tongue weight to fall in the middle of the tongue weight range.

Neither of the systems above comes with a shank or ball. For a ball use # 19286. For a shank there are different options depending on the amount of rise or drop you will need to tow the trailer level. I have included a link to the 2 inch shank options for you. I have also linked helpful articles on weight distribution and determining tongue weight for you.