Can a Weight Distribution System be Used on 2005 GMC Yukon With Auto-Leveling System?

Question:

Hi! I have a 2005 Yukon Denali 1500 with auto-leveling Z55 system. It works well. I just bought a Dutchmen Kodiac travel trailer, double axle, weight 4542, cargo 1458 for a loaded total of 6k lbs. Tongue weight is listed at 555 lbs. I know my Yukon is rated for a tow capacity of 8100 lbs. My questions are, do I need a weight distribution hitch with sway control, and if so, can it be used effectively with the auto leveling suspension that came stock with my Yukon? Thanks!

asked by: R J

Expert Reply:

A weight distribution hitch with sway control is something that we highly recommend because even with an auto-leveling suspension like what you have on your 2005 GMC Yukon it allows you optimal control of your tow vehicle, making it easier to steer and stop while towing.

You can use a weight distribution system with the auto-leveling system on your Yukon, you'll just need to hook up your Dutchmen Kodiak to your Yukon before setting up the system so it can be installed with how the vehicle will sit when being used.

As for a system, you gave a lot of info, but in order to choose the correct weight distribution system you will need to know your total tongue weight (TTW), which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go trailer, which for you is 6,000 lbs, plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your 2005 GMC Yukon.

So just add on the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your vehicle and you'll have your TTW. The ideal system would be one in which your TTW would fall somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity.

For example if you have a tongue weight of 555 lbs and 250 lbs of cargo behind your Yukon's axle you would have a TTW of just over 800 lbs. A great system for this would be the Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET which is for tongue weights between 600 lbs and 1,000 lbs. This system will prevent sway before it begins with steel-on-steel friction in the spring bars and includes all the necessary hardware for installation, though it is recommended you use 1-7/8" thin walled socket # EQ70-00-4800 to make installing the hitch ball an easier process.

I've attached a link to a video review of this system for you to take a look at as well as a link to each of our weight distribution systems should you need one with a different tongue weight capacity.