Recommended Weight Distribution System to Reduce Sway and Vehicle Sag with Pop Up Camper

Question

Question:

I have a 2004 Trailblazer LT and a 2005 Fleetwood Niagra and I am having issues with sway. I have installed a brake controller and friction sway bar and that has helped but am still getting some sway. I would like to get a Weight Distribution system but was told by a local RV dealer that they dont recommend WD Systems for pop-ups. My concern is the Trailer is heavier than 50 3100 Trailer Vs 4600 Tow vehicle of the tow vehicle weight, I am having issues with Sway, and the trailblazers rear end is sagging while towing. What if any enhancements can I make to the Tow Vehicle to make towing not such a white-knuckle experience? Should I get a WD system with sway control? If I need to get a WD system should I be concerned about any clearance issues? The vehicle doesnt have any power issues pulling the trailer, but I would like to get the sway under control so I can take it further away from home.

asked by: Kyle J

0

Expert Reply:

From the white-knuckle driving trips you described, to the weight of your camper, I definitely recommend installing a weight distribution system with sway control. A properly rated system will absolutely resolve the exact issues you are experiencing and they can typically be used on pop-up campers without issue. Whether on a pop-up camper or standard travel trailer, you should always check with the trailer manufacturer just to be sure it is rated for use with a weight distribution system.

When looking for the right system, the most important factor to consider is the total tongue weight of your setup. This number includes both the loaded tongue weight of the trailer (as if it is loaded and ready for travel), along with any added cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your Trailblazer. Ideally, this number will fall somewhere near the middle of the operating range on the system you choose. Using a tongue weight scale like the etrailer # e99044 is the most accurate method for determining your trailer's loaded tongue weight, but we can make an estimate in the meantime.

You mentioned that the camper has a total weight of 3,100 pounds. I was unable to verify if this is its empty weight or when the Fleetwood Niagra is fully loaded. If this is the loaded weight, we can estimate that its loaded tongue weight will be 310 to 465 pounds, as a trailer's tongue weight should be around 10 to 15 percent of its total weight.

If this does end up being the true loaded tongue weight range of your setup, I recommend taking a look at the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System # RP66082. This is an excellent system that features a tongue weight capacity of 200 to 600 pounds. It will do a great job of evenly distributing weight over the axles of your Trailblazer and camper, controlling sway when traveling and also eliminating the rear sag you are getting on the tow vehicle. You would just need to add a compatible hitch ball, such as the 2 inch # A-90 or the 2-5/16 inch # A-6.

If you think you might have clearance issues with the frame on your camper, you can use the Reese Chain Hangers # RP58305. These bolt-on chain hangers will provide an attachment point on the side of the frame for the weight distribution system's spring bars. These are designed specifically for trailers with frame clearance issues that might prevent standard chain brackets from being mounted.

I have attached a couple short video demonstrations on the products mentioned, along with an FAQ on weight distribution systems that you might also find helpful.