Weight Distribution System Needed for Towing a 6,800 lb Dry Weight Trailer with a 2018 GMC Sierra

Question

Question:

Hello, have a question about a weight distro system for my new truck. Truck is a 2018 GMC Sierra SLT, 6.2L engine with the 9100lbs towing capacity. It also has a 6 inch lift and 35 inch tires for a total lift of around 7 inch above factory. Hitch has 1,200lb tounge weight and 12,000lb trailer weight limit. I am about to purchase a 31 foot travel trailer with a 6800 lb dry weight. We will use it often and wind, mountains, etc. will be an issue since I live in CO. Looking for a wieght distro system with at least 4 points of sway control AND whatever lowering arm I need to account for the 7 inches of total lift. I saw the Curt Tru Track Item # C175000 and think I saw a shank if that is what it is called that s the ball down to account for the lift. Can you please recommend the two products Weight Distro System with 4 point sway AND Shank that accounts for my lift that are best for my set up. Thanks a TON!

asked by: Chris M

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Expert Reply:

The Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution (WD) System # C17500 is a popular system that does include 4 points of sway control; 1 at either of the trunnion bar heads and 1 at either bar where it sits on the bracket. Since there are 2 bars that gives you 4 points of sway control.

The TruTrack includes everything that you need for the WD system but since it does only have a max drop of 1/2" you need a different WD shank to accommodate the large rise you have. Out of the linked selection of Curt WD shanks we have the Shank # C17124 which features a 9" max drop for a trunnion bar system. I have also linked a helpful article about ball mount height that you can use to guide your decision.

When looking at a WD system you want to choose one with a Tongue Weight (TW) range that the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your towing setup falls in the middle of. To find the TTW of your towing setup you will need to add the TW of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer along with the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. Keep in mind that a properly loaded trailer will have a TW that is 10-15% of the loaded weight of your trailer.

The Curt # C17500 has a TW range of 800 lbs - 1,000 lbs which sounds about right but you need to find your TTW first to make sure.

Let me know if your TTW doesn't fall within that TW range and I can help you find the correct WD system.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

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Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

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Answer 8

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Answer 9

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Answer 11

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Answer 12

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