Determining Correct Weight Distribution System for 2,500 Pound Boat Trailer  

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Anytime a trailer's weight is more than 50 percent of the tow vehicle's weight, a weight distribution system will likely provided some benefits. Based on my research, it looks like your 2018 GMC Acadia has a curb weight of around 4,000 pounds. Since your loaded trailer weight of 2,500 pounds is more than half of this, a weight distribution system might be a good idea.

If you are still unsure, there is no issue with simply taking your loaded boat trailer out for a couple of rides with your Acadia to see it how it pulls without a system installed. If everything looks great and it handles okay on the road, there is nothing that says you absolutely need a weight distribution system, even if the trailer weight meets the above criteria. Other indications that a WD is needed is having rear sag on the vehicle when hooked up to the trailer, trailer sway issues, or difficulty steering and stopping your rig when towing.

After determining that a system will be beneficial, the next step is ensuring that the system you choose is properly rated for your setup. The most important factor to consider when doing this is the total tongue weight of your system. This number includes both the loaded tongue weight of the trailer, along with any added weight coming from behind the rear axle of your Acadia. Ideally, this number should fall somewhere near the middle of the operating range for the system you choose.

With this in mind, the Curt Short-Arm Weight Distribution System # C17330 that you referenced might be a tad over-rated for the 150 pound tongue weight you mentioned. This system features a tongue weight capacity of up to 600 pounds. An over-rated weight distribution can lead to a pretty rough ride because of the amount of pressure it will put on your hitch to re-distribute weight. I also recommend verifying your trailer's tongue weight with a scale like the etrailer # e99044, remembering to also add in any cargo weight you have stored behind the rear axle of your Acadia to this number.

A better option might be the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-0450, which has a tongue weight capacity of up to 450 pounds. This is a really nice system that, unlike the Curt model, also has integrated sway control to drastically reduce any side to side movement.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this product that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R

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