Weight Distribution System for 2012 Silverado 1500 Towing 3700-lb R-Pod Travel Trailer

Question

Question:

I will be picking up a Forest River r-pod model 179 with a GVWR 3785 lb. My tow vehicle is a 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 with tow package including the trailer sway control feature is part of the Stabilitrak system. Maximum trailer weight is 9600 lb. Question is, with this in mind, is there any reason I would still need a weight distribution hitch?

asked by: Dan R

0

Expert Reply:

If a trailer weighs more than half the weight of the towing vehicle we do recommend use of a weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) hitch setup even if there is electronic sway control in the vehicle. Curb weight for the 2012 Silverado 1500 ranges from 4460- to 5487-lbs so you will definitely do well to install a WD/SC system. This will do far more to stabilize the vehicle and trailer than any electronic system can. You might refer to the linked article and video for background information on WD/SC systems.

The key to selecting a setup is knowing the trailer's actual fully-loaded tongue weight (TW) which means with full water tanks, propane tanks, all your gear and your supplies loaded. Scale # e99044 makes accurate measurement easy. To this measured TW you will add the weight of any cargo that sits in the truck behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler or generator, since this will act just like trailer tongue weight. Once you know this total TW figure you can choose a system. The ideal is that your total TW will fall in the middle of the system's operating range.

Here's an example. A properly loaded trailer that weighs 3600-lbs will have a TW in the range of 400- to 500-lbs. For this TW range I would recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37060ET which works for TW from 200- to 600-lbs. It is a complete setup, including a 2-inch hitch ball and shank. A video for this system is included for you.

These systems actually shift weight back onto your truck's front axle, which restores both steering and braking performance that is lost when a trailer's TW lifts the front end. No electronic system can do this.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

Answer 1

Your math is correct in your trailer weight load example. If a fully-loaded tandem axle trailer weighs 4000-lbs then each of the 4 tires will bear 1/4th of that load, or 1000-lbs. In this case a tire rated for 1300-lbs would provide a good safety…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 4

Actually, the P3 now has the upgraded axis accelerometer like the P2. The Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller #90195, will work with both electric over hydraulic brakes on the trailer as well as electric brakes. It has a menu option on the display…

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Answer 5

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 6

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 7

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 8

You are correct that this refrigerator does not have an ON/OFF switch or function. The best you can do is "Standby" that draws an unknown amount of power. One option is to pull the 12-Volt fuse at the RV power center. A much better option…

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Answer 9

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 10

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 11

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 12

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Weight Distribution System for 2012 Silverado 1500 Towing 3700-lb R-Pod Travel Trailer

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