Determining if Weight Distribution System is Needed for 2014 Sierra Pulling Jayco Feather Lite  

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A weight distribution system is recommended whenever the trailer weight is more than 50 percent of the tow vehicle's weight. Based on my research, it looks like your Sierra 1500 features a weight of around 4,400 to 5,400 pounds, depending on the exact model. With this in mind, you would definitely benefit from adding a weight distribution system to your 5,000 pound loaded trailer.

If you have been pulling your Jayco Feather Lite and have noticed the rear of the truck sag during hookup, experienced any trailer sway, or had difficulty steering or stopping, these are other indications that a weight distribution system is a good idea.

When looking for the best weight distribution system for your trailer, 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, along with any added cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your Sierra. Ideally, this number will fall somewhere near the middle of the operating range for the system you choose.

Using a tongue weight scale like the # e99044 is the most accurate method for determining your trailer's tongue weight, but we can take a quick estimate using the 5,000 pound loaded trailer weight that you mentioned. Since a trailer's tongue weight should be around 10 to 15 percent of its total weight, we can estimate a loaded tongue weight of 500 to 750 pounds.

If this ends up being an accurate estimate (while also remembering to factor in cargo weight behind the rear axle of the truck), I recommend looking at the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System # RP66083. This system features a tongue weight capacity range of 400 to 800 pounds and will do a great job of evenly distributing weight over the axles of your Sierra and Jayco trailer. The only thing you will need to add is a compatible hitch ball like the 2 inch # A-90 or the 2-5/16 inch # 19286.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this system that you can check out, along with an article on weight distribution systems that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Chris R

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