Weight Distribution System for 2009 Chevy Silverado

Question:

Hi. I have a 2009 Silverado, 2WD, crew cab, 17 inch wheels, 3.23 gears, and 4.8 liter engine. Im in need of a wheight distribution hitch. My camper is a 175BHS poineer. It weight around 3400 pounds dry with a dry hitch weight of 480 pounds. Which one do I need and cant I damage truck/trailer by going too heavy of a hitch? Thank you

asked by: Mo

Expert Reply:

The only way you would damage your truck or trailer is if you had an improperly rated weight distribution hitch. In order to choose the best weight distribution system you will first need to know your total tongue weight (TTW), which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go 175BHS Pioneer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your 2009 Chevy Silverado.

The tongue weight is typically between 10% and 15% of your trailer's GVWR but you'll want to verify it by using a scale such as the # e99044 or by using one of the methods outlined in the help article on determining tongue weight I've linked for you. From there, simply add on the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle and you'll have your TTW. The ideal system would be one in which your TTW would fall somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity.

For example, if your TTW was 900 bs you would want Reese Strait-Line # RP66560, which is for TTW between 600 lbs and 1,200 lbs. If you let me know what your TTW is I would be happy to make a recommendation for you.

expert reply by: Kyle S