Is Weight Distribution System Needed for 6,000 Pound Trailer and 2016 GMC Sierra 2500  

Question:

Expert Reply:

A weight distribution system is a good idea whenever the trailer's weight is more than 50 percent of your vehicle's weight. Your Sierra 2500 has a curb weight of around 5,700 to 6,500 pounds, so a weight distribution system will definitely be beneficial for your 6,000+ pound trailer.

Other general indications that a system will provide benefit is if you are having rear sag on the vehicle when hooked up to the trailer or difficulty steering or stopping.

When picking out a system the most important factor to consider is your total tongue weight. This number includes both the loaded tongue weight of your trailer along with any additional cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your Sierra. Ideally this number will fall somewhere near the middle of the operating range on the system you choose.

The most accurate method for determining your trailer's fully loaded tongue weight is with a scale like the # e99044. We can take a rough estimate in the meantime using the 6,000 pound weight that you mentioned. Since a trailer's tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of its total weight, you are looking at a tongue weight of around 600 to 900 pounds (before loading your truck bed).

With this in mind, the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System # RP66084 might work perfectly for your setup. This system features a tongue weight capacity of 600 to 1,200 pounds and will do a great job of evenly distributing weight over the axles of your Sierra and trailer along with preventing and fighting sway. You will just need to add a compatible hitch ball like the 2-5/16 inch # 19286 or the 2 inch # A-90.

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

expert reply by: Chris R

0