Weight Distribution Recommendation for Trailer that Weighs 5,500 lb

Question:

I have a 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 2 wheel drive. My bumper pull camper is 33’ long and has a dry weight of 5500 pounds. What would recommend to beef up the rear suspension. I am looking at the roadmaster active system but not sure if it would be overkill. I don’t want a rough ride while loaded or unloaded.

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

Actually the best solution for your situation is a weight distribution system. A WD system reduces sag on the rear suspension by distributing some of the tongue weight on the trailer up to the front axle which along with reducing sag also improves handling and braking which suspension enhancement won't help with. Also WD does not affect unloaded ride quality at all.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

For a trailer that weighs 5,500 lbs you'd have a tongue weight of most likely between 550 and 775 lbs so the Reese Strait Line kit part # RP66083 which has a tongue weight range of 400-800 lbs and has the best sway control that works to fight sway before it starts.

For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.

expert reply by: Jameson C