Choosing Correct Weight Distribution Hitch for 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Towing Travel Trailer

Question:

Im confused after reading q+a about the curt hitches for rvs. Im considerimg the one noted above for a rv with a gvwr of 7400 lbs., and TW of 555 lbs. Curt says to much capacity causes poor riding. That why Im comsidering 17499. Thoughts or considerations.

asked by: Steven L

Expert Reply:

Trailer weight distribution hitches (WDH) such as the Curt TruTrack systems # C17499 and # C17500 do come in varying weight capacities. Selection of the correct one for any given towing setup is based on the actual fully-loaded tongue weight (TW). It is true that using a system rated for much more than your actual TW will cause poor ride quality. In the case of a WDH more is not necessarily better.

All you need to do to select the right setup is measure your fully-loaded trailer's actual TW using the scale # e99044. Then add the weight of any cargo that will sit behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle, such as a generator or a cooler. This combined weight figure will let you select the right system; your total TW should fall in the middle of the system's operation range.

TruTrack # C17500 works correctly for total TW between 800-lbs and 1000-lbs; in other words it would be perfect if your total TW were to be near 900-lbs. TruTrack # C17499 works over a range from 500-lbs to 800-lbs so it would be perfect for a total TW of 600- to 700-lbs. A system rated for more than your actual tongue weight will result in a stiff/jumpy ride. If your 555-lbs of TW is the total for the fully loaded trailer plus any cargo, then # C17499 is the right choice.

Please note system # C17500 includes a 2-5/16-inch hitch ball but system # C17499 requires you to add a hitch ball that has a 1-1/4-inch diameter shank, such as 2-inch ball # A-90 or 2-5/16-inch ball # A-6.

Please feel free to let me know your actual measured total TW and I will be happy to tell you about all compatible WDH systems. Systems like the TruTrack which use fairly small frame brackets will sometimes be easier to position on the trailer. Please check out the linked install video for # C17500.