Weight Distribution or Suspension Enhancement For 2001 Chevrolet Suburban Towing a 26 Foot Trailer

Question:

I have an 01 chevy suburban 1500 w/ a class III hitch. I am looking a buying a 26foot enclosed trailer to load our house into. We are moving from Arizona to North Carolina and I am trying to find out if doing this is a pipe dream or something I can actually do. I have experiance towing but this is bigger than Ive done before. I have been thinking about throwing some air bags in the rear coils to help out, but Im not sure if that will do the trick. Any info will be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Kyle

Expert Reply:

I recommend to first check the gross towing weight (GTW) capacity and tongue weight (TW) capacity on your Class III hitch that is on your 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. Most Class III hitches are rated for 6,000 lbs GTW and 600 lbs TW without weight distribution and 10,000 lbs GTW and 1,000 lbs TW with weight distribution. Some Class III can be listed as 3,500 GTW and 350 lbs TW capacities and not rated for use with weight distribution.

A weight distribution system, like the Reese Weight Distribution, part # RP66558, you have referenced is a good idea any time you are towing a trailer that is at least 50 percent of the tow vehicle weight. I think that with your 26 foot enclosed trailer you will be in that 50 percent and higher category and would benefit from a weight distribution system.

To choose a weight distribution system you will need a system that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses the trailer tongue weight loaded and ready to tow, plus the weight of any gear in the truck bed behind the rear axle. If you can get me the gross trailer weight rating and tongue weight rating for the 26 foot trailer I can help you with an exact system for your vehicle and trailer. I am including a link to a FAQ page on weight distribution.

A suspension enhancement like the Firestone Coil-Rite Air Springs, part # F4108, in the rear coils will help maintain even load distribution with the air bags, but I would recommend trying a weight distribution system first, because it will get more of the weight of your trailer on the front axle of your Suburban, therefore improving braking and handling as well as leveling your vehicle out.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on the Firestone air spring kits.

expert reply by: Jeff D