Weight Distribution System for a 2007 Chevy Suburban Towing a 7,500 Pound Camper

Question:

I have a 2007 Chevy suburban LTZ 4x4, and we have a Wildwood camper trailer model T23BHLE. The numbers on the Suburban and trailer have me confused, the guys on the lot seem to think a hyundi could pull the trailer. I dont know what to think and so I defer to the Experts... The numbers on the suburban on the door are as follows: GVWR 7400lbs GAWR Front 3600lbs GAWR RR 4200lbs The factory reciever on the suburban reads: Hitch Carry weight: Max trailer weight 5000, Max tung 600 then... Weight distribution: Max trailer weight 10,000, Max tung 1000 and goes on to say Tow vehical max trailer rate may be less. To make matters worse when I go to chevy website and look up a 2007 LTZ 4x4 suburban it says max tow capacity is 7000lbs. So what is right? the hitch, sticker on the door, or web site? or all the above? Now the camper info is as follows: GVWR 7557lbs Hitch 557lbs Ive never weighed the camper on a scale, but I know those are dry wight numbers so must be alittle light. We always camp within 100miles of home, so this is not an accross the US pull situation. Please help me understand.

asked by: Jay

Expert Reply:

You are limited by the lowest rated factor in your towing system. In your case, the limiting factor is your hitch, which is rated for 5,000lbs without using weight distribution. If you do use weight distribution, you'd be limited to the vehicle's 7000 lb towing capacity (if that's the case.) Without using weight distribution your hitch does not have a high enough capacity rating to tow your camper safely.

If the vehicle tow capacity is indeed 7000 lbs, I would recommend a weight distribution system which would allow you to tow up to the truck's max 7000 lb capacity and also reduce sway when towing your camper. You can view available weight distribution systems at the link below.

The first step in choosing a weight distribution system is to determine the fully loaded tongue weight of the trailer. To this figure, add the weight of any cargo stored in the tow vehicle behind its rear axle. (I've linked to an article that shows how to do this.)

Since weight distribution systems are classified by their trailer tongue weight capacity, you'd then look for a system compatible with your trailer's tongue weight. The Reese Steadi-Flex for instance, part # RP66559 is designed for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 500-1000 lbs.

The systems typically include the weight distributing shank, but the needed trailer ball with a 1-1/4 inch diameter shank # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 is sold separately.