Recommended Weight Distribution for 2005 Buick Rainier Towing 2000 Jayco Kiwi 17A Travel Trailer

Question:

What type of sway control would you recommend for towing a 2000 Jayco Kiwi 17A 4,400 GVWR with a Buick Rainier SUV 2005 4.2 L?

asked by: Lori

Expert Reply:

For towing your 2000 Jayco Kiwi 17A A-frame travel trailer with your 2005 Buick Rainier I recommend using a weight distribution hitch with integrated sway control, like the Equal-i-zer # EQ37060ET that you referenced, since these systems do more to improve your towing experience than the simple standalone friction sway bars like # 83660. A properly-rated weight distribution hitch (WDH) will not only prevent trailer sway but it will also balance the weight of the SUV/trailer system to keep both level and this does much to improve overall handing. Even though your Rainier has plenty of towing capacity for your trailer using a WDH will give you a big improvement.

Use of a WDH is considered mandatory when the trailer weighs more than half the tow vehicle's weight. Since your Rainier has a curb weight of about 4500-lbs and the Jayco weighs about 2400-lbs even when unloaded you will need a WDH. Equal-i-zer # EQ37060ET is a very good choice to match the trailer's tongue weight since it works for TW up to 600-lbs. All you need to add is the thin-walled socket # ALL643216 for ball installation.

expert reply by: Adam R