Weight Distribution Recommendation for 5000 lb Travel Trailer Towed by 2004 GMC Sierra

Question:

Hello. I believe what I have listed is what I need. I have 2004 GMC Sierra with the heavy duty towing package including factory 7-way wiring. I am going to be towing a 23 foot travel trailer with 405# TW and 4,950# GVW. Do most travel trailers have a 2-5/16inch ball? I am assuming the 550# TW on this weight distributing hitch is correct and going to 750# would offer a hard ride? Please let me know as soon as you are able as I would like to place an order. Also I find your website phenominal with the installation videos!

asked by: Al

Expert Reply:

When choosing a weight distribution system, ideally the tongue weight of the trailer will fall right in the middle of the effective range of the system.

Make sure that the tongue weight figure you use includes the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of the trailer. The weight of anything stowed behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle also needs to be included in the tongue weight figure. If the 405 lb TW figure you mentioned represents the dry tongue weight that does not include the weight of any gear, water or propane in the tanks and does not include the weight of any gear kept behind the rear axle of the Sierra, you can approach or overload that 550 lb TW capacity of the # PS49901 system you mentioned.

I would start by verifying the TW of your travel trailer. If the TW is indeed greater than the 550 lbs, you can certainly upgrade to the larger capacity system, part # PS49582. I'll link you to an FAQ article that explains how to determine your trailer's tongue weight.

The sway control capabilities of the unit should also be considered. One friction sway control unit is not sufficient to resist sway on trailers greater than 26 feet in length. My fear is that because your trailer is only two feet shorter, one unit will not be insufficient. Friction sway controls also need to be disengaged when backing the trailer or when driving on slick pavement.

The ideal system for a trailer whose tongue weight was in the 400-800 lb range would be the Strait-Line Round Bar System, part # RP66087. The weight distribution portion of the system would work identically to the Pro Series system that you asked about, but the Dual-Cam sway control portion is far and away better than the friction unit. The friction units will resist trailer sway, but the dual cam system is proactive and will actually prevent trailer sway before it can occur. The cams of the system ride in the detents or hooks on the end of each spring bar. The downward pressure of the spring bars keeps the trailer in a straight line behind the trailer, but when turns are made, the tilt of the trailer allows the hook to lift and easily negotiate the turn. Cross winds or turbulence from passing vehicles will not be able to move the trailer.

The Tekonsha Prodigy P2, # 90885 you referenced is an excellent choice, it is exactly what I would have recommended. The # 3015-P is indeed the correct wiring harness for your 2004 Sierra.

I have linked you to the install instructions for the weight distribution systems I mentioned, as well as links to some FAQ article relating to weight distribution and brake controllers that you might find helpful.

The most common trailer ball for a travel trailer would be a 2-5/16, but a 2 inch is also possible. The Pro Series systems include the 2-5/16 inch ball, but the ball is not included with the Strait-Line system I mentioned. If you decided to go with that system, you would need either the # A-90 2 inch ball or the # 19286 2-5/16 ball. The coupler for your camper should have the necessary ball size stamped into it.