Weight Distribution and Sway Control Recommendation for a 2004 GMC Yukon XL and 7,000 lb Trailer
Question:
I have a 2004 GMC Yukon XL . Current hitch Max Towing weight 5,000 lb and a TW of 600lb , with weight distribution 12,000 lb towing and a TW of 1500lb. Truck GVWR 7,200lb GAWR Front 3,600lb GAWR Rear 4,000lb GCWR 14,000lb. Trailer GVWR 7,000lb and a TW of 1500lb. Just wondering if I need a weight distribution system and or sway control ? I will have about a total of 6,500lb trailer weight. Will replacing the hitch to a part # C15524 help ?
asked by: Mike A
Expert Reply:
First, you would benefit from using weight distribution and sway control. Weight distribution should be used any time the trailer weighs at least 50 percent of the vehicle. Sway control will be very useful since the trailer is so heavy. If that trailer starts to sway it would make it difficult to keep the Yukon and trailer straight.
Regarding a different trailer hitch, the hitch on your 2004 GMC Yukon XL has the capacity to tow your trailer when loaded and ready to tow if you are at the 6,500 pounds you mentioned and you would not need a different hitch. Otherwise, I do recommend going with the higher capacity hitch, # C15324.
If the gross tongue weight of the trailer is 1,500 pounds when the gross trailer weight is 7,000 pounds, that puts the tongue weight at about 22 percent of the gross trailer weight. So when loaded and weighing in at 6,500 pounds, that would make the tongue weight about 1,430 pounds. Tongue weight can be lowered by moving some of the weight further back on the trailer.
And you also have to add the weight of any gear loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. That could push the tongue weight beyond that the hitch can handle so a different hitch would be the way to go provided the tongue weight capacity of the vehicle is also high enough.
A system like # RP66130 is rated for 800 to 1,500 pounds tongue weight. It comes with dual-cam sway control which proactively and aggressively resist the start of sway by forcing the vehicle and trailer to ride in straight line. You would need a properly sized ball, like # 63840, and a shank, # RP54970.
This shank has a max drop of 2 inches and max rise of 6-1/2 inches. If more rise or drop is needed you would need a different shank, see link. I have also linked an FAQ on weight distribution and the instructions for RP66130 for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 20,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Shanks
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Round - 2 Inch Drop
- Trunnion - 1 Inch Drop
- Round - 5 Inch Rise
- Trunnion - 6 Inch Rise
- Reese
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15K GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1100 lbs
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- 1400 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V XD - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class V
- 2400 lbs TW
- 16000 lbs GTW
- 17000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 2400 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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