Weight Distribution Recommendation for a 1999 GMC Yukon SLT
Question:
A trailer dealer says his trailer is Hideout 22RBWE 2012 Shipping weight 4840 Carring weight 2760 HITCH 600 Yukon max tow 7000 Hitch 500 Dealer said that with porper sway hitch the Yukon can handle this trailer with ease. Is he correct? Or is this just sales talk? I have never towed a trailer before and I thought I should stay within SUV spects. Please enlighten me.
asked by: FOSTER D
Expert Reply:
To determine the towing capacities of the 1999 GMC Yukon and if they change with the use of weight distribution, you will need to look at the owners manual in the towing section. The hitch itself on the vehicle should have a sticker that lists the capacity.
You are 100 percent correct, you will want to stay within the capabilities of the vehicle. If the hitch is rated lower, then you will go by its capacities. Always go by the lower rated component in any given system.
I found a manual online and it states the maximum as 6,500 pounds and when using weight distribution the tongue weight can be up to 780 pounds. You will need to consult your own manual and vehicle to verify.
When choosing weight distribution, the tongue weight is important. You need to know the trailer tongue weight when loaded and ready to tow. Then you will need to add to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the Yukon to get the total tongue weight.
At 600 pounds and no extra weight in the vehicle, you would want a system rated for 400 to 800 pounds because it puts that 600 pounds right in the middle where you want it to be. The system you referenced, # RP66021, would work well. If you needed to add sway control later, you could add dual-cam, # RP26002, or friction, # 17200.
You will need a shank, # RP54970, and a properly sized ball with this system. For a 2 inch ball use # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball use # 19286. The trailer coupler will list what size ball it requires. I have included a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Friction Sway Control for Weight Distribution Systems
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- CURT
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 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
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Reese Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control for Steel Trailer Frames
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- Reese
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Weight Distribution w/out Shank - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD Only
- No Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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