Recommended Weight Distribution System for 6000 lb GVWR Travel Trailer

Question:

I am looking for a weight distribution hitch. I have a 2016 silverado 1500 4.3l v6.with a 7100lb.tow capacity, and will be towing a 2021 apex nano 203 rbk that has a dry weight of 4000lbs.and a GVW of 6000lbs, tongue weight of under 500 lbs.I was interested in the fastway E2 FA92-00-0800.I wasnt sure if I should move up to the 1000,but was concerned whether it would be too much hitch.Im also wondering how do I determine how long of a shank do I need.The trailer length is 23ft.3.

asked by: Steve H

Expert Reply:

Actually, the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-1000 weight distribution system you'd looked at would be perfect for the travel trailer you described. It's compatible with trailers with tongue weights from 600-1000 lbs. Since your dry tongue weight is 500 lbs, that'll increase when you add the weight of gear in the travel trailer, water tanks, and propane tanks. You'll also want to add the weight of anything stowed in the truck bed behind the rear axle as tongue weight. Once all that's added up, you will be above the 600 lb minimum tongue weight threshold of the system.

The shank included with the system provides 9 inches of length which works just fine for a travel trailer. The shank provides a maximum drop of 1 inch, so if the level height of your trailer coupler is more than one inch lower than the hitch receiver height, you'd either need to pick a different shank like the # FA92-02-4315 which offers up to a 8 inch drop or go with a system available without the shank like # FA94-00-1033 which has the same capacity and purchase the # FA92-02-4315 shank separately.

For either system, the trailer ball is sold separately. For a 2 inch ball, use the # A-90 or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.

I've linked to a video that shows how to set up the system.