Weight Distribution Hitch Recommendation for Hybrid Camper w/ 4600# GVWR

Question:

I have a 2010 chevy suburban and recently bought a 2008 hybrid camper. I bought a weight distribution hitch curt 17022 from fleet farm and after some research i believe its too big for my set up. Trailer weight is 3500 ish dry weight and 4600 gvwr. But the tongue weight is only 251 lbs. which distribution hitch would you recommend for this set up?

asked by: Adam

Expert Reply:

The # 17022 is the part number for a Curt Weight weight distribution system for for a trailer with a tongue weight capacity of 800-1000 lbs. Even if fully loaded to the gills right up to the GVWR, your camper would only have a tongue weight of 690 lbs tops the system you currently have is rated too high for your camper and wouldn't work well for you.

I'd recommend using a weight distribution system with an integrated sway control system, because the high sides of a typical hybrid camper makes them susceptible to sway caused by crosswinds and turbulence. The first thing you'd want to do is to determine the fully loaded tongue weight of your camper. I'll link to an article that shows a couple of different ways to do this. A tongue weight/payload scale like theetrailer # e99044 would be a handy item to have to figure that out.

I've linked to demonstration videos for the weight distribution kits and tongue weight scale I mentioned above.

If your fully loaded tongue weight is below 400 lbs, I'd recommend the Reese Steadi-flex, part # 66557. If it's above 400lbs, use # RP66558. The hitch ball, part # 63845 is sold separately.