Recommended Weight Distribution for Small 4000 lb Pop Up Camper

Question:

I have a 2011 Silverado that weighs about 5200 pounds with a max towing weight of 9000 pounds and a 2” ball hitch. The trailer I’ll be towing is a Forest River HW277 pop up. Its specs are, Hitch Weight: 380 lb., UVW 3334 lb. and a CCC 546 lb. with a closed trailer length of 19 feet. Is a weight distributing hitch needed and if so, what style should be used without overkill.

asked by: David C

Expert Reply:

If you load that pop-up to the max, you could possibly be at almost 4000 lbs.

We'll typically recommend weight distribution when the weight of the trailer being pulled exceeds half the weight of the tow vehicle, which it will in your case.

What I'd do if I were in your position is hitch the camper up to the truck and see if the rear suspension sags. If so, I'd recommend using a basic weight distribution kit. When the rear suspension sags not only will it make your headlights aim higher than they should, but it also unsprings the front suspension which affects braking and steering performance which could lead to an unsafe situation. If the rear of the truck doesn't sag, you should be fine.

If you decide to go with a weight distribution system, I'd recommend the Reese # RP65509 which is good for 200 to 600 lbs of tongue weight, which is perfect for your pop-up camper. The only other thing you'd need is a 2 inch trailer ball like # A-90, and you'd be all set.

The Reese # RP66022 system you'd looked at is rated for up to 1200 lbs of tongue weight which would be major overkill for your camper, you'd have a very rough ride and the spring bars wouldn't be flexible enough to provide any benefit.

expert reply by: Mike L