Correct Weight Distribution System for 2013 Sierra Extended Cab 4x4 Towing a 2012 Catalina 25RKS TT

Question:

Hi I have a bit of a dilemma. I want to choose correct WD System for Subject trailer vehicle combination. The trailer has an Empty Weight of 5360 Lb. and Empty Tongue weight of 630 Lb. Trailer GVWR is 7500. I want to purchase a Reese Strait Line hitch rated for 600 - 1200 Lb., but the TT dealer thinks this will be too much hitch and will result in choppy ride. He is suggesting the 400-800 Lb. model instead. Which model would you recommend, and if I the lighter duty unit, can it be upgraded to a higher rating, after the fact by changing to heavier trunnion bars? Thanks

asked by: Don R

Expert Reply:

The weight figure that you need to confirm is the loaded, ready-to-tow tongue weight of your trailer with full propane and water tanks, all gear, equipment and provisions loaded, exactly as it will be when you are heading down the road. You also need to consider the weight of any items that will be behind the rear axle in your truck bed, such as an ATV, a generator or any other equipment. Anything behind the rear axle will add to the tongue weight load. The empty tongue weight figure is useful, but not enough to make a final decision on which WD/Sway Control system to select.

I have provided links to two articles that explain the many considerations for selecting a WD/Sway Control system and the methods for accurately determining trailer TW.

Please note that your trailer hitch receiver must be rated for use with a WD system. Check that your receiver carries a specific WD rating; otherwise it cannot be used with a WD system.

The ideal choice of WD system will be one where your loaded trailer tongue weight (TW) falls in the middle of the systems usable range. A WD system that is too low in capacity will not provide the necessary stabilization; and one rated too high will be too stiff and result in erratic performance. If the trailer TW exceeds the capacity of the system, the spring bars could be damaged. If the WD system chosen is rated too high for the trailer TW then the spring bars will not flex enough, and the trailers ride quality will suffer, as your dealer noted.

For purposes of making a recommendation, I will presume your trailer fully-loaded tongue weight will be in the area of 800 lbs. Based on this estimate, I recommend the Pro Series Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control, part # PS49583, which is rated for up to 1000 lbs TW. This system uses friction sway control and brackets (rather than chains) to secure the spring bars.

The Reese Strait-Line WD Trunnion Bar System w/ Sway Control, part # RP66084, is rated for up to 1200 lbs tongue weight. This system uses dual cams for sway control that enable full-radius turning but which otherwise lock in place to support straight-line travel. You could use this system but you would be operating at the lower end of its operating range, meaning that your ride quality might suffer somewhat. You will also need 2-5/16 hitch ball # 19286.

In some instances it is possible to swap out the spring bars in a WD system to change the load rating but we recommend selecting an appropriately-rated system from the start.