Weight Distribution Recommendation for 5200 lb Keystone Passport Hybrid Travel Trailer

Question:

I have a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse and recently purchased a 2019 Keystone Passport 171EXP hybrid trailer. The trailer has a tongue weight of 410 lbs and a GVWR of 5200 lbs. I havent taken it out on the road yet to try it out with just a hitch and ball setup. I believe I will need WD and possibly sway control too. What would you recommend for the proper setup? Thank you!

asked by: Dave C

Expert Reply:

You're right on the money about getting a system with sway control. Due to their tall sides that can act like a sail on a boat when faced with crosswinds or turbulence from passing traffic, travel trailers are especially susceptible to trailer sway that something like a flat bed or an open utility trailer wouldn't have to contend with. The longer the trailer, the more surface area that force has to act against.

The 410 lb tongue weight listed for your travel trailer is the dry tongue weight, minus all the gear, propane and water you might load on there before a trip. Given the 5200 lb GVWR of your travel trailer, if it's fully loaded right up to that capacity the tongue or hitch weight could skyrocket up to 750 lbs or so. Because that's a pretty big swing, I'd go with a system like the Fastway e2, part # FA92-00-0800 that would cover that entire 400-800 lb range.

The e2 combines proven weight distribution performance combined with sway control that works great for mild to moderate sway that's perfect for a smaller travel trailer like yours.

The system doesn't include the trailer ball, that's sold separately as part # A-90 for a 2 inch ball or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball. You'll need a 1-7/8 inch thin walled socket to install the ball, if you don't have or can't borrow one, we offer them as part # EQ70-00-4800.

I'll link you to a video showing how to set up the system.