Weight Distribution System for Rockwood 2317G Pop-Up Towed by 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Question:

I just purchased a new Rockwood 2317G pop up. It has a tongue weight of 348#. My tow vehicle is a 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The hitch says can tow a trailer of up to 4000# with a tongue weight of 400#, if, I use a weight distribution hitch. Would the light duty from Reese do the job seeing the weight is a little over the 350 #? If not, what do you recommend? The A frame access is restricted by the battery box and propane bottle. I checked with Rockwood and they did say the frame would take the use of a weight distribution hitch.

asked by: Walt A

Expert Reply:

As a first step, you will want to confirm that your Grand Vitara can handle towing the pop-up when it is fully loaded. I did some online research, and found that most sources list the towing capacity of that vehicle at 3,000 lbs. Though the hitch might have a 4000 GTW/ 400 TW capacity, you will still need to abide by the towing capacity of the vehicle. I would recommend checking your owners manual or with Suzuki to make sure. The dry weight of the Rockwood 2317G is about 2450 lbs, so you will want to make sure that the fully loaded weight of the pop-up does not exceed the towing capacity of the vehicle.

To choose the correct weight distribution system, first determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your camper. The weight of anything stored in the Grand Vitara behind the rear axle needs to be added to the tongue weight figure. There are several ways of doing this, see the FAQ article I have linked to.

Once you have confirmed the tongue weight figure, choose a system that places that figure as close as possible to the middle of its effective range. The Reese Light Duty system is designed for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 100-400 lbs. The 348 lb tongue weight figure you mention probably does not take the weight of any gear in the trailer or behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle into account, so your trailer would almost certainly overload it.

A higher rated system like the Reese Trunnion system, part # RP66540 would be a better choice. This system is designed for trailers with tongue weights up to 600 lbs, and would be better suited to your pop-up. The weight distributing shank is included, but you will need the appropriately-sized trailer ball with a 1-1/4 inch diameter shank like the A-90 for a 2 inch ball, or the # 19286 for the 2-5/16 inch ball. If the location of the battery box or propane bottles interfere with the installation of the chain hanger brackets, a bracket is available that would bolt directly to the side of the trailer frame, part # RP58305.

I have linked you to the products I recommended, as well as to some FAQ articles about weight distribution systems that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L