Weight Distribution or Higher Capacity Hitch for 2006 Chevy Silverado 1500 and 5300lb Trailer

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Question:

I purchased hitch # 13322 for my 2006 Chevrolet 1500 truck . I was told by phone support that with a wieght dist. Hitch the tounge wieght increased from 600 to 1000 lbs. my question is I bought a new travel trailer with a max trailer wieght of 6200 lbs and tounge wieght of 600 lbs , the un,oaded wieght is 4800 and I only add about 500 Lbs of cargo , can I still use my hitch #13322 if I stay under the 6000 lbs limit or does that change with a wieght dist. Hitch I am using or should I purchase a class lV hitch? Thank you

asked by: Greg

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Curt trailer hitch # 13322 is rated for 600 pounds tongue weight without weight distribution and 1,000 pounds tongue weight with weight distribution. Gross trailer weight is 6,000 pounds weight carrying but 10,000 pounds with weight distribution. If the trailer weighs 5,300 pounds, and tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight, that should make the tongue weight between 530 and 795 pounds.

This is not including the weight of anything loaded in the truck behind the rear axle. If you are carrying additional items in the truck bed behind the rear axle then you must add that weight to the tongue weight of the trailer to get the correct weight distribution system.

I do recommend using weight distribution because it distributes the tongue weight of the travel more evenly amongst all the axles of the vehicle and trailer. This will help provide a level and more stable ride. A higher capacity trailer hitch would not.

If your total tongue weight is between 530 and 795 pounds I recommend a system rated for 400 to 800 pounds tongue weight like # RP67509. You will just need to add a properly sized ball like # A-90 for a 2-inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch. If you wanted to add sway control you would use # 83660.

I have included some helpful links for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

1

Answer 1

The Yakima LongArm Truck Bed Load Extender #Y01149 is a great solution for hauling a longer kayak with your 2019 Ford F-150 5-1/2' bed. When in the fully-extended position the LongArm sits out 48" from the center of your hitch pin…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 5

Weight distribution works to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer up to the front axle of the tow vehicle so that it will sit more level and handle/brake better. That being said the systems do not "reduce" tongue weight or allow you to…

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Answer 6

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 7

The B&W Continuum #BW78FR and the Reese Strait-Line #RP66083 are both great systems. The B&W Continuum is going to be easier to set up, but as far as sway control goes, I definitely have to give the edge to the Reese Strait-Line. The…

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Answer 8

Hey Tom, you are on the right track. I checked out your 2023 Jayco Jay Flight 284 BHS and it does have an underslung coupler so the correct B and W Continuum weight distribution would be the part #BW88FR. An underslung coupler is basically one that…

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Answer 9

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 10

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 11

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 12

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Weight Distribution or Higher Capacity Hitch for 2006 Chevy Silverado 1500 and 5300lb Trailer

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