Recommended Weight Distribution System for Gulf Stream Vista 23BDS Travel Trailer
Question:
I have a Gulf Stream Vista 23BDS Travel Trailer pulling with a Chevy Colorado Diesel. Tow Rating 7700lbs. Trailer is 3,766 lbs Dry with a 5,980lb GVWR. Tongue Wgt is 400 lbs. What would be a good anti-sway weight distribution hitch for this setup? Thank you
asked by: Troy T
Expert Reply:
When it comes to weight distribution, the most important factor is tongue weight. It sounds like your tongue weight is 400 lbs dry, so we will want the fully loaded tongue weight. This is typically 10-15% of the weight of the trailer. So, assuming you are at the GVWR, you may have up to 897 lbs of tongue weight. I recommend measuring using a scale like the # e99044 to be sure.
Ideally you want the tongue weight to fall in the middle of the tongue weight range of your WDH. If it is not rated high enough it will not be effective. If it is rated too high you will suffer a rigid and bouncy ride which may lead to problems. The Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control # FA92-00-0800 would be a great choice assuming you aren't going over 800 lbs of tongue weight. This has a tongue weight range of 400-800 lbs.
If you find that you are over 800 lbs then a better choice would be the # FA94-00-1000. The tongue weight range on this hitch is 600-1,000 lbs, so a little higher than the other. Whichever one you choose depending on your tongue weight you will also need # 19286 for a 2-5/16" ball or # A-90 for a 2" ball as well as # ALL643216 for installation.
I have attached some review videos along with some helpful articles on determining tongue weight and weight distribution for your reference.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel
- Hand Tools
- Ratchets and Sockets
- Sockets
- SAE
- 3/4 Inch Drive
- 1-7/8 Inch
- Alloy Steel
- Powerbuilt
more information >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Article: 2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size
- Article: 5 Tips to Confidently Choose Your Weight Distribution Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between Trunnion and Round Bar Weight Distribution Systems
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Q&A: Smaller Trailer Tire Than 215/75R14 w/ 5 on 4-1/2" Bolt Pattern To FIt in Garage
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Article: Which Sway Control Hitch is Right For Your Trailer?
- Q&A: Correct Weight Distribution Hitch for Trailer With 7,000 lb GVWR
- Q&A: What is Difference Between Round Bar and Trunnion Fastway Weight Distribution System
- Q&A: What Replacement Disc Brakes do I Need for My TDE46890 System?
- Q&A: Can More than One Phone Bluetooth Connect to Tire Linc OneControl TPMS # LC37VR
- Q&A: Recommended Weight Distribution Hitch For a 5,500LB Travel Trailer With 492LBS Tongue Weight