Weight Distribution and Brake Controller for Towing Pop-Up Camper with 2006 GMC Envoy  

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There are a few primary rules of thumb to determine if a weight distribution (W/D) system is necessary. If the fully loaded and ready to tow weight of the camper is more than half the weight of the tow vehicle of if the rear of the vehicle squats more than a few inches when the camper is hitched to your Envoy, using a weight distribution system would be highly recommended. Also, take a look at the hitch on your vehicle. The hitch will typically have a sticker stating the towing and the weight distributed capacity of the hitch. Using a W/D system will increase the capacity of the hitch in some cases, but will not raise the capacity of the vehicle itself.

In order to choose the correct W/D system for your particular trailer, the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of the trailer needs to be determined. The weight of anything stowed in the cargo area of the Envoy behind the rear axle needs to be added to the tongue weight figure. Once this weight is known, you can proceed by clicking the provided link and clicking on the closest figure to your tongue weight shown in the left hand column of the page. This will show the relevant choices for your trailer tongue weight.

Since lighter Pop-Up campers are pretty susceptible to sway caused by cross winds and passing semi trucks, I would recommend a W/D system with sway control.

An entry-level system like # PS49901 is effective on trailers with tongue weights up to 500 lbs. The friction sway control unit included with the system works pretty well on minor to moderate trailer sway. A friction sway unit would need to be deactivated before backing the trailer or driving on icy or slick pavement. An upgraded system like the Reese Steadi-Flex, part # RP66558 is effective on tongue weights ranging from 400-600 lbs. The integrated sway control is very effective on minor to severe sway, and would not need to be disengaged in any way for backing or when traveling on slick pavement. Because this system uses trunnion bars, greater ground clearance will be provided versus the round bars used with the Pro Series system mentioned earlier.

Both systems mentioned above include the weight distributing shank. The Pro Series system also includes a 2-5/16 trailer ball, if a 2 inch ball is needed, use part # A-90. The Reese system does not include a ball. For a 2 inch ball, use the # 63845 or the # 63847 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.

I have linked you to an FAQ article that describes how to determine your tongue weight. Once you determine that, you can email me back with the figure and I would be happy to make a specific recommendation if you wish.

If your Pop-up has brakes, you will need to install a brake controller to activate them. A proportional controller like the Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160 would be recommended to provide the safest, most predictable braking action. Installation will be very simple. The pigtail included with the brake controller would wire directly into the wiring under the dash as shown in the installation video I have linked you to.

expert reply by: Mike L

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