Weight Distribution for Chevy Silverado 1500 and Toy Hauler Trailer with 860 lbs Dry Tongue Weight

Question:

I have a 1/2 ton Chevrolet 4x4 PU with tow package and air bags. I want to tow a toy hauler that has a dry tongue weight of 860 pounds. The truck is rated for up 1,100 pounds of dry tongue weight using a weight distributing hitch. What hitch would be a good choice for me. Am looking at the Blue ox and the Reese 66088. Recommendations?

asked by: Berkster

Expert Reply:

When choosing weight distribution you need to go by the total tongue weight. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

A dry tongue weight of 860 pounds means that when loaded it is bound to be more so you will want a system with a tongue weight capacity range high enough to cover the loaded tongue weight. Tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight.

I recommend the Reese system, # RP66084 since it is much going to encompass the loaded tongue weight. It is rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds tongue weight but you can only go as high as 1,100 pounds because that is what the truck is rated for.

The Reese system comes with a shank that has a max rise of 6-1/2 inches and a max drop of 1-1/4 inches. You will need to take some measurements to determine the rise or drop you need and if the shank included will not work you will need a different shank. I have included a link to our FAQ article on how to measure. The FAQ is on ball mounts but you will measure the same way for a weight distribution shank. I have also included a link to the shanks that will work.

You will also need a ball for this system. You can use # A-90 for a 2 inch ball or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch shank. I have included some links to or FAQs on weight distribution and determining tongue weight as well.