Recommended Weight Distribution System for 5K Forest River Shamrock Trailer

Question:

Vehicle: 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LS w/Factory HD towing package 3.42 axle, max weight 8500 lbs, max tongue weight of 1,100 lbs Travel Trailer: 2004 Shamrock 23ft - hitch weight 388 lbs, axle 3199, dry 3587, gvwr 4788. Whats the best weight distribution hitch setup for this? If Im measuring correctly Im getting a 2ft from the interior top of the receiver to the ground, and almost exactly 1ft from the hitch to the ground. Seems like an awfully high almost 1 ft difference Id need to make the camper level while Im towing.

asked by: Greg K

Expert Reply:

I recommend going with the Blue Ox TrackPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control part # BLU47FR on your 5,000 lb trailer. This system is rated for up to 8,000 lbs so it will give you more room for error whether you want to upgrade trailers down the road or add more weight to your existing. It has integrated sway control so it will help with passing trucks or windy passes. It comes with a shank that will allow for a rise up to 6-1/2" and a drop down to 1-1/2". In order to see what your rise/drop requirements are, you'll want to measure both the truck and trailer on level ground. The vehicle gets measured from the ground to the top inside edge of the receiver opening and the trailer gets measured from the ground to the bottom of the coupler while the trailer is leveled.

If you have a large discrepancy between the vehicle and trailer you might want to consider raising the trailer to make for a better towing experience, we have some great options for this like the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit part # K71-384-00 or Correct Track Trailer Alignment and Lift Kit part # RR23QX.

If you still require further rise/drop adjustments, you can swap out the shank for one listed in the link below. The longer the shank is, the worse your ground clearance will be which why is I recommend raising the trailer first.

expert reply by: Conner L