Weight Distribution for a 2014 Chevy Silverado 2500HD and Trailer with 1400 Pounds Tongue Weight

Question:

I have a 2014 Chevy 2500HD with a Class V 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 receiver. Truck is rated at 13,000 max towing weight. Hitch is rated at max 1,500 max tongue weight and max 13,000 trailer weight. I am buying a new Keystone Laredo 314RE ship, 1865 carry, 920 tongue. None of that gives me a good loaded travel tongue weight. However I need a hitch to pickup the RV at a dealer 50 miles away. What are my best options? The installer at the dealership wants to install a 66084 12,000 / 1,200 weight distribution hitch. I am not so sure. I want about 12 - 15 on the tongue weight to help in better towing and control. I am looking at a 66130 with 1,400 trunnion bars. How I got there is RV 920 # ship, 2 full 30# propane about 3 feet back from the tongue 88 #, 2 group 24 deep cycle batteries right up on the tongue 120 #, added 500 # cargo 1/3 between axles to hitch axle side 165 #, water 43 gallons 344# about 1/3 between axles to hitch axle side 114 #, gives 1407 tongue weight. I just do not think the 12,000 1,200 66084 will do it at all.

asked by: Bob W

Helpful Expert Reply:

A weight distribution system rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds is certainly enough for 920 pounds of tongue weight. But you also have to factor in what the tongue weight would be with the trailer loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of your 2014 Silverado. That could push it over that 1,200 pound capacity.

A safe bet would be to go to a system rated for 800 to 1,500 pounds, such as # RP66130 that you mentioned. Given you estimate a tongue weight of 1,407 pounds, this is the better option for sure. The 1,200 pound system would not be rated high enough.

Since you have a 2-1/2 inch receiver you will also need shank # RP54977 (5-3/4 inch drop or 8-1/4 inch rise). And you will need a ball, # 63840.

I have included links to the installation instructions for the 1500 pound system and links to some help articles on tongue weight and weight distribution for you.

expert reply by: Michael H