Weight Distribution for a 2005 Chevy Suburban and 4,800 Pound Travel Trailer
Question:
I have a 2005 1500 subarbun and I am towin a 26foot 4800lb travel trailer what would be the best sway bar kit for me?
asked by: Steve
Expert Reply:
To determine the best weight distribution system for your trailer, you will 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 any cargo loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
Typically tongue weight is 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. So a 4,800 pound trailer would have a tongue weight of 480 pounds to 720 pounds. If you were not carrying anything behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle then a system rated for 400 to 800 pounds, # RP66073, would be the way to go.
If the tongue weight ends up being higher than 800 pounds then a system rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds, such as # RP66074 that you referenced, would work well.
For either system you will need to add a properly sized ball and a shank that allows for the correct rise or drop needed to tow the trailer level.
For a ball you could use # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch. For a shank you will need to do a little measuring to determine the best option by following the article I have linked. Then you can choose the best shank from the link I have provided.
I have also included links on determining tongue weight and on weight distribution for you.
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 >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 8K GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12K GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Which Sway Control Hitch is Right For Your Trailer?
- Article: 2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size
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- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
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