Sway Control And Weight Distribution For 2012 GMC Yukon XL Towing 3800 Lb Trailer
Question:
Hello! I have a 2012 Flagstaff 23lb with a standard hitch. Towing it feels very comfortable and I have had no problem with swaying. The tow vehicle is a 2012 Yukon XL. My sister just flipped her car over when she turned her stirring too sharply while towing her pop up trailer. Shes urging me to get a sway bar just Im case. My local RV store wants to install a $850 Equalizer including labor. Do I really need something this expensive? Thanks!
asked by: Fran
Expert Reply:
I did some research on your 2012 Flagstaff 23LB trailer. I found that your trailer has a dry weight of 3800 plus lbs. If you are interested in sway control only, I recommend a system like the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit, part # 83660. This system attaches to the included plate that attaches to the trailer frame by drilling and using the included self-tapping screws.
To attach the front of the sway control unit I recommend the Reese Sway-Control Bracket part # RP26003. This bracket is installed on your trailer hitch ball mount and provides an attachment point for the sway-control system. I have attached a video that shows the sway-control unit and the bracket installation.
Since the weight of your trailer weighs more than 1/2 the weight of your 2012 GMC Yukon XL, I recommend a weight distribution system with sway-control. This keeps your trailer level and reduces sag when towing and also provides the sway-control which helps with high winds and when large trucks pass.
For you to find the best weight distribution system for you, a couple of things are needed. You will need to know your tongue weight. Tongue weight is the tongue weight of your trailer combined with the weight of anything that is placed behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle. So if your tongue weight is 400 lbs and you place 200 lbs of cargo in the rear of your Yukon, your tongue weight would then be 600 lbs. When choosing a weight distribution system you would want a system where your tongue weight falls in the middle of the range for that system.
I would recommend a system like the Pro Series Weight Distribution with Sway Control, part # PS49902. This system has a 10000 lb tow weight rating and tongue weight rating between 550 and 750 lbs.
I have attached a link to a helpful article that explains weight distribution and sway control.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- Reese
more information >
Reese Sway-Control Bracket for 2" Ball Mounts - Class III and IV
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Adapters
- Sway Control Parts
- Brackets
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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