Weight Distribution and Sway Control for a 2013 Chevy Suburban and 2006 Airstream Bambi

Question:

I have a new to me 2006 19foot Airstream Bambi. It weighs 4500# , tongue without options, 510#. I was pulling with 2008 1500 Suburban, with Reese dual cam WD and friction sway. In the Summer I am a festival vendor, I remove two rows of seats and load up about 1500# of goods and that includes two tulles on top of car. Last oct I purchased a 2013 2500 Suburban. My Rv guy says I do not need WD now, just my friction Sway control. I travel mostly alone, I am really concerned with wind, trucks, wet pVement and big hills without the WD. Any i sight would be greatly appreciated, drive between 55mph and 60 mph. i do travel mostly over Rt 80 in PA. Last Summer I was in Fremont, Ohio in the worst weather ever, rain, wind and then tornado. i was off turnpike by that time this Jersey girl does hurricanes, but Tornados scare the crumbs out of me. I do all I can to travel as safe as possible, and I really need your help. Thank you.

asked by: Susan B

Helpful Expert Reply:

When the trailer weight -- when loaded and tow ready -- is at least 50 percent of the vehicle weight (in your vehicle's case 6,150 pounds), or if the vehicle sags at the back when the trailer is connected, weight distribution is a good idea.

You also have to add in the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of your Suburban. At 4,500 pounds and the tongue weight at 510 pounds you have easily surpassed 50 percent.

Your trailer tongue weight is on the low side (11 percent), however you have to factor in the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. You mention putting 1,500 pounds of cargo in the back of the vehicle. If we assume half of that weight will be behind the real axle, the tongue weight would be 1,260 pounds, so I recommend going with a system rated for 800 - 1,500 pounds tongue weight like # RP66130.

You will also need a shank and a properly sized ball, which are sold separately. Since you already use a weight distribution system, I assume your system is rated properly for your setup. I think the only issue you may run into is with the shank drop if your new Suburban sits higher.

Shanks come in different rises and drops so you will have to measure to determine the best fit. I have included a ball mount FAQ article. I have also included a link to Reese shanks for 2 inch hitches.

For a ball I recommend # C40030.

Additionally, I have included links to the installation instructions for the weight distribution system with sway control, a video demonstrating sway control Installation, a FAQ article on common weight distribution and sway control questions, and FAQ article which describes how to determine tongue weight.