Can a Higher Capacity Trailer Hitch be Used Instead of Weight Distribution on 2005 Chevy Avalanche

Question

Question:

Will i still need a weight distributing system with this hitch? 2005 avalanche 2500 with tow package towing 2 horse bumper pull trailer with two horses. Trailer about 3700 lbs and horses about 2500 together. Current hitch says it can tow 5000 or with wt distributing system it can be 10,000. Dont want to mess with the wt distributing system everytime i hitch up to go out to ride on trails.

asked by: Connie S

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Expert Reply:

Weight distribution is a good idea any time the loaded trailer weighs 50 percent or more than the vehicle. In this case, at 6,200 pounds gross trailer weight, the trailer does way more than 50 percent of the vehicle so weight distribution is a good idea.

The hitch capacity is just one factor to look at. You will also want to check the towing capacities of the vehicle. Going to a hitch with a higher weight carrying capacity will do you no good if the 2005 Avalanche cannot tow the weight of the trailer without weight distribution.

What weight distribution does is better distribute the tongue weight of the trailer to all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer. So you would benefit from using it. And after the initial installation each subsequent time of hooking up will not take very long at all.

With all of that said, Curt trailer hitch # C15324 is rated for 16,000 pounds weight carrying capacity so it can handle the 6,200 pound gross trailer weight with no problem. But again you also have to check the Avalanche capacity.

If you do end up needing weight distribution I recommend a system rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds tongue weight, # RP66022. I have linked the installation instructions and a video showing an installation so you can determine if it is a good fit for your trailer.

This system does not include a shank or ball. For a shank, you will need to choose one that has the proper rise or drop to tow the trailer level. You can use the measurement techniques in the ball mount help article I have linked to determine the rise or drop you will need. Then select a shank from the list of shanks I have linked.

For a ball, if you need a 2 inch use # A-90. For a 2-5/16 inch use # 19286. I have also included some links on weight distribution and determining tongue weight for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

Curt, Reese and Draw Tite are all great hitches, so it often comes down to preferences. For some vehicles it may make more sense to go with one brand over the other based on design, but for your 2004 Chevy Suburban 2500 the Curt Hitch part #C15324…

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Answer 2

When it comes to upgrading your class 2 trailer hitch on your 2005 Coachmen Cross Country I recommend The Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Service Body Trailer Hitch Receiver - Weld On - Class V - 2 inch #41990-07. This trailer hitch welds onto the frame of…

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Answer 3

I do have a solution, but we do not have either of the Draw-Tite hitches. Instead, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C15324 for your 2004 Suburban. This is also a Class V hitch. It has an even higher capacity when compared to Draw-Tite…

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Answer 4

The Curt #C15324 you mentioned is a great choice for your 2004 Chevy Avalanche, but it might be a bit overkill as a Class V hitch since it's not going to give you a higher towing capacity; it would be more peace of mind than functionality so…

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Answer 5

The highest capacity 2-inch hitch we offer for this vehicle is the Curt Class V Receiver Hitch #C15324. This bolt-on no-drill hitch is rated for 16K towing and 17K towing with weight distribution. There are no 5th wheel installation kits for the 2004…

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Answer 6

I wouldn't know the weight of the OEM trailer hitch on your 2003 Chevy Avalanche but I can say that the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V XD - 2" #C15324 weighs in at about 45 lbs. Please note that while this does have…

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Answer 7

Your standard grade 5 half inch coarse threaded bolt has a clamping force of around 9,000 or more pound force and a 1/2 inch grade 5 coarse threaded bolt has a tensile strength of 120,000 pounds per square inch. This means one 1/2 inch grade 5 coarse…

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Answer 8

I spoke with our installers and they told me that this will happen time to time. They said there are times when the auto manufacturer will have the holes moved just a bit, but they work with them to make it work. They told me that they use a tool…

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Answer 9

The first thing I recommend is to check out the towing capacity of the hitch you have installed on your 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4 X 4 . You will want to make sure the hitch is rated to be able to use a weight distribution system and you do not…

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Answer 10

Basically they are the same connector with just a slightly different part number. We carry the part #HM40975 and if you ordered the 40974 from someone else (not recommended haha) you'd get the same thing which just a different part number on the…

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Answer 11

In the attached picture, the mounting holes are noted. According to the installation directions for the Curt #31302 hitch, you will have to remove your tow hooks on your 2003 Chevy Avalanche Z71, which will be the 2nd hole needed for installation. I…

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Answer 12

In 2003 there was a design change in the frame of the Chevy Express Van which consequently affected the ability to install a front mount hitch in the vehicle. The last year that there was a front mount trailer hitch available for that vehicle was…

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