Can Weight Distribution Be Used on a 2008 Chevy Equinox Towing a K-Z Spree Escape 16BH
Question:
I have a 2008 Equinox - 6cyl AWD. I recently purchased a KZ Spree Escape 16BH. I already have a hitch rated to 5000lbs that was towing a large pop-up, close to 2000lbs. A transmission cooler is being added to the vehicle but I need to get a weight distribution system. Any recommendations? Are these specific to the vehicle? Thanks and I love this website.
asked by: Gerry D
Expert Reply:
And this website loves you right back!
The first thing you are going to want to do is consult the owners manual for your 2008 Chevy Equinox to make sure that the vehicle is rated for use with weight distribution. Some vehicles are not because of the forces involved with weight distribution.
The trailer hitch you have also needs to be rated for weight distribution. On the hitch there should be a sticker that will have weight carrying capacities listed and, if applicable, weight distribution capacities. All of the Class III trailer hitches that we carry for the Chevy Equinox are rated for weight distribution but top out at 4,000 pounds.
It looks like the K-Z Spree Escape 16BH has a gross trailer weight of 2,800 pounds maximum. And the tongue weight is a little more than 10 percent of the gross trailer weight so that would be between 280 and 300 pounds of tongue weight most likely.
You would then need to add the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle to that tongue weight to get the total tongue weight. That is the figure you will need to determine which weight distribution system will work best.
The Fastway system # FA92-00-0600 is going to be enough without being too much for you. It's rated from 250 to 600 pounds of tongue weight which you'll likely fall within. If not let me know.
To either system you will need to add a properly sized ball, # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch, or # A-90 for a 2 inch; whichever size the coupler on the trailer requires.
I have included some links to our help articles on weight distribution and determining tongue weight 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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 400 lbs
- 500 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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