Recommended Weight Distribution System for 7700 GVW Toy Hauler Towed by 2003 Chevy Express 2500
Question:
Hi there .. I am looking at a 24 foot toy hauler with a 7700 gross weight and a 3900 empty weight. Most often i will not be using anything near the full capacity of this tralier.. but now and then we will. My tow vehicle is a 2003 Chevy Express 2500 Van with a tow package. Im looking both for load levelling and sway control. What WD hitches will allow for noticeably varying trailer and tongue weights? Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
asked by: Steve P
Expert Reply:
Weight distribution systems are typically effective over a range of tongue weights.
When choosing a system, you'll want to determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of the trailer. To that figure, you add the weight of anything stowed in the tow vehicle, behind the rear axle. Toy haulers can get complicated, because sometimes the tongue weight will actually be greater if the garage area of the hauler is empty. Find out how the different loading scenarios affect the tongue weight of the trailer, and then try to find a system that accommodates both extremes. I've linked to an article that explains how to determine your trailer tongue weight.
If the maximum allowable weight of the trailer (Gross Vehicle Rating) is 7700 lbs, the tongue weight would usually be between 10 and 15 percent of that amount. So, worst case scenario the tongue weight could be as much as 1155 lbs. You want the 1155 lbs. plus the amount of weight you add behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle to fall right in the middle of your WD system.
I really like the way the Reese Strait-Line preforms, it offers the best performing sway control in my opinion. The # RP66084 would be my choice for your likely tongue weight. The system is effective on trailers with tongue weights ranging from 600-1200 lbs, and would most likely handle both the heaviest and lightest load scenarios you might encounter. The weight distributing shank is included, but the correctly-sized trailer ball is sold separately. For a 2 inch ball, use part # A-90 or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.
If your trailer tongue weight doesn't fall in the 600-1200 lb range, get back with me and we'll find you a solution.
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
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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