Weight Distribution System Recommendation for a 2450 # Travel Trailer and 1997 Chevy Astro Van

Question:

I have a trail lite travel trailer with a dry weight of 2450. My astro van should pull about 3400. The hitch I have is rated to 5000. I would love to buy from you. What do you recommend?

asked by: Todd S

Expert Reply:

Since your Astro has relatively low ground clearance at the rear bumper, I'd recommend you go with a trunnion bar system, that doesn't need much room. For a trailer with a 2500 lb dry weight, I would recommend the Reese Steadi-Flex system, part # RP66558. This system is rated for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 400-600 lbs, and would be perfect for your travel trailer as long as the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight plus the weight of anything stowed in the cargo area of the Astro isn't more than 600 lbs. In addition to weight distribution, this system offers sway control to keep your vehicle on track against cross winds or turbulence caused by oncoming traffic.

The system includes the weight distributing shank, but the trailer ball is sold separately. For a 2 inch ball, use part # 63845, or part # 63847 for a 2-5/16 ball. I've linked you to a help article about weight distribution as well as to an article showing how to determine the trailer tongue weight.

expert reply by: Robert G