Eliminating Trailer Sag When Hitching 2015 Chevy Traverse to 4000 lb Tandem Axle Boat Trailer

Question:

Have 2015 Chevy Traverse. Havent pulled 3800 to 4000 lb boat and tandem, surge brake equipped trailer, with tow package equipped Traverse yet. But thinking when I do it may need Airlift air bags to keep everything level and ease towing. You carry bags for the 2014 Traverse, will the same bags FIT my 2015. Do you have to take the rear springs out, to get the bags in them?

asked by: MEL H

Expert Reply:

According to my research, the 2015 Traverse is capable of towing up to 5200 lbs. Air helper springs are more meant to suspend cargo carried in the rear of your Traverse, but there are more effective ways eliminating the squat caused when a trailer is hitched to the vehicle.

Using a weight distribution kit will distribute a portion of the trailer tongue weight to the front axle of your Traverse, thus leveling the right height between the front and rear axles. If you click the link I've provided, you can see a FAQ article that provides a full explanation of how weight distribution works.

To choose a weight distribution system, you'll need to first determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the cargo area of the SUV or truck bed behind the rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures comprise the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.

By my best guesstimate, your trailer tongue weight is likely between 400-800 lbs, depending on how much cargo you carry behind the axle of the Traverse while you're towing. If you confirm that the tongue weight doesn't exceed 600 lbs, I'd recommend the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System, part # RP66558. If your tounge weight is above 600 lbs, go with the RP66559 which is good for 500-1000 lbs. Either system would provide sway control and is fully compatible with surge hydraulic braking systems. Since your boat almost certainly has a pole or channel tongue, you'll also need a pole tongue adapter, like part # RP58393. The system includes the weight distributing shank, but you'll also need a trailer ball with a 1-1/4 inch diameter shank like part # A-90 for a 2 inch ball or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.

I've linked you to some FAQ articles and a product demonstration video that you might find helpful.