Weight Distribution for a 2,800 Pound Trailer and 2008 Chevy Silverado
Question:
I have an 08 Silverado LS 4.8 with a pulling capacity of 5400 lbs. Im pulling a 19foot Hybrid camper with a dry wt of around 2800. Ive pulled the trailer without the the WDH and it pulls fine but is bouncy. Is the Pro Series PS49583 too much hitch for my application or should I go with something a little lighter?
asked by: Jeff P
Expert Reply:
To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
A trailer that weighs 2,800 pounds would have around 280 to 420 pounds tongue weight by itself (10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight) so a 1,000 pound capacity system such as # PS49583 would be rated too high.
A better option would be Pro Series system # PS49901 which is rated up to 550 pounds. I have included a couple of links to the right on weight distribution and determining tongue weight for you.
