Brake Controller for 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 and is Weight Distribution Needed for 3500 lb. Trailer

Question:

I have a 20.5 foot Travel Trailer, single axle, loaded weight of 3500 lbs. This year I towed it w/ a 2014 Jeep Cherokee, w/ a tow rating of 4500 lbs, using a weight distribution hitch, w/ 1 anti-sway bar and brake controller inside the Jeep. I just bought a 2014 GMC 1500, Regular Cab with towing capacity of 7200 lbs. I am wondering if I still need to use the weight distribution hitch. Can I just use my regular 2inch ball hitch ? Is it possible to use an anti-sway system without the weight distribution hitch ?? I have the wiring for a brake controller, do I need to have it re-installed in the GMC/new tow vehicle ?

asked by: Janet M

Expert Reply:

Weight distribution should be used if the gross trailer weight is at least 50 percent of the vehicle weight or if the trailer causes the rear end of the vehicle to sag when coupled.

Since your truck probably doesn't weigh over 7,000 pounds (though it might) using the weight distribution system you have for the trailer would not be a bad idea at all. It would give you a better ride overall and will help distribute the trailer tongue weight to all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer.

You can use sway control without a weight distribution system if it is a friction sway bar such as # 83660. And if it is like # 83660 then you would just need to use a ball mount bracket with a regular ball mount, # RP26003.

Your 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 has a factory connector to plug in a brake controller but it will not use the same wiring as the Jeep Cherokee. If it is a Tekonsha, Reese, or Draw-Tite controller you can use harness # 3016. I linked a video to the right that will help you locate the factory connector.

If you have a Curt controller use harness # C51451. If it is a Hopkins controller use # HM53075.