Determining The Best Weight Distribution System For Trailer Where Load Changes Often

Question

Question:

Hello, I am in the process of buying a new cargo trailer and need some help understanding/getting a recommendation for a weight distribution hitch. The tow vehicle is a 2009 Chevy avalanche with the following ratings: Weight Carrying: Trailer - 5,000 lb, Tongue - 600 lb Weight Distributing: Trailer - 12,000 lb, Tounge - 1,500 lb. The trailer that i am interested has a GVWR of about 10,000 lb. This trailer is for my Wifes Dance studio and the load changes from event to event depending on what is required that for each specific event. Based on what i know we will be hauling the total weight will fall somewhere in the 5-6.5k range. Is there a WDH that offers that large of a range or could even support the whole 5-10K rage of the tailer? I try to keep the tongue weight in the 10-15 rangenever going over the rating though, but sometimes it does creep over a bit. I understand the basic mechanics/idea of how WDHs work i just am lost one picking the right one for my situation. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

asked by: Scott S

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I would be happy to go over a few options for a weight distribution system for towing a cargo trailer with your 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche.

Since you mentioned the load changes, I recommend finding the total tongue weight of the setup with the load you plan on carrying the most often. Total tongue weight is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to tow trailer plus the weight of any cargo added behind the rear axle of your Avalanche. The easiest way to get an accurate tongue weight measurement is with a tongue weight scale like the # e99044 but there are other methods mentioned in the included help article.

Since you mentioned your expected trailer weight is 5000-6500lbs and trailer tongue weight as you mentioned is typically 10-15% you are looking at anywhere from 500-975lbs tongue weight.

Thats a pretty wide range for one system to handle, but if you are planning on being on the higher end the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW # FA92-00-1000 would be a great option that works with total tongue weights between 600-1000lbs. This system would still work with 500lb tongue weight, but would cause a stiffer ride. This option does not include a hitch ball so you will need to use 2" hitch ball # A-90 or 2-5/16" hitch ball # 19286 to match the coupler on your trailer.

If you find your total tongue weight on average is a little higher then the # FA92-00-1200 which works with tongue weights ranging from 800-1200lbs would be best.

The best advice I can offer is to try and load the trailer as close to the tongue weight range of the system you choose as possible, but there is not a one system that has a ideal range wide enough for every possible trailer loading combination.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.