Weight Distribution System for 2012 Silverado 1500 Towing 3700-lb R-Pod Travel Trailer  

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If a trailer weighs more than half the weight of the towing vehicle we do recommend use of a weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) hitch setup even if there is electronic sway control in the vehicle. Curb weight for the 2012 Silverado 1500 ranges from 4460- to 5487-lbs so you will definitely do well to install a WD/SC system. This will do far more to stabilize the vehicle and trailer than any electronic system can. You might refer to the linked article and video for background information on WD/SC systems.

The key to selecting a setup is knowing the trailer's actual fully-loaded tongue weight (TW) which means with full water tanks, propane tanks, all your gear and your supplies loaded. Scale # e99044 makes accurate measurement easy. To this measured TW you will add the weight of any cargo that sits in the truck behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler or generator, since this will act just like trailer tongue weight. Once you know this total TW figure you can choose a system. The ideal is that your total TW will fall in the middle of the system's operating range.

Here's an example. A properly loaded trailer that weighs 3600-lbs will have a TW in the range of 400- to 500-lbs. For this TW range I would recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37060ET which works for TW from 200- to 600-lbs. It is a complete setup, including a 2-inch hitch ball and shank. A video for this system is included for you.

These systems actually shift weight back onto your truck's front axle, which restores both steering and braking performance that is lost when a trailer's TW lifts the front end. No electronic system can do this.

expert reply by: Adam R

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