Tahoe 3.42 axle 5.3 Vortex and 5,000 lb Jay Flight 26BH

SoTex wrote:
Price. They seem to be more than a Reese system, for example.

are you saying that one of the best WDH's out there, that's got built-in sway control and is made in America, is too expensive at $447 with free shipping?

http://www.rvwholesalers.com/catalog/10k-equalizer-adj-hitch-14-2927.html

SoTex wrote:
I'm thinking Equalizer would be overkill. Suggestions on make/models of sway bIars/WD hitches?

I disagree. Eq 4-pt 1000 pound rating should be appropriate. TW will be 700-900 pounds. Wheelbase is short. A WDH with integrated sway control is highly recommended, such as the EQ or Reese Straight Line.

SoTex wrote:
Although I wanted to be closer to 4,500 on the dry weight, I'm not concerned with the Jayco Jay Flight's almost 5,000 lb dry weight (per yellow sticker even though the brochure shows 4,500 lb).

this is why we are constantly telling newbies NOT to go by fictional "dry" weights.
the reason the yellow sticker is 500lbs. more, is because brochure "dry" weights don't factor in so-called "options" that all trailers have. things like: awning, a/c, oven, microwave, spare tire and so on.
the yellow sticker is what the trailer weighed, with options, when it left the factory.

and you don't state what year the Tahoe is or whether it has the factory tow package. usually, unless it has a 6 speed trans, the 3.42 means no factory tow package.
6200lbs. is low for the 5.3, unless it doesn't have the factory tow package.

Price. They seem to be more than a Reese system, for example.

SoTex wrote:
I'm thinking Equalizer would be overkill. Suggestions on make/models of sway bars/WD hitches?

Not sure what would be overkill. What is it that would be overkill? The Equal-i-zer comes in different sizes based on weight. That would be my recommendation - all in one sway control. Never did like a separate sway control and WD bars.

I tow the same trailer with a crew cab Silverado...I don't think I'd safely tow without my WDH.

That Jayco is not 5,000# as that was the dry weight which is meaningless. Normally loaded you will be in the 6,000#+ neighborhood with a potential of up to 7,500#. Even at just 6,000# you will have 780# of tongue weight and definitely need a serious WDH (add another 100# for that). You need to check the payload of your TV as you are probably pushing the envelope with nearly 900# of tongue and hitch weight. Good luck. :C

Nissan WDH hitch

This is what I use with my 2002 Avalanche and 6k gross weight Aerolite. Economical on price, still does the same thing the expensive WDH-only hitches do. No sway control, but I have not had a need for that.

I have put several thousand miles on mine with no issues, just greasing the bars and ball every time I hook up.

It is my belief the a WDH is almost never overkill except on a small trailer & a big truck. While you might be able to tow without it, your towing experience will be so much better with. Safer too. A properly set up WHD will do a lot to prevent sway.

I'm thinking Equalizer would be overkill. Suggestions on make/models of sway bars/WD hitches?