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MNRon's avatar
MNRon
Explorer
May 19, 2013

Equilizer hitch needed on 3500?

I have an Eagle 298BHS, about 30ft and 8500lb loaded (~1000lb tongue) which I've pulled with a 3/4YukonXL using an Equilizer hitch for the last few years, it pulls great.

I just purchased a Silverado 3500HD SRW Diesel. The 2.5" receiver says its good for 1500lb tongue weight. It has an integrated brake controller with Stabilitrak sway control (active brake management). Per the specs I don't need to use the Equilizer hitch. This would make the hitch process much simpler (especially with the back-up camera) - in fact almost as easy as a 5er I'm thinking.

My question is who does this? Am I going to be sorry without the Equilizer or will it pull just as well with just a ball now? I'll take it out and try, but just wondering what others experiences are.

Thanks,
Ron
Tow Vehicles

16 Replies

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  • GMT830's avatar
    GMT830
    Explorer
    May 20, 2013
    MNRon wrote:
    6.6ft bed, crew cab. Does that matter?

    Absolutely. The ratio of the distance from the hitch to the rear axle vs the wheelbase gives you an idea of the impact the tongue weight has on the truck's handling. Compare a reg cab long bed to a crew cab short bed like your truck.
    Your truck would likely handle the trailer dead hitch no problem. But if you have the hitch, why not use it?
  • Chuck_Gail's avatar
    Chuck_Gail
    Explorer
    May 20, 2013
    But if it was mine, I would NOT tow without sway control. I doubt your new Chevy applies JUST the TT brakes when needed, does it?
  • TomG2's avatar
    TomG2
    Explorer
    May 19, 2013
    Some folks are going to say your application requires a WD hitch. Chevrolet engineers disagree. That front axle weight with the diesel is heavy enough to maintain control. No heavy hitch assembly to install, no bars to mess with. You are correct, I find that hitching/unhitching with the use of my electric tongue jack to be quicker than it was with my fifth wheel trailer.
  • JustLabs's avatar
    JustLabs
    Explorer
    May 19, 2013
    Your truck will handle better with a W/D hitch.

    I'm not sure I buy into the easier to not use them theory either. Whats it take to snap a couple bars in place? 30 seconds?

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