Question about towing??

[Chopper2122]

My girlfriend and I decided to upgrade from tenting to a hybrid travel trailer. I have a 2017 Silverado 1500 rated to tow just under 10000lbs conventional with a class 5 hitch and a tongue weight up to 1200. The travel trailer only weighs 2700 lbs and 16ft long. The dealer is claiming I need a weight distributing hitch. I’ve had a lot heavier trailers on my truck with very little squat. Do I really need that hitch? Or is a regular ball sufficient? Will I notice a lot of trailer sway without it? Dealer states I need to sign a waiver without it. Thank you for any help. Trailer is a k-z sportsmen 160rbt.

[Mortimer_Brewst]

As others have said, the GWVR of your trailer is 3500 lbs. You are better off to think of this as the weight of the trailer.
It looks like the black tank is located near the rear bumper. Though it’s a fairly small tank (24 gallons), you will want to keep a fair amount of water in it. Not doing so could lead to a mountain of problems. The extra weight in the rear will lighten the tongue and in turn increase the potential for sway. My guess is that some sort of anti-sway hitch would be a good idea. I would not get one from the dealer. eBay, Craigslist, or etrailer.com would all be good places to look for a hitch.

[gmw_photos]

This might be a good application of towing just on the ball with a simple friction type sway bar.

something like this:

https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Pro-Series/83660.html

[samsontdog]

I use to tow without a WD Hitch until one day I was going around a curve and a Semi came the other way and my TT tried to pass me as it swayed back and forth. From that day I always use a WD Hitch or a sway bar even on my utility trailer
I have used different brands even the Hensley but I like the 4 point EZ Lift
the best

[drsteve]

Hook it up and take it for a spin. See how it handles. You're only looking at maybe 350 lb of tongue weight, it may pull just fine without WD and sway control. If it feels unstable, upgrade the hitch.

[camp-n-family]

Your 1200lbs hitch rating is with a WD hitch. It will usually be rated at about half that without one.

[Iraqvet05]

I'd try towing without it then make the decision. For $600, the dealer could be selling you a budget WDH and making good money off of the sale.

[GordonThree]

Common theme for this forum, you need WDH and Sway for towing anything larger than a 40 gallon honey wagon.

[Chopper2122]

Thanks for all the advice! We’re heading 1000 miles to Myrtle beach and back in June I think I better get one after reading this.

[JnJnKatiebug]

This is what I use. In my opinion it is the best bang for the buck. My trailer is 2x as big and heavy as yours and it is a one handed drive.

I installed it myself in less than one hour. It comes with everything you need and easy to follow directions for less than $400.

Husky Centerline

[DutchmenSport]

I dunn-oh! I'd feel more comfortable with the WDH. It only takes once to regret not having one! There may never be a second chance!

[MFL]

ScottG wrote:
A WDH isn't so much about squatting as it is about handling.
However, with only 2700# I would give it a try and see how it handles. If you find the truck moves around in its lane, just feels loose or has any hint of sway at high speed, get the WDH.

I agree, I'd try it first. The weight mentioned is dry, but only 3,500 GVWR. Handling would be the biggest issue (possible sway). Try to keep 12-13 percent tongue weight, which will help for sway, especially with a single axle.

Jerry

[Tom_Barb]

buy used ... Craig's list.

hitch

[ScottG]

A WDH isn't so much about squatting as it is about handling.
However, with only 2700# I would give it a try and see how it handles. If you find the truck moves around in its lane, just feels loose or has any hint of sway at high speed, get the WDH.

[Chopper2122]

Thanks, I suppose the 600 bucks might be worth the piece of mind.

[Lwiddis]

I think the bear II is right on...an extra layer of safety.