Suggestions for a Weight Distribution Hitch

[Max_s_Mom]

Hi. I am new to towing and my now new tow vehicle - 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 4x4 with Advanced tow package and integrated brake controller - states I will get around 11,000 lbs towing weight with a Weight Dist. Hitch. TW, 1100 lbs. Front Gross Axel Wt: 3800, Rear Gross Axel Wt: 4150 max Tires: 275/60R20, Bridgestones

I have ordered a FR Surveyor 202RBLE, Dual Axles, UVW: 4931 lbs, (brochure) Hitch Weight: 497 lbs. (unloaded) CCC: 2566 lbs. (I will NOT be loading to max weight here)
Ext. Height: 11’2”, Ext. Width: 96”, Ext. Length: 24’4”

I’m considering:
Andersen WDH with Sway control, Husky Centerline TS, Equalizer 4 point or ???

I want: EASY hook up and unhook, to be able to back up and hook and unhook at ANY angle, QUIET operation while under tow, lightest weight and simplest maintenance… all while providing excellent sway control and weight distribution! Is this too much to ask???

I would like your thoughts as this is an important piece of information that I need prior to delivery of my trailer! Which of these would you recommend with my RIG situation? or another brand completely? And why would one be better over another? Thanks for your help.

[wowens79]

Take a look at the Blue Ox Sway Pro, no noise, and you can backup with it. I've had one for 6 years, and would buy it again.

[BenK]

Max's Mom wrote:
snip....

UVW: 4931 lbs, (brochure) Hitch Weight: 497 lbs. (unloaded) CCC: 2566 lbs.

snip...

Says you have a 10% tongue weight based on the brochure (UVW)

Better to have more tongue weight in the 12% or more range

Also, make sure to have the trailer level after setting up your hitch system. No matter WD or not.

Or better yet, have it pointed slightly down from level.

Follow your TV's towing setup 'recommendations'. I'm from the olds of 'even drop', but today's TV suspensions are much more complex and more so with OEM towing computers that are all integrated together.

One I haven't figured out is auto-level (ride height) systems...some manuals say to leave it off when setting, and another said to have it on...or said the guys tried to help...gave up after they couldn't produce their manuals

I want: EASY hook up and unhook, to be able to back up and hook and unhook at ANY angle, QUIET operation while under tow, lightest weight and simplest maintenance… all while providing excellent sway control and weight distribution! Is this too much to ask??????

Everyone wishes for this...too many ends up buying replacement components/systems trying to get there after just going by brochure info

Suggest making a priority listing of the above wishes and then deciding at what point they are wishes vs have to haves...

I'm not a fan of Andersen and prefer Blue Ox SwayPro.

[delwhjr]

jdc1 wrote:

Dick_B wrote:
X2 on Bob213. I like the Equal-i-zer because of its simple design and no chains.

Agreed. Easier to set-up and lighter to handle.

Equalizer is the way to go. Use the pads and lube according to instructions = no noise

[jdc1]

Dick_B wrote:
X2 on Bob213. I like the Equal-i-zer because of its simple design and no chains.

Agreed. Easier to set-up and lighter to handle.

[Dick_B]

X2 on Bob213. I like the Equal-i-zer because of its simple design and no chains.

[bob213]

Equalizer with pads for the L Brackets. Love mine and who cares if it makes noise if it's doing it's job?

[Durb]

I've read the Andersen diminishes its performance with heavier trailers so I'm thinking no on that one.

Equalizer and Centerline hitches rely on metal to metal friction for their performance so noisy is dialed in. They have a lot of good reviews regarding their performance.

Check out the ReCurve R3 hitch. Bars are on top so easier to set up. Quiet due to use of friction material and no pivoting on the ball. Adjustable sway control pressure. No drill installation. Neighbor likes his.

[JIMNLIN]

I sure like my Husky Centerline TS/1200 lb bars on the wifes '16 1500 chevy 4wd crew cab short bed 5.3 engine 6 speed tranny towing a 10k car hauler with a 7400 lb blue tractor with a cab. The weight on the trailers axles changes from around 8800 to 9200 lbs depending on which tractor implements needed for a job. The tractor stands 11' 3" tall on the trailer for a top heavy load.
Its easy to overload a trucks rear axle with wheeled equipment on the trailers deck but the Husky handles that placement issues nicely.

[Grit_dog]

Max's Mom wrote:

I want: EASY hook up and unhook, to be able to back up and hook and unhook at ANY angle, QUIET operation while under tow, lightest weight and simplest maintenance… all while providing excellent sway control and weight distribution! Is this too much to ask???

Congrats on the new TT AND the new truck! You'll love the truck and sounds like an awesome combo!

The item that checks the most boxes here, for a very reasonable size/weight trailer for your truck, is a set of airbags. Seriously.
And a nifty little compressor like a Viair, or a bicycle pump if you're industrious.

Only thing it doesn't control is sway, but I've used exactly 0 WDH's in 30 years of towing likely 100s of different trailers. Including many miles and many trailers behind many half tons that were not near as well equipped as your truck. Only time sway is or has been an issue is either not near enough tongue weight, or trailer so heavy that truck is severely overloaded and physically couldn't control the normal little wiggles that a trailer gets due to various conditions and inputs.

The weight cops will have a field day with this, but deep down inside, they know I'm right! LOL