Weight Distribution Bars

[Lew Silverman]

Pete,

10K sounds like a lot of weight for a 1/2T pick-up. You didn't mention how the truck was equipped (engine, trans, rear axle gear ratio), but most small pick-up trucks aren't rated to haul that much weight. There are a number of websites which list the Gross Vehicle Weight and Gross Combined Weight of the various combination's, and depending on how your truck is optioned, you might want to consider a heavier-duty truck. The air-bags are a good idea, but they won't help you when you need to stop! I've been using the Reese Load Equalizing Hitch and Sway Control for years and they work very well if not overloaded.

Good Luck!

Lew

[jim powers]

pete , 1000 bars and sway control a must for what you are trying to accomplish with the 1/2/ton pick up!!

[cad]

Pete,
I have a Reese 14k/1400 tongue hitch # 63970.


I pulled my 24' Haulmark (10k gvw) with a golf cart in the front and my 68 Camaro using a 2001 Z71 with a 5.3 and 3.73s for 2 years before getting a 2500 Dodge 5.9. You should have the biggest trans cooler on the truck as possible.
I used the equalizer bars with no sway control. I had no other spring helpers. The equalizer hitch with the 1200 lb bars worked great. I only had issues with a head wind. Otherwise, put it in tow-haul and let er rip.
I got about 8.5 mpg.

Clark Doukas

[Pistol Pete]

Thanks everyone for your input.
I will certainly put the information to good use.




Pistol Pete

[Bob Mulry]

Hi,

These specs apply to a 2008 model year because that is the latest year that is posted and they should be similar to most current GM models.....

Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra, Light Duty,
Crew Cab Shortbed
Vehicle Engine Tow Limit (LB)
1500 CC Shortbed 2WD 4.8L V-8 4,600 (d)
1500 CC Shortbed 2WD 4.8L V-8 6,600 (g)
1500 CC Shortbed 2WD 5.3L V-8 6,600 (e)
1500 CC Shortbed 2WD 5.3L V-8 7,600 (g)
1500 CC Shortbed 2WD 6.0L V-8 8,700 (g)
1500 CC Shortbed 2WD 6.0L V-8 10,200 (g)**
1500 CC Shortbed 2WD 6.2L V-8 8,600 (e)*
1500 CC Shortbed 4WD 4.8L V-8 5,400 (e)
1500 CC Shortbed 4WD 4.8L V-8 7,400 (i)
1500 CC Shortbed 4WD 5.3L V-8 7,500 (g)
1500 CC Shortbed 4WD 5.3L V-8 8,500 (i)
1500 CC Shortbed 4WD 6.0L V-8 8,400 (g)
1500 CC Shortbed 4WD 6.0L V-8 10,500 (i)**
1500 CC Shortbed 4WD 6.2L V-8 8,400 (e)*
Manufacturer’s note: Shortbed models are not designed or intended to tow fifth-wheel
trailers. *Denali model. **NHT Enhanced Trailering Performance Package required.




Key To Charts
a = Automatic Transmission
a4 = Automatic Transmission, four speeds
a5 = Automatic Transmission, five speeds
a6 = Automatic Transmission, six speeds
m= Manual Transmission
I-4 2,100 (g)/3,000 (g)
b = 3.08:1 axle ratio
c = 3.21:1 axle ratio
d = 3.23:1 axle ratio
e = 3.42:1 axle ratio
f = 3.55:1 axle ratio
g = 3.73:1 axle ratio
h = 3.92:1 axle ratio
i = 4.10:1 axle ratio
j = 4.30:1 axle ratio
k = 4.44:1 axle ratio
l = 4.56:1 axle ratio
n = 4.88:1 axle ratio
o = 5.38:1 axle ratio
AWD = All-Wheel Drive
CC = Crew Cab
KC = King Cab
QC = Quad Cab
SWB= Short Wheelbase
LWB = Long Wheelbase
DRW= Dual Rear Wheels
CV = Cargo Van
PV = Passenger Van
RCC = Regular Chassis Cab
SCC = Super Chassis Cab
CCC = Crew Chassis Cab
TD = Turbodiesel
TC = Turbocharged
SC = Supercharged
NA = Not applicable, or not available
t = Towing package required.
x = Trailer brakes required.

This info is available on-line at the Trailer Life web site...

Have fun,
Bob