summerland Mini 1850FL - weight dist hitch

[dljs1941]

Anyone out there have a Keystone Summerland Mini 1850FL travel trailer? I'd be interested to know if you are using a weight distributing hitch. I've received conflicting information whether one is required vs recommended. The trailer has a dry weight of 3340 lbs with carrying capacity of 1095 lbs. The hitch weight is 545 lbs. I'll be hauling it with a 2011 Silverado 1500 with Z71 package, factory class III hitch. The truck has a GVWR of 7000 lbs, GAWR FRT and RR of 3950 lbs.

[JRTJH]

If you look at the decal on your truck receiver, you'll see the limiting factors for your receiver. I'd guess that it is limited to 500 pounds hitch weight/5000 pounds trailer weight WITHOUT a weight distribution hitch and 1000 pounds hitch weight/10,000 pounds trailer weight WITH a weight distribution hitch.

so, with the hitch weight you listed (545) the rig (truck/trailer) will require a weight distribution hitch, even if the trailer is towed empty, and will only get heavier as you load your personal gear. Both your hitch weight AND your trailer weight must be considered as limits. It's not a choice or "either the hitch weight/or the trailer weight" ( You can't determine that if one is good, that's all that matters). It's a situation of "either/or" (where if one is exceeded, then you don't even consider the other). Once any rating is exceeded, the decision process stops...

Your rig will be limited further by other factors, the receiver ratings are only one part of the operational limitations imposed by equipment installed on your truck. The SMALLEST factor actually limits the entire rig (GVW, GAWR, GCWR, PAYLOAD, AXLE RATINGS, RECEIVER RATINGS, TIRE RATINGS, WHEEL RATINGS, BRAKE RATINGS, ETC), just as the weakest link limits the entire chain. When any one ratings is exceeded, that limits the vehicle at that point, regardless of whether the remaining factors are still good or not.

[dljs1941]

Thanks for the response. The tag on the hitch states maximum tow capacity (w/o weight distribution hitch) is 5,000 lbs. Max tongue capacity is 600 lbs.

[Tbos]

I'd go with a WDH. As an added plus you will then have one on hand if you decide to upgrade your TT later. Have fun and enjoy your new rig.


2016 Passport GT 2810BHS, 2016 F350 CC DRW

[Ken / Claudia]

You posted enough information to show you need one. The trailer tongue wt. will be over that max. hitch wt. of 600lbs. Never use max. tow and payload rating of truck and empty trailer ratings. Apples and oranges. Be safe use the trailer rate of 4435, that is gross max.. than up to and should figure tongue/hitch wt. can be 15% of that 665lbs. Until you really check the wt. after loaded you do not have real wt.s Again be safe use max. numbers. on all vehicles.

[ctbruce]

Welcome to the forum from Kansas City, MO! Enjoy your new rig! You've gotten good advice on what to look for/do. Good luck and good decision making.

Chip Bruce, RPh
Kansas City, MO
2016 Fuzion Impact 312
2017 3500HD Silverado LTZ

[dljs1941]

Thanks to all that responded. I ended up getting the WDH and it proved to be the right choice. I tried trailering without the WDH and i could really feel the difference.

[BuxCamper]

aboard!

Yes a WD hitch and sway control make a huge difference. I saw a large trailer in VT going downhill and if the driver didn't have white knuckles he had soiled underwear. All I could do was back off. When I finally passed him on level ground all he had was the hitch.

Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk

[notanlines]

Good choice, David. It is much easier looking forward to the enjoyment of the trip rather than the white knuckle event that could have been. And now that you have it, when you trade up next year to a 32 footer you'll have one. And that will be to use on your then new 2500. (Why do we all know these things?)

[CrazyCain]

just to edge-a-ma-kate myself....I tow my Hideout with just a hitch and a sway bar, i have air bags also...store must stuff in bed of truck when traveling and hardly notice the trailer on there. smooth sailing when the big rigs blow past me...Does that mean i'm and don't need a WDH?? When i weighed in both hitch and trailer weight was under max, little dog only adds 18#'s in the back seat of TV and ghost sleep comfy in the rig..