Trailer Setup on a 4.8 w/Potential Weight Distribution Kit due to Tongue Weight

[ninekrpm]

Hi folks, I know that there are numerous threads on related topics, but very little info on a trailer setup with weight distribution kit.

I am working towards getting my 4.8is setup with a trailer and purchased an OEM trailer hitch from my local dealer. I will also be placing an order for a Tekonsha P3 brake controller today – any suggestions on where to buy one? Do I need a special harness for this?

So here is my scenario. I picked a Featherlite 3110 18’ trailer locally with a custom aluminum box and tyre rack setup at the front of the trailer. Though the base weight of the trailer is around 1300#’s (+/- 50#’s), the added box and tyre rack add about 250#’s to the nose of the trailer.

I took the trailer for service to a local shop where it was originally purchased and asked them to do a dry tongue weight measurement. They measured this at a little over 500#’s. Ouch, as the max recommended tongue weight for an X is 600#’s.

While at the trailer shop, we did discuss ways of reducing the tongue weight by adding a weight distribution kit to the trailer to manage the loaded tongue weight at approximately 500#’s. He also mentioned that, though the dry tongue weight is around 450+, the loaded trailer and the car position on the trailer can reduce the tongue weight and balance it to a reasonable level.

Does any have any experience and/or feedback that they can share? If I do go the route of adding a weight distribution kit, is there a kit that is preferred?