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What is the best hitch for towing with a Chevy Suburban?

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[#1868]
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Hey everyone! I recently upgraded to a 2022 Chevy Suburban, and I’m finally getting ready to put its towing capacity to the test this summer. We just purchased a 26-foot travel trailer that weighs about 6,200 lbs dry, so I’m expecting to be right around 7,500 lbs once we’re fully loaded with gear and water.

I’ve been doing some research, but I’m honestly a bit overwhelmed by the options out there. Since the Suburban is such a large SUV, I want to make sure I find a hitch that provides excellent stability and minimizes that dreaded highway sway, especially when passing semi-trucks. I’m specifically curious if I should stick with a traditional weight-distribution hitch like an Equal-i-zer, or if it’s worth springing for something higher-end.

Also, my Suburban has the Max Trailering Package with the factory air suspension, and I’ve heard conflicting things about how that interacts with weight-distributing setups. I really want a smooth, level ride for the family without overcomplicating the hook-up process every weekend. I’m trying to stay under a budget of $800 if possible, but I’m willing to go higher for safety.

For those of you who tow regularly with a modern Suburban, which hitch setup have you found provides the best balance of safety and ease of use?


9 Answers
20

Hey! Congrats on the 2022 Suburban—that 10-speed transmission is seriously a beast for towing. I've spent years dialing in hitches for these GMT12 platforms with the factory air ride, and honestly, it’s a bit more *technical* than just slapping a bar on. Before I give you a solid recommendation on whether to go with a standard weight-distribution setup or a premium 4-point sway control system, I need to clear up two things:

* Have you weighed the actual tongue of that trailer yet, or are you just going off the 10-12% dry weight estimate?
* Are you comfortable with a setup process that requires you to disable the auto-leveling temporarily while you're hooking up?

TBH, the air suspension on the new Chevys actually fights most WDH setups if you don't follow a specific sequence. Once I know those specs, I can tell you exactly which spring bar rating will keep you level without stressing the frame. 👍


17

Seconding the recommendation above. Honestly, the Blue Ox is solid, but I've had AMAZING results with the Equal-i-zer 4-Point Sway Control Hitch 10,000 lbs GVW for safety. It's literally the best at handling semi-truck suction. Just make sure you follow the manual to calibrate it with the air ride off first so it actually shifts weight forward correctly!!


12

Quick question - do you know your exact tongue weight or the payload capacity on your door sticker?? honestly, that air suspension is AMAZING for leveling, but it can lowkey trick you into thinking the weight is distributed properly when it isn't. I'm basically a beginner at this too, but I've been looking at the Equal-i-zer 4-point Sway Control Hitch 10,000 lbs GVW vs the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distributing Hitch 1,000 lbs Tongue Weight. Both are under $800! I wanna help but need to know if you're close to that payload limit first... gl!


3

Honestly, if youre looking at the DIY route to save some cash and realy get to know your rig, I highly recommend checking out the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch. Most people overlook it because it doesnt look like a traditional bar setup, but for a Suburban with air ride, its a total game changer for the driveway mechanic. I did my own install last summer and here is why I think it fits your DIY goals:

  • It weighs way less than the 100+ lb cast iron setups, so your back will thank you when youre hooking up every weekend.
  • The polyurethane bushings provide amazing sway control without the loud metal-on-metal screeching you get with other brands.
  • You dont need a massive breaker bar to engage the tension, which makes it way easier to dial in yourself. One technical tip for the DIY install on these newer Chevys: you HAVE to measure your front wheel well height with the truck running but the air suspension in service mode or disabled first. If you dont, the computer will fight your measurements and youll end up with a REALY weird weight distribution. Anyway, the Andersen is usually around $600-$700 so it leaves you some room in the budget for a good torque wrench and some sockets to do the job right!


2

Sooo I went through this last year with my 2021 Suburban and a similar-sized trailer. Ngl, I was totally stressed about that air suspension fighting the weight distribution hitch, but it actually turned out fine! I eventually settled on the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distributing Hitch for 1000lb Tongue Weight because I found it for around $750 on sale, which fit my budget perfectly.

Just sharing my experience:

- The setup was way easier than I expected, basically no greasy chains to mess with.
- I followed the manual's trick of turning the truck on *after* hooking up so the air ride could level itself out naturally.
- Even when a semi flies past me on the interstate, the sway is almost non-existent now.

Honestly, I'm super satisfied with how stable it feels... it highkey saved my nerves on our first long trip!! It just works well, you know? gl with whatever you pick!


2

^ This. Also, just saw this thread and wanted to chime in because i have been towing with my Suburban for a few seasons now. That air suspension is a total lifesaver for the ride quality but it can be super deceptive if you arent careful. I always worry about the long-term stress on the compressor if the hitch isnt doing the actual heavy lifting. A few things i do to keep it safe:

  • Disable the auto-leveling before you set your tension bars
  • Re-torque all your hitch bolts after the first 100 miles of a trip
  • Use a portable tongue weight scale just to be 100% sure It definitely takes a few trips to get the feel of it but honestly you will get the hang of it. Just be careful not to let the air ride trick you into thinking the weight is perfectly distributed when it might not be.


2

Can confirm this works. Did the same thing on mine and its been solid ever since.


1

Seconded!


1

Nice, didn't know that


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