Weight Distribution for a 2015 Ram 2500 and 2013 Forest River Wildwood Travel Trailer
Question:
I have a 2015 Ram 2500 Diesel which has a towing capacity of 17,180 lbs. It has the 2 1/2 receiver with a reducing to 2. I am buying a 2013 Forest River Wildwood 261 BHXL with a dry weight of 4314 a max cargo weight of 3082 and a hitch weight of 434 according to online search. I am confused about weight distribution. Do I need it for this truck/trailer combo? Or do I just need sway control? What do you recommend? I was looking at the Curt C17500 since it did both. Does a standard sway control have to be disconnect for reversing? Thanks
asked by: Steve E
Expert Reply:
Weight distribution is recommended when the gross trailer weight is at least 50 percent of the vehicle weight or if the rear of the vehicle sags when the trailer is connected. If loaded to capacity your new trailer will weigh approximately 7,396 pounds. This is likely more than 50 percent of the weight of your 2015 Ram 2500.
To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. That 434 pounds is the dry tongue weight at about 10 percent of the gross dry weight. At max capacity the tongue weight will be more like 740 pounds to 1,109 pounds (10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight).
Curt weight distribution system # C17500 is rated for 800 to 1,000 pound gross trailer weight. It may end up being rated too high if you are on the lower end at the max capacity of the trailer. Pro Series system # PS49582 could be a better option since it is rated for 550 to 750 pounds tongue weight. It does include a friction sway bar but if the trailer is over 6,000 pounds you would need to add a second, # 83660.
You would have to disengage the sway control on the Pro Series system to reverse unless backing up straight and on level ground.
Another option and what I would use if it were me is a Reese Strait-Line system, # RP66084, rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds tongue weight and it has dual-cam sway control which I can tell you from personal experience works better than any friction sway control. You would NOT have to disengage the sway control on this system to back up. All you would need to add to this system is a ball, # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch.
You could use friction sway control by itself but I really do recommend a full weight distribution system for the best and safest ride.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- Reese
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 900 lbs
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Does Weight Distribution Lower Tongue Weight on Hitch of Tow Vehicle
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V Commercial Duty - 2-1/2"
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank - 18" Long - 7" Rise, 3" Drop - 600 to 1,400 lbs TW
- Shop: Curt Weight Distribution Shank - 14" Long - 7" or 7-1/2" Drop - 1,500 lbs TW
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V Commercial Duty - 2-1/2"
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Search Results: front receiver hitch
- Video: Curt Fifth Wheel Kit Installation - 2020 Ram 2500
- Shop: Air Lift LoadLifter 7500 XL Ultimate Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Search Results: gooseneck hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: B and W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch Installation - 2022 Ram 2500
- Q&A: 5th Wheel & Sidewinder Needed For 2021 Ram 2500 With RamBox
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Q&A: Will The Air Lift Cradles Work With 7500XL Springs on a 2021 Ram 2500 With 5" Lift Kit?
- Shop: B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Search Results: air bags
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Video: Review of Air Lift Air Helper Spring Cradles Bellow Style - AL59DQ
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
on Weight Distribution Hitch
