Recommended Weight Distribution System For Towing 7,000 Lb Trailer With 2008 Dodge Ram 1500

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Question:

I am purchasing a 7x16 V Nose Enclosed Aluminum tralier to be used mostly for hauling and storage of 1-2 Street bikes. I will also use it to move household itemsfurniture etc. during an upcoming move. It is a dual axle trailer which I believe the empty wieght is around 2500lbs and GVW is 7000lbs. Considering I would rarely if ever fully load this trailer what would you recommend for a Weight Distibution and Sway bar system? Tow vehicle is a 2008 Ram 1500 4x4 Thanks...

asked by: Mark

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Expert Reply:

If you are planning on towing the trailer quite a lot I do recommend a weight distribution system, especially if the back of your truck sags when the trailer is attached. You should use a system if your loaded trailer weight is more than 50 percent of your truck weight, if the rear end of your truck sags when towing, if your headlights are pointed upwards, or you have trouble stopping or steering when towing.

I have attached a helpful article that explains weight distribution and sway control you can check out.

The most important thing you will need to know is the tongue weight when choosing a system. Tongue weight is the tongue weight of your fully-loaded-ready-to-tow trailer added to the weight of any cargo placed behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

For example, if your tongue weight is around 850 lbs I recommend a system like part # PS49583. This is a weight distribution system that also has sway control. This system is designed for tongue weight between 750 and 1,000 lbs. This system also has the ability to add sway control # 83660 which helps when driving in windy conditions or curving roads. All hardware needed for installation is included.

You can take a look at the product review video and the installation video I have linked for this system. If you find your tongue weight is much higher or lower, let me know and I can make some recommendations that will work for you.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

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Answer 1

To know the actual max weight you will be able to tow, will want to gas up your vehicle and take it to a weight station to find out the actual weight of the truck. Then you will subtract that number from the 13,000lbs GCWR. We can do this together…

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Answer 2

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached…

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Answer 3

With the trailer being as light as it is, I don't think you will need a weight distribution system. Typically with a 2017 Ram 1500 pulling this light of a trailer, it can handle the weight without issue. However, if you do end up getting sway…

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Answer 4

You are correct, you should only be getting output when the brake is applied, or the override switch is activated. It sounds like the controller might be bad, but to make sure, you should probably bench test it before tossing it. Use a circuit…

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Answer 5

The issue could possibly be the brake controller or it could be the wiring of the overall setup. Testing the brake controller is fairly easy. Sever the blue brake output wire near the brake controller leaving enough room to reconnect it and then…

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Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

Hey Travis, congrats on the new 2024 Jayco Flight 284BHS! Your travel trailer looks to have a GVWR of 7,950 lbs so I recommend going with the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control #EQ37121ET and pairing it with the Shank…

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Answer 9

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 10

Weight distribution works to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer up to the front axle of the tow vehicle so that it will sit more level and handle/brake better. That being said the systems do not "reduce" tongue weight or allow you to…

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Answer 11

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 12

The Curt #C13410 and Draw-tite #76227 are very similar in design and both have the same weight ratings of 600lbs tongue weight and 4,000lbs of trailer weight. I do like that Draw-Tite does add the additional plate of steel in between the hangers that…

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Recommended Weight Distribution System For Towing 7,000 Lb Trailer With 2008 Dodge Ram 1500

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