Recommended Weight Distribution System for 2010 Ram 1500 Towing StarCraft Launch 24RLS

Question:

I am looking for a weight distribution/sway control system that will allow be to back up without disconnecting. I have a 2010 Ram 1500 and will be towing a StarCraft Launch 24RLS. Ram has a 4.7L and a class 4 hitch. looking for suggestion on different price breaks.

asked by: Jeff L

Expert Reply:

Your 29-foot StarCraft Launch Ultra-Lite 24RLS has an unloaded weight of 4880-lbs and a dry hitch weight of 540-lbs. Most likely its loaded tongue weight (TW) will be in the range of 800 - 900-lbs by the time you fill your tanks and add your gear and supplies.

A weight distribution (WD) system should be chosen based on the trailer and vehicle total tongue weight (TTW). This is a combination of the actual measured tongue weight of the fully loaded road-ready trailer plus the weight of anything in the pickup that sits behind the rear axle, such as a generator or loaded cooler. The linked article offers ways to measure trailer TW which include a scale like the handy etrailer # e99044. A general article on WD systems is also linked for you.

If the WD system's bars are not stiff enough they will not move the trailer TW forward onto the truck's front axle as they should; if too stiff they can result in a jumpy and erratic ride quality from the trailer. Ideally your TTW will fall into the middle of the system's operating range. Also, since your trailer is a 29-footer I do suggest you choose a system with built-in sway control.

The Pro Series Weight Distribution System # PS49582 that you referenced is a fine entry-level system with basic friction-style sway control. This will certainly improve your trailer's handling but there are far better systems available.

The linked page will show you all WD systems that allow you to back up and that include the shank and sway prevention. Click on your TTW figure to see suitable systems. If your TTW is 800-lbs then an excellent system is the Reese Strait-Line # RP66084. All you need to add is the hitch ball, either # A-90 for a 2-inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16-inch ball.

The Strait-Line is an advanced and proven technology that will deliver far better results than an entry-level system and it works to prevent sway from starting. The linked video will give you more information. Since this is a one-time investment in your trailering I urge you to go with a Strait-Line trunnion system over the round-bar type.