Strait-Line Weight Distribution for a 2015 Ram 1500 and 2012 Windjammer Travel Trailer

Question:

I have a 2015 dodge ram 1500 with eco diesel, w/ four corner factory air bag suspension, pulling 2012 windjammer 31 foot travel trailer , trailer is 7200 pounds , tongue weight approx. 800lbs. I had a friend pick up the Reese dual cam strait line distribution hitch for me. My want was a 800 #bars but me picked up the 1200 #, and he said the vendor said it was the same price and would do a better job.. with hesitation I accepted and I installed as per the instructions, first trip of 2500 km round trip to coast and back had large amounts of sway , to the point in wind I was down to 50 mph on freeway to manage sway .. I attempted to tighten the bars to manage sway but then it was raising rear of truck beyond level creating other drive ability problems,.,, could improper bars ,too large be the cause of lack of sway control? I have read too much that says these are the premium , and the sizing, I am feeling is my problem, if I was to purchase the 800 bars and install , do you feel it may improve my sway or am I way off on my thinking ?

asked by: Robert C

Helpful Expert Reply:

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.

Tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight so on a 7,200 pound trailer that would be 720 to 1,080 pounds so the 1200 pound system (which is actually rated for 600 to 1200 pounds) would be the better option over the 800 pound bars.

If the system was not properly set up, including the adjustments on the dual-cam sway control, then you could still have sway problems. A dual-cam system requires some tweaking and fine tuning to get it just right but once it is dialed in the difference is night and day. I have used all sorts of weight distribution and sway control systems and the Strait-Line systems have been the best.

Another possible issue is the air bags on the truck. With air bags and weight distribution being used at the same time you tend not to get the full benefits of either system, though they can work together.

If the air bag system is automatic on your 2015 Ram then the set up procedure would be to couple the trailer to the ball, let it level, and then put the tension on the spring bars. I have linked a video that shows a Strait-Line system being installed and set up that might help.

expert reply by: Michael H