Weight Distribution for a 2015 Ram 1500 and 8,500 Pound Travel Trailer
Question:
I have a 2016 Ram 1500. I will be pulling a 26 ft , 8500 lb rv. When attached to the truck the back of the truck drops 2 in. Do you recommend a wdh and if so any recommendations on which one. Thanks
asked by: Rick O
Expert Reply:
Weight distribution is definitely a good idea and will eliminate the squat on your 2016 Ram 1500 when the trailer is coupled. 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.
Trailer tongue weight is usually 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight so an 8,500 pound trailer would have an estimated tongue weight of 850 to 1,275 pounds. For a system that covers this whole possible range I recommend Reese Strait-Line system # RP66130. It is rated for 800 to 1,500 pounds tongue weight.
It also comes with dual-cam sway control that prevents trailer sway before it starts. The only other parts you will need are a ball, # C40086, and a shank with the right amount of rise or drop to tow the trailer level.
The standard shank, # RP54970, offers up to 1-1/4 inches of drop and 6-1/2 inches rise. I have included a link to other shanks for 2 inch hitches for you as well as some helpful links on weight distribution and determining tongue weight.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball w/ 1" Rise - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Raw - 25K
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Raw Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 25000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Shanks
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Round - 2 Inch Drop
- Trunnion - 1 Inch Drop
- Round - 5 Inch Rise
- Trunnion - 6 Inch Rise
- Reese
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15K GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1100 lbs
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- 1400 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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 >
Featured Help Information
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Miscellaneous Media
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