What Economical Weight Distribution System Will Work On Dodge Ram 2500 HD Towing A 7,000 Lb. Trailer
Question:
I am looking for a low cost weight distribution hitch option to tow a 7000 lb gross weight 16 cargo trailer with my Dodge Ram 2500 HD pickup. I have already towed a 5000 lb cargo load in this trailer with a 700 pound hitch weight over 1000 miles with no problems, but am thinking about getting the weight distribution hitch to maximize towing safety. The required from my pickup to the trailer hitch is about 5 -6 inches.It appears I need to buy an adjustable shank to accommodate the 5 .Will the Pro series RB2 work well in this application? Is there a matching shank height adapter for the 5 ? Do you have a better recommendation?
asked by: John W
Expert Reply:
Using a weight distribution system is a good way to maximize towing safety. A weight distribution system transfers the load at the rear of the vehicle to all of the axles of the vehicle and the trailer. With the load distributed to all of the axles that will level off the vehicle and improve the performance and safety.
You will want to choose a weight distribution system that will have a tongue weight range that will be able to handle the trailers tongue weight. Tongue weight is 10 to 15 per cent of the gross trailer weight. On your 7,000 lbs. trailer the tongue weight would be 700 to 1,050 lbs.
The Reese Weight Distribution System, # RP66542 is rated at 12,000 lbs. towing weight and 600 to 1,200 lbs. tongue weight range. This tongue weight range would fit your application correctly and would work great on your Dodge Ram 2500 HD towing a 7,000 lbs. trailer. The adjustable shank that is included with this kit has a 1-1/4 inch drop or a 6-1/2 inch rise. The Reese system is not available without the adjustable shank.
If you are needing a 5 inch drop you would need to purchase the Curt Weight Distribution Shank, # C17122. This adjustable shank will allow you up to 5-inch drop from top of hitch receiver tube opening on a round bar system.
You can also add sway control (if needed) at a later date by using the Dual Cam Sway Control Kit, # RP26002.
I am sending a link to a FAQ page that has information on weight distribution. Also, I am sending a link to the installation instructions on the Reese system.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Weight Distribution Shank - 14" Long - 7" or 7-1/2" Drop - 1,500 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Shanks
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Round - 7 Inch Drop
- Trunnion - 5 Inch Drop
- Round - 10 Inch Rise
- Trunnion - 11 Inch Rise
- CURT
more information >
Reese Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control for Steel Trailer Frames
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Weight Distribution System w Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD Only
- No Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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