Weight Distribution and Sway Control Recommendation for a 2010 Dodge Ram and 8,000 Pound Camper
Question:
What is the recommended weight distribution for a 2010 dodge ram towing an 8000 lb camper?
asked by: Jason O
Expert Reply:
When choosing a weight distribution system, you will want one with a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses your trailers tongue weight. Trailer tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. On a trailer that weighs 8,000 pounds, you are looking at 800 to 1,200 pounds.
I recommend a system with a tongue weight capacity range of 800 to 1,500 pounds. This way that entire 10 to 15 percent is covered. If you just want weight distribution and no sway control, you can use Reese Weight Distribution, # RP66131, and shank, # RP54970. I have included a link to the installation details below.
For weight distribution with sway control you have a couple of options. First, we have the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution with Sway Control, # RP66561. This is a more cost effective choice and it comes with a shank. It also uses friction sway control that works to stop trailer sway after sway has already started. I have included a link to the installation details below.
The next option is the Strait-Line Weight Distribution with Sway Control, # RP66130. With this system, you would need to add a shank, # RP54970. The benefit of this system is that it uses dual-cam sway control that stops trailer sway before it starts which is why I recommend it over a system that uses friction sway control. I have included a link to the installation details below and a video showing a typical installation of a weight distribution system.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 >
Reese Weight Distribution w/out Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD Only
- No Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 1100 lbs
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- 1400 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Video: Review of etrailer Tools - Hitch Tools - Measuring Devices - e99044
- Video: Review of CURT Weight Distribution Hitch - TruTrack With Sway Control - C17501
- Video: etrailer Campers and Utility Trailers Tongue Weight Scale Review
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Q&A: Suitability of Weight Distribution Hitch on 20-Ft Car Hauler Trailer that Carries Varying Loads
- Q&A: Recommended Weight Distribution System For Loaded Trailer Weighing 8000-lbs
- Q&A: How to Determine if my Trailer Has Electric or Hydraulic Brakes
- Shop: etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Shop: Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Shop: Optronics Flexible LED Light Strip - Weatherproof - White - 17' Long
- Shop: Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Shop: Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi
- Shop: Gen-Y Torsion Weight Distribution Shank - 2-1/2" Hitches - 7" Drop/Rise - 2,400 lbs TW
- Shop: Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator - Drum Brakes - 2" Ball - Zinc Plated - 7,500 lbs
- Search Results: tongue weight scale
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: equalizer
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Search Results: brake controller
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
on Weight Distribution Hitch
