How to Select Correct Weight Distribution/Sway Control System for Camper Trailer

Question:

Weight dictribution, what is the best for a camper that has a dry hitch weight of 385 lbs and cargo weight of 1,551 lbs and is 242inch long and weight 3,849 lbs

asked by: Jay P

Helpful Expert Reply:

The best way to choose the correct weight distribution/sway control system (WD/SC) for your camper trailer is to load it as you normally do, with all gear and supplies, water and propane tanks filled, etc. You also need to account for the weight of any cargo in the Ram that sits behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler or a generator, since this will act like trailer tongue weight (TW). You then want to measure your actual TW.

We offer a scale # e99044 to measure trailer TW and alternate methods are outlined in the linked article. Knowing your trailer's actual total TW will allow you to choose the right system, one that can shift some trailer TW forward to the Ram's front axle, but without causing any weird handling side-effects. Ideally your total TW figure will fall in the middle of the system's operating range. Please refer to the linked article and video for more help on selecting a system.

For an example, we'll say your total TW is 600-lbs. A perfect choice in this case is the Reese Strait-Line system # RP66083 which works over a TW range of 400-to-800 lbs. All you need to add is a hitch ball like 2-inch # A-90 or 2-5/16-inch ball # 19286.

expert reply by: Adam R