Recommended Weight Distribution System and Drop Shank for Octane Toy Hauler on 2014 Ram 2500

Question:

We have a 2014 RAM 2500 Laramie diesel long-bed with a 2.5 inch receiver. From the bottom of the hitch receiver to the ground is 20 inches. The truck hitch is a good deal higher than the 16inch high hitch on the Octane toy hauler. The trailer fits a 2" ball. We need a hitch rated for a 1200 lb. tongue wt. But we also need a sway control/wt.distribution system. We cant seem to figure out what we need to do both. Any suggestions?

asked by: Jim M

Expert Reply:

When choosing a weight distribution system, you will first want to make sure that it will be properly rated for your towing setup. The most important factor to consider when looking at systems is your total tongue weight. This includes both the loaded tongue weight of your trailer along with any added weight coming from behind the rear axle of your 2014 Ram 2500. You will want this number to fall somewhere around the middle of the weight capacity range on the weight distribution system you choose. I recommend verifying the loaded tongue weight of your toy hauler with a scale like the etrailer # e99044.

Using the tongue weight of 1,200 pounds you mentioned in your question, we will want to leave a little wiggle room for weight coming from behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle.

I recommend looking at the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control # RP66130. This system has a tongue weight capacity of 800 to 1,500 pounds and will help to distribute weight over the axles of your Ram and toy hauler for added stability and control.

The system is compatible with any hitch ball that has a 1-1/4 diameter shank. The highest rated 2 inch hitch ball that we currently have available is the Curt # A-90. This has a weight capacity of 10,000 pounds. Since your toy hauler weight exceeds this limit, I recommend that you consider upgrading the coupler on the trailer so that it can accept a higher rated hitch ball, like the 2-5/16 inch Tow Ready # 63840 that has a 20,000 pound weight capacity.

Then for an adjustable shank to use with the weight distribution system and your truck, I recommend the Reese Titan Weight Distribution Shank # RP54977. This shank will fit 2-1/2 inch hitch receivers and has a maximum drop of 5-3/4 inches. It also has a tongue weight capacity of 1,700 pounds.

I have also attached an article on weight distribution systems that you may find helpful.