Recommended Weight Distribution System for Towing a 2004 Coachman Cascade 30TBS Travel Trailer

Question:

Looking for the proper weight distribution setup for a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500, Mega Cab 4x4 with the 5.9 Cummins/6 speed. The trailer is an 04 Coachmen Cascade 30TBS. From what I can decipher, my GVW is 8720lbs, with a tongue weight of 720lbs. This tongue weight doesnt include any additional weight behind the rear axle of the truck or a fully loaded trailer. We are still deciding what items will be in the trailer for any given trip, so its difficult to determine the exact tongue weight. Id prefer the Equal-I-zer systems with 4 point sway control. Unsure if Ill need the 1000, 1200, or 1400lbs TW systems. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Tony M

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you already know how to find the a correct weight distribution system by using your trailer's loaded tongue weight added to the weight behind the Ram's rear axle. That's a great start.

Since your trailer's gross vehicle weight rating is 8,720 pounds it's likely going to have a loaded tongue weight between 900 and 1,300 pounds. If it's loaded to its max weight. The 720 pounds tongue weight you mentioned is its dry tongue weight.

Once your trailer is loaded and you have some weight behind your truck's rear axle, it's safe to say you'll need at least the 1,200 pound Equal-I-zer # EQ37120ET. If you're loading the trailer to near its full capacity of 8,720 pounds then you're going to need the 1,400 pound rated system, # EQ37140ET at least.

If the amount of weight behind the truck's axle puts the total tongue weight over the 1,400 pound Eqal-i-zer's capacity I suggest going with the Curt TruTrack # C17501, which is rated up to 1,500 pounds of tongue weight.

expert reply by: Charles S