Is Weight Distribution System Needed for 3,800 Pound Trailer

Question:

Just purchase a 2015 Dodge 2500 Cummings Diesel , 6 cycl. Turbodiesel, 6.7 l. Its GVWR is 10,000 lbs /GCWR is 35,300 with a towing capacity of 17,030 pounds. We are pulling a restored 1970s, 21 foot travel trailer with dry weight of 3800 pounds. The truck does not squat when we hitch up the trailer, so Im wondering if we need a weight distribution hitch? Is it possible to buy sway bars without weight distribution? Also, we have a 2 1/2 inch receiver on this truck and need an 8 inch drop. What products would work for us? Im overwhelmed by my choices! Thank you!

asked by: Terris C

Expert Reply:

If your trailer weight, when it is loaded, is more than 50 percent of your truck's 10,000 pound GVWR, then it will be beneficial to install weight distribution system. So if the dry 3,800 pound weight of your trailer creeps up over 5,000 pounds when it is loaded and ready for a trip, then I do recommend adding a weight distribution system. Other factors that may indicate the need for a weight distribution system are if your tow vehicle sags, which you are not experiencing, trailer sway and difficulty steering or stopping your rig.

If you want to add sway control only, I recommend looking at the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit # 83660. This will attach to either side of the trailer tongue and will help to reduce trailer sway and improve handling. I have attached an installation video on this product so you can see exactly how it works.

If you find that you want to add a complete weight distribution system with sway control, you will want to factor in your setup's total tongue weight. This will include both the loaded tongue weight of your trailer along with any added cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your Ram. You will want this number to fall somewhere around the middle of the weight capacity range for the weight distribution system you choose. I recommend using a tongue weight scale like the etrailer # e99044 for easy and accurate readings.

I recommend the Reese Straight-Line Weight Distribution with Sway Control # RP66073. This system has a tongue weight capacity of 400 to 800 pounds. It will help to evenly distribute weight over axles of the tow vehicle and trailer for stability and control. You will just need to add an adjustable shank and compatible hitch ball like the 2 inch # A-90 or 2-5/16 inch # 19286.

The weight distribution shank with the largest drop for 2-1/2 inch hitches we currently have available is the Equal-i-zer # EQ90-02-4900. This has a 6 inch drop and an overall length of 12 inches.

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