Is Weight Distribution System Needed to Tow 2014 Jayco Jay Flight Swift with 2012 Ram 2500
Question:
I am new to towing and not sure what I am in need of. I will start off by telling you what I have. I will be towing a 2014 Jayco Jay Flight Swift SLX 184 BH with a 2012 Ram 2500 crew cab diesel that has a trailer sway control system built in. I have been told that this systems prevents the trailer from over taking the tow vehice by applying the brakes opposite the trailer sway when it recognizes its occurring. Now for the questions. 1 Will I need to use a load distribution system? 2 Should I use an external Anti Sway Device in conjunction to reduce the likelihood of it occurring? 3 If the answer to # 1 is no and #2 is yes, what device is recommended? Thank you for you time.
asked by: Ryan
Expert Reply:
We recommend a weight distribution system if the trailer's weight is more than 50 percent of the tow vehicle's or if you're experiencing sway, sag, or the setup isn't riding level in some way.
I looked up your 2014 Jayco Jay Flight Swift and its maximum loaded weight is 3,500 pounds. This is more than half of weight of your 2012 Ram 2500 so we recommend weight distribution but if you're not experiencing any issues with sway or keeping everything level you may not need one.
If you decide to use a weight distribution system you need to choose one based on your trailer's loaded tongue weight combined with the amount of weight behind the rear axle of the Ram. With the weight of your trailer you'll likely need a system rated for 800 pounds like the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-0800. Or if you don't fully load the trailer or have anything behind the rear axle of your truck you may be able to use a 600 pound system # FA92-00-0600.
If you choose a system rated too low it won't be able to do its job. Too high and it will be a stiff ride for you.
The Fastway e2 systems also need a hitch ball. Use # EQ91-00-6100 for a 2-5/16 inch ball or # A-90 for a 2 inch.
I've also linked an article on weight distribution you may find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 10,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 400 lbs
- 500 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
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