How to Determine Correct Weight Rating for Weight Distribution System on Palomini Travel Trailer

Question:

I have a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4. I juat purchased a 2018 Polomino palomini lite 181FBS. It have 3,900 GVRW. I purchased a WD hitch from Harbor Frieght for 10,000 pound capacity. The dealership mechanics put on the hitch but wouldnt put the WD bars on saying it was overkill for the weight of the trailer and could bend the trailer frame. They said for the light weight of the camper I wouldnt need WD bars and should just get SC. Is this accurate information? Thank You.

asked by: Michael Z

Expert Reply:

Weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) systems for travel trailers like your 2018 Palomino Palomini Lite 181FBS must be selected based on the actual loaded trailer tongue weight (TW). In some cases manufacturers of aluminum frame trailers will caution against using them due to the risk of deforming the frame. It is best to check with the trailer maker before installing one.

These systems are NOT subject to the good old rule that "if some is good, more must be better". The folks that warned you against installing a 10K-rated WD/SC system on a trailer with a GVWR of only 3906-lbs did you a favor.

That said, you will still benefit from using a WD/SC hitch, but you just need to choose one rated appropriately for the trailer. The 181FBS has a dry hitch weight of 406-lbs. By the time you fill your water and propane tanks, load all your supplies and other items you will probably be at more like 550- to 600-lbs loaded TW. To this you need to add the weight of any cargo in the truck bed that suits behind the rear axle, such as a big loaded cooler, generator or toolbox. This cargo weight will act just like trailer TW so it needs to be factored in. Scale # e99044 takes out the guesswork.

If it just happened that your loaded TW were in fact 600-lbs and you were always going to have 400-lbs of cargo behind the Ram's rear axle (unlikely!) then that other system might still be suitable. Since the Palomini Lite trailers use lightweight materials you will want to check with them using your trailer's VIN to ask if use of a WD/SC system is okay. Trailers that have aluminum frames sometimes cannot use them so check to be on the safe side.

Once you know your actual loaded TW you can if you wish choose a quality WD/SC system tuned appropriately for your trailer. You can refer to the linked article and video for helpful information.

I linked our main page for all systems suited to the 600-lb tongue weight. Reese Strait-Line # RP66083 would be an excellent choice for your trailer. All you need to add is a hitch ball. Please refer to the linked video.