Lower Capacity Spring Bars for a Husky Weight Distribution System
Question:
I have a Ram 1500 and purchased a TT that has a TW of 600# and a GVRW of 6800#. The dealer install a 800 - 1200 # Husky hitch. Driving home it felt like every bump the trailer took was amplified in the truck, the ride was not pleasant. Was this the wrong unit for this TT? Would I just need a different spring arms or need to have the entire hitch installed? I dont look forward driving the 90 miles back to the dealer. thanks
asked by: Walter B
Expert Reply:
The 600 pounds of tongue weight is the dry tongue weight. If the trailer has a gross weight rating of 6,800 pounds when loaded to capacity then the tongue weight will be around 680 to 1,020 pounds (10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight). Also, when calculating tongue weight for weight distribution you also have to add in any weight behind the rear axle of the truck. So for example if you had 100 pounds of gear behind the rear axle the tongue weight would be 780 to 1,120 pounds using the numbers above.
When empty the tongue weight is not high enough for an 800 to 1,200 pound system and that is going to produce a stiff ride which you have experienced. If you believe that you will only be in the 600 to 800 pound tongue weight range then you can replace the bars you have with 2 of # HT32330 which is the 600 to 800 pound bar.
