How to Select Correct Weight Distribution System and Shank for 7K GVWR Travel Trailer

Question

Question:

TV is 2017 RAM 2500 Crew Cab, 4x4, 8foot bed, Cummins. TT is 2014 Eclipse Milan CK 24LSBHG, GVWR 7000. Hitch Weight 680 mfg spec. I have a 2.5inch receiver with the factory reducer sleeve. The TT A-frame is 5. I do at times carry load in the bed of the truck when towing and try to push any load as forward as possible in the bed. Am I going to need the 10k GTW/ 1k TW system, or should I allow for greater TW and be better off with the 15k GTW/ 1.5k TW system? I estimate I will need 1-3inch when measured from the top of the ball to the center of the receiver in order to level my TT. Looking at the Blue Ox Swaypro installation instructions manual, it appears the design of the hitch head with the bars beneath it causes the hitch ball to sit above it a couple of inches. Given the needed I describe, which of the Blue Ox shanks will I need, the 9 hole or the 11 hole? Thank you!

asked by: D

0

Expert Reply:

Weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) hitches like the Blue Ox Sway Pro # BXW1500 and others need to be tuned to the actual total tongue weight (TW) load of the truck/trailer system. The trailer's dry hitch weight spec from the manufacturer does not factor in the weight of full water and propane tanks, or of your loaded supplies and gear, all of which contribute to the total effective TW.

As you noted, cargo weight in the truck bed, if it is placed behind the rear axle, adds directly to the effective TW of the system and needs to be factored into the choice of WD/SC setup. But if you keep your cargo well forward of the rear axle it should not have enough effect on your total TW for you to need to worry about it. Since you have an 8-foot long-bed truck your cargo weight should really not be a concern.

Your 2014 Eclipse Milan CK 24LSBHG has a dry weight of 4800-lbs and a dry hitch weight of 680-lbs. This does NOT take into account the weight of water, propane, supplies and recreational equipment, etc. You really want to load your trailer a time or two and measure its TW using scale # e99044. After a few loading processes you will develop a good sense for what your typical fully-loaded TW will be. That is what you need to know to choose the right system. Since the trailer has a GVWR of 7K, if loaded near maximum capacity it could have a TW of close to 1000-lbs.

Based on this 7K GVWR I would recommend a system rated for no more than 1200-lbs of loaded TW. Unless you loaded the trailer incorrectly, with way too much TW, you would never have a TW of more than 1000-lbs.

The perfect situation is that your actual measured total TW is right near the middle of the operating range for the WD/SC system you use. For an actual TW of 1000-lbs the right system would be one rated for between about 800- and 1200-lbs of TW. If you base your choice on that mid-point even if you start out heavy and come home light you won't be too far off.

Good choices for 1000-lbs of TW are the Equalizer # EQ37120ET (rated for 800- to 1200-lbs) and the Reese Strait-Line # RP66074 (rated for 600- to 1200-lbs). The Sway Pro options are a bit under- and over-rated for your probable tongue weight.

For choosing a shank you can refer to the linked page and the linked article on ball mounts that explains how to select the right one to keep your hitched trailer level. Please note that we do offer both 2-inch and 2-1/2-inch shanks.