Fixing Sag on 2014 Ram 1500 With Weight Distribution System

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Question:

Before I ask my questions, let me give you some background data: I tow a 23 foot Passport travel trailer with my 2014 Ram 1500. The trailer's tongue weight is approximately 1000 lbs. I use a Reese Dual Cam HP weight distribution hitch #26002 purchased from "etrailer". When I hitch the trailer to the truck with the weight distribution, the rear of the truck squats 6" and the front squats 5". Unloaded, I have 4" from the bump stops to the rear axle. So, if my measurements are correct, the 6" of rear truck squat is using up all that space with the balance of 2" being absorbed by the bump stops and tire squat when the trailer is hitched to the truck. I have talked to two shops about what I could do to enhance the suspension. One suggested Monroe Max-Air shock absorbers and the other (most knowledgeable) suggested replacing the bump stops with Sumo Springs that are 3" taller than the existing bump stops. Additionally, I have investigated installing the Air Lift 1000 air bags myself based on positive reviews from multiple RV users at a Facebook RV site and their relatively low cost. I am pleased with the way "etrailer" steered me to the right weight distribution hitch so I'd like input on how to enhance my truck's suspension to better handle my trailer. What do you suggest and how will the setup of my weight distribution hitch be affected? My weight distribution hitch is a RP66083 Strait-line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control-Trunnion Bar-8,000 lbs GTW, 800 TW. Thanks

asked by: Larry

0

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to answer them if you want to let me know what they are.

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

Larry

3/30/2018

Before I ask my questions, let me give you some background data: I tow a 23 foot Passport travel trailer with my 2014 Ram 1500. The trailer's tongue weight is approximately 1000 lbs. I use a Reese Dual Cam HP weight distribution hitch #26002 purchased from "etrailer". When I hitch the trailer to the truck with the weight distribution, the rear of the truck squats 6" and the front squats 5". Unloaded, I have 4" from the bump stops to the rear axle. So, if my measurements are correct, the 6" of rear truck squat is using up all that space with the balance of 2" being absorbed by the bump stops and tire squat when the trailer is hitched to the truck. I have talked to two shops about what I could do to enhance the suspension. One suggested Monroe Max-Air shock absorbers and the other (most knowledgeable) suggested replacing the bump stops with Sumo Springs that are 3" taller than the existing bump stops. Additionally, I have investigated installing the Air Lift 1000 air bags myself based on positive reviews from multiple RV users at a Facebook RV site and their relatively low cost. I am pleased with the way "etrailer" steered me to the right weight distribution hitch so I'd like input on how to enhance my truck's suspension to better handle my trailer. What do you suggest and how will the setup of my weight distribution hitch be affected? My weight distribution hitch is a RP66083 Strait-line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control-Trunnion Bar-8,000 lbs GTW, 800 TW. Thanks

Reply

Kyle S.

3/30/2018

There is a solution for you, though the Air Lift 1000 # AL60818 is not going to fix the issue. The reason you are having problems with sag is because you do not have the properly rated weight distribution system for your 2014 Ram 1500. You mentioned a 1,000 lb tongue weight, and the Reese Strait-Line # RP66083 weight distribution system you have is for total tongue weights between 400 lbs and 800 lbs. The ideal system would be one in which your total tongue weight (the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your Ram 1500) would fall somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity. Since you have a 1,000 lb tongue weight what you can do is simply replace the spring bars on your current Reese Strait-Line with a pair of Replacement Trunnion Bars # RP66009. These are rated for total tongue weights between 600 lbs and 1,200 lbs. A properly rated and set-up weight distribution system should virtually eliminate the sag you are experiencing so the Air Lift springs really should not be necessary. I've added a link to a video review of these bars for you to take a look at.

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Fixing Sag on 2014 Ram 1500 With Weight Distribution System

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