Weight Distribution System Recommendation for 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Bighorn
Question:
My 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad-Cab Bighorn with a 5.7 Hemi came with the trailer tow group, which included a class IV receiver hitch. I am looking to upgrading to a weight-distributing/sway control hitch system for the 4000+ lb trailer that I recently bought, but I dont know if the factory hitch is rated for weight distributing. Will I need to install something such as the Draw-Tite Item # 41929 before I make this change?
asked by: Troy
Expert Reply:
If you have a Class IV hitch on your 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 it would be rated for use with a weight distribution system.
The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.
Since your trailer weighs 4,000 lb the tongue weight is going to most likely be between 400 and 600 lbs so the best weight distribution system we can offer that will fit that range is the Reese Strait Line kit part # RP66083 which has a range of 400-800 lbs and features the best sway control that works to fight sway before it starts.
For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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 >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class IV
- 1200 lbs TW
- 12000 lbs GTW
- 15000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 1500 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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