Recommended Weight Distribution System and Sway Control for 2018 Jayco 324BHTS Travel Trailer
Question:
Hi Jason I am trying to build in some safety margins. I am new to towing anything this big. If my GVWR on the trailer is 10.950lbs, and my tounge weight could be 10-15% of that, that puts the max tounge weight at 1650lbs, far over the hitch capacity. It may not be that much, but would it not be in the interest of safety to have a hitch rated for that? Even the Equalizer hitch, would the 1400lb model be more adequate? This is my dilemma!
asked by: STEVE
Expert Reply:
Your 2018 Jayco 324BHTS has a GVWR of 10,950 lbs with a dry weight of 8,605 lbs and dry hitch weight of 935 lbs. When looking for the best weight distribution system, you first need to determine the total tongue weight which will be your completely loaded tongue weight as well as any cargo behind the rear axle of your Ram truck.
My recommendation for the best system to meet your needs is the Rees Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW # RP66074 because the dual cams and hot rolled spring bars help prevent sway and keep your trailer in line with your vehicle. You will also need a hitch ball like # 19286 for this system.
If you prefer the trunnion style with brackets only versus the dual cams, then I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control # EQ37120ET. This comes with the hitch ball, but you will need a thin walled socket like # ALL643216 to install it.
With either option if you have a 2-1/2 inch hitch receiver I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Shank # EQ90-02-4900. Then you can use # RP66074 or # EQ37121ET for the same systems without purchasing the 2 inch shank included in the options listed above.
I've attached an article on weight distribution systems to help further if desired.
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 >
1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel
- Hand Tools
- Ratchets and Sockets
- Sockets
- SAE
- 3/4 Inch Drive
- 1-7/8 Inch
- Alloy Steel
- Powerbuilt
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control - No Shank - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control - No Shank - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank - 2-1/2" Hitch - 10" Rise/6" Drop
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Shanks
- 1200 lbs TW
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Equal-i-zer
- Square - 6 Inch Drop
- Square - 10 Inch Rise
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12K GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15K GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1100 lbs
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- 1400 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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on Accessories and Parts
Steve
2/11/2019
Hi Jason I am trying to build in some safety margins. I am new to towing anything this big. If my GVWR on the trailer is 10.950lbs, and my tounge weight could be 10-15% of that, that puts the max tounge weight at 1650lbs, far over the hitch capacity. It may not be that much, but would it not be in the interest of safety to have a hitch rated for that? Even the Equalizer hitch, would the 1400lb model be more adequate? This is my dilemma!