Best Weight Distribution System for 7,400 Pound Trailer

Question

Question:

I have a 2017 Dodge Durango RT that came with the factory tow package class IV hitch. I am somewhat a newbie when it comes to towing. We plan on towing a 5000 lbs travel trailer across TX, CO, AZ sometime in May along with 4 adults and 2 dogs. I will also be investing in a Tekonsha P3 brake controller along with this. Max GTW is 7400 lbs and max tongue weight is 740 lbs. Looking for recommendations on a WDH system along with sway control that can tow this setup without any issues. What part designation, stock #, price, etc. TIA for your answers.

asked by: Sundaram R

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Adding a weight distribution system with sway control to your towing setup is a great idea that will drastically improve your ride and keep everything level.

When picking out the right system the most important factor to consider is the total tongue weight of your setup. This number includes both the loaded tongue weight of the trailer along with any added cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your Durango. Ideally this number will fall near the middle of the operating range for the system you choose.

With a 740 pound max loaded tongue weight on the trailer, I recommend taking a look at the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37100ET. This is an excellent system that features a tongue weight capacity range of 600 to 1,000 pounds, giving you a good amount of wiggle room to account for any cargo you have loaded at the rear of your Durango.

The Equal-i-zer systems feature a unique 4-Point Sway Control that really restricts any side-to-side movement on the trailer, helping to prevent any white-knuckle moments on the road as you go from Texas to Arizona and everywhere in between. The system will evenly distribute weight over the axles of your Durango and trailer to create a more level setup for better stability. The system is also a bit easier to install than a lot of alternatives due to the clamp-on brackets that eliminate the need for any drilling.

I have attached a short video demonstration on the Equal-i-zer system that you can check out as well. We have many of these in stock and pricing information will be listed on the product page.

Since it sounds like you have the factory 7-Way on your 2017 Dodge Durango, all you will need to install the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 (great choice) is the Plug-In Adapter # TK93VR. One end of the adapter plugs into the brake controller itself and the other end connects to the factory port beneath the dash. I have attached an installation video that you can use for reference.

expert reply by: Chris R

1

Answer 1

I pulled up the owners manual for your 2018 Dodge Durango and there's a specific section that covers how a weight distribution works and recommends using them when the tongue weight of a trailer is high. I can't imagine they would list that…

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Answer 2

The towing capacity of your 2015 Dodge Durango with the 5.7L V8 is 7,200 lbs for AWD models or 7,400 lbs for 2WD models. Therefore, you should not have any issues at all in regards to weight. As a general rule, the vehicle's wheelbase should be…

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Answer 3

I took a look at the online version of your 2017 Dodge Durango's owner's manual and for the 5.7L engine with AWD it lists a maximum trailer weight of 7,200 pounds and a GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) of 13,100 pounds. This GCWR basically…

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Answer 4

When choosing a weight distribution hitch you'll want the tongue weight of your trailer to fall towards the middle of the prescribed range of the system; it looks like your 2022 Grand Design Imagine XLS 21BHE has a GVWR of roughly 6400-lbs, which…

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Answer 5

Hey David, from previous customers of ours who have the same 2020 Keystone Raptor 424 we have determined that your pin box style is the Lippert 1621 which means for a Gen-Y gooseneck adapter you'd want the #GY58GR that you referenced.

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Answer 6

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 7

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 8

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 9

Weight distribution works to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer up to the front axle of the tow vehicle so that it will sit more level and handle/brake better. That being said the systems do not "reduce" tongue weight or allow you to…

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Answer 10

The B&W Continuum #BW78FR and the Reese Strait-Line #RP66083 are both great systems. The B&W Continuum is going to be easier to set up, but as far as sway control goes, I definitely have to give the edge to the Reese Strait-Line. The…

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Answer 11

The round or trunnion bars refers to the end of the spring bars. Round bars are typically designed for lighter applications, are a bit harder to install and are usually priced lower than trunnion bars. Trunnion bars are typically designed to be used…

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Answer 12

For a weight distribution system, there are always exceptions,but in general the systems with only bars and chains do not have sway control. They are adjustable in tension for different weight, but are a little more work. The bar systems whether…

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