Choosing Between Weight Distribution Hitch and Timbren Rear Jounce Springs for Towing Trailer

Question:

2016 Ram 1500 with Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System? I am planning on towing a Travel Trailer, loader weight, Approx 6500lbs. So toung 600 to 900lbs. I plan to use a weight distribution hitch with the Travel Trailer. Will installing a Timbren RSES inhance the towing or not, as the weight distribution hitch will keep the load level and limit spring compression, thus not engaging the Timbren,s?

asked by: Tomm W

Expert Reply:

For a towing application specifically, a properly-rated and correctly-installed weight distribution system will improve your ride more than a set of Timbren rear jounce springs. Timbrens are great for many applications but a good weight distribution/sway control hitch (WD/SC) will level the truck and trailer to keep your front axle traction intact and it will also fight trailer sway from wind and passing trucks.

I recommend you start with WD/SC and take a few trips to help you decide if you feel the need to add the Timbrens. You can always add them later.

If the trailer is 6500-lbs loaded then your TW could be as low as 650-lbs or as high as 975-lbs. You want to select a system so that your actual total TW falls into the middle of its operating range. If we figure your TW at 800-lbs then a perfect system match is the Equal-i-zer 4-Point # EQ37100ET. This system is all inclusive; it even comes wit a 2-5/16-inch hitch ball and the 2-inch shank. You'll need a thin-walled socket like # ALL643216 to install the ball.

We also offer a TW Scale # e99044 that takes the guesswork out of figuring TW. Please note you also need to account for any cargo in the bed that sits behind the rear axle, say a generator or big loaded cooler. This will act like TW and you need to account for it when you select your WD/SC setup.

expert reply by: Adam R