Recommended Weight Distribution for Towing a 20 Foot Trailer with a 2017 Ram 1500
Question:
How does the Reese recommendation compare to the Equal-I-zer brand Sway Control Hitch? I am leaning towards purchasing a 2019 Forest River MICRO LITE 21FBRS with a GVWR of 6,000 lbs and would be towing with a 2017 Ram 1500 4x4 Crew Cab with the 3.92 rear axle and a class IV receiver hitch. What would be the recommendation for the Equal-I-zer brand?
asked by: JoeG
Helpful Expert Reply:
A weight distribution (WD) system is needed when the trailer weighs at least half of the curb weight (unloaded weight) of the tow vehicle. Since this is the case with your 2017 Ram 1500 and the 20' travel trailer you are looking at I definitely recommend using a WD system.
For your application I recommend the Reese Strait-Line # RP66083 because it uses a dual-cam sway control that works to prevent sway before it starts instead of correcting it after it starts. This has a tongue weight (TW) range of 400 lbs - 800 lbs which should be the range you are looking for. You just have to make sure that the TW of your loaded trailer PLUS the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your Ram sits in about the middle of this range. You can use a scale like part # e99044 to help you determine your trailer tongue weight. If you get towards the 800 lb range then you need the Strait-Line # RP66084 instead which has a TW range of 600 lbs - 1,200 lbs.
The only other thing you need is a hitch ball like the 2" # A-90 or the 2-5/16" # 19286.
I have attached a review video of the Strait-Line for you to check out.
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 >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
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 >
Thin Walled Socket for Equal-i-zer Hitches
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Tools
- Socket
- Equal-i-zer
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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Joeg
8/7/2019
How does the Reese recommendation compare to the Equal-I-zer brand Sway Control Hitch? I am leaning towards purchasing a 2019 Forest River MICRO LITE 21FBRS with a GVWR of 6,000 lbs and would be towing with a 2017 Ram 1500 4x4 Crew Cab with the 3.92 rear axle and a class IV receiver hitch. What would be the recommendation for the Equal-I-zer brand?