Setting Up Weight Distribution System For Travel Trailer Towed with 2007 Dodge Durango  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Since weight distribution systems are classified by the trailer tongue weights that they can handle, the first step would be to determine the ACTUAL tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to tow trailer. The weight of anything stowed in the bed of the Durango behind the rear axle needs to be considered as tongue weight and added to the tongue weight figure. I have linked you to an FAQ article that will walk you through a few methods of confirming your trailer tongue weight.

Tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the trailer weight. Say that the gear loaded into the trailer and the weight of the full tanks add about 1000 lbs to your dry weight, bringing it up to 6500 lbs. 15 percent of 6500 is 975 lbs of tongue weight, which is well over the 800 lb tongue weight capacity of your Eaz-Lift system. When you add the weight of anything behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle, your system could be seriously overloaded. This is why it is imperative that you confirm the fully loaded tongue weight of the travel trailer.

If you should find that you are within the 800 lb capacity of your current system, you will need to review your set-up instructions and possibly set-up your system from square one. As a general rule of thumb, tilting the weight distribution head rearward transfers more weight to the front vehicle axle. If you already have the head tilted back all the way, try moving the weight distribution head higher on the shank by one set of holes.

If you find that your current system is indeed overloaded, the Pro Series # 49570 system you mentioned with friction bar # 83660 would make an excellent replacement/upgrade. The combined weight distribution and sway control offered is the top of the line system that is very highly rated by our customers.

You should also make sure that the rear suspension of your Durango is in good repair. Helper springs are typically designed to suspend the load of anything carried in the tow vehicle, not necessarily the tongue weight of a trailer.

I have also linked you to our Weight Distribution FAQ article that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

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