How To Prevent Rear Suspension Sag When Towing Trailer With 2016 Ram 1500

Question:

I have a 2016 Dodge RAM 1500 4WDr crew cab 5.7L truck with which I tow a travel trailer GVWR 2991 KG 6594 LBS. The truck tends to sag when towing the trailer. Could you please give me some advice with regard to the best way most economical to reinforce the rear suspension.

asked by: Graham J

Helpful Expert Reply:

The most cost effective way to support the rear suspension of your 2016 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4WD with the 5.7L engine is the SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle # SSR-307-47 which will provide 1500lbs of support to your rear suspension, and will not negatively effect the un-loaded ride. The best part about the # SSR-307-47 is that once they are installed you do not have to worry about any maintainence like other suspension enhancement options.

With that said since your trailer is over 50% of the weight of your Ram 1500 a weight distribution system is recommended and will help to prevent suspension sag by evenly distributing the weight of the trailer tongue between each axle of the trailer and vehicle for a more controlled and safer ride.

A weight distribution system is rated by total tongue weight rating which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to tow trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your Ram. The easiest way to get an accurate tongue weight measurement is with a tongue weight scale like the # e99044, but there are other ways as you can see in the included article on measuring tongue weight.

Since you mentioned your trailer has a GVWR of 6594lbs and the typical tongue weight is 10-15% you should have between 650-990lbs if the trailer is loaded to the max capacity.

For a weight distribution system in this range I recommend taking a look at the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW # FA94-00-1000 which works with total tongue weights ranging from 600-1000lbs, and is a great weight distribution for the price. The built in 2-point sway control will keep your trailer in line when going down the highway. This system does not include a hitch ball so you will need either the 2" hitch ball # A-90 or 2-5/16" hitch ball # 63840 to match the coupler of your trailer if you decide to go this route.

I included videos for the products mentioned for you to take a look at.