Recommended Weight Distribution/Sway Control for 8800 GVWR Travel Trailer
Question:
My wife and I have a Ram 1500 Classic with the Warlock package, which apparently lifts the rear about 1” with stiffer springs. Claimed towing capacity is 10,800#. We just purchased a travel trailer, 28’7”, 6,240# dry weight, 8,800# gvr with a 480# hitch weight. We asked the RV dealer to install a weight distribution hitch with sway control, and it looks like the model they installed is the Curt C17062. During the ride home we experienced significant swaying at 55 mph and above. We stopped and increased the tension on our tension bar and lowered the bars one chain link as we were shown. This seemed to help a little, but at one point at about 62 mph the trailer started swaying violently enough to cause us to our speed to 50 mph for the duration of our 2.5 hour drive home. I worry that the tongue weight of our trailer may be exacerbating the issue, especially with the camper not loaded. My wife is inclined to add another tension bar to the other side of the hitch, but I thought I’d ask the experts here to see what our best course of action is. We are afraid to take our camper out until we get this resolved. Thank you.
asked by: Greg
Helpful Expert Reply:
As a first step, I'd load the trailer up as you'd have it when you tow it and find the actual (not dry) tongue weight. Since weight weight distribution kits are classified by the range of tongue weights they're effective with, it's important to know the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to tow travel trailer. The weight of anything stowed behind the rear truck axle in the bed should be considered as tongue weight, as well. I'll link to an article that explains a few methods of determining the tongue weight. The easiest way to determine this would be to use a tongue weight/payload scale like the etrailer # e99044. Connect the scale to either your trailer's ball coupler or to its 2" jack for a weight reading. Unlike other scales, blocks or wood are not needed for setup.
The Curt # C17062 is rated for trailer tongue weights ranging from 800-1000 lbs, your trailer's tongue weight likely ranges from around 600-1200 lbs (the 480 sounds a little low to me.)
From what you describe, I think you're dealing with an unloaded travel trailer with a sway control system that's designed to resist minimal trailer sway. If you use a friction sway unit like what's provided with the
# C17062 on a trailer longer than 25 feet in length, we recommend using two of friction sway units like the Curt # 17200. Even then though, you'll end up with a sway control system designed for minimal amounts of sway. Also, a friction sway unit like that's used on your kit needs to be removed before backing the trailer up, as jackknifing the trailer would destroy the unit.
Since travel trailers are very susceptible to trailer sway caused by crosswinds or turbulence from passing or oncoming traffic, I'd personally go with a more effective system like the Equal-i-zer # EQ37120ET which is effective on trailer tongue weights ranging from 800-1200 lbs. If the fully loaded trailer tongue weight is less than 1000 lbs, a lower rated system like the # EQ37100ET which is rated for 600-1000 lbs would work better. Equal-i-zer makes an awesome product, which is why we literally sell tons of them.
Both systems include the hitch ball, but would require a 1-7/8 inch thin-walled socket to install the ball. If you don't have one available or can't borrow one, we carry one as part # EQ70-00-4800.
I've linked to some install/demonstration videos that you might find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 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
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt MV Weight Distribution System w/ Friction Sway Control - Round Bar - 10K GTW, 1K TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Does Not Allow Backing Up
- 900 lbs
- CURT
more information >
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