How to Pick out a Weight Distribution System with Sway Control for a 2012 Ram 3500

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Question:

We have a 2012 3500 Ram mega cab 4X4 and intend to tow a Forest River Vengeance 300V. What do you recommend regarding weight dist and sway control? Is the factory tow hitch up to this? In particular the tongue weight. Do they require drilling on the trailer to install? What sort of drop will I need on the hitch? Thanks

asked by: Dave C

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Expert Reply:

The first thing you need to know in order to pick out the correct weight distribution system is the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is ready to tow. This is the most important factor to consider and I attached an FAQ article on how to determine this figure for you to check out also.

To determine if your vehicle is capable of using weight distribution you will need to consult the owners manual. There should be a section on towing that will have towing capacities and any restrictions listed. Typically, there are two towing capacities. The capacities without weight distribution and the capacities with weight distribution.

You will need to drill into the frame to install the chain hangers.

A weight distribution system will help you tow your trailer with less sway, better braking and handling performance and better tire wear.

For a sway control system to go along with the Weight Distribution system # RP66131 that you referenced I would recommend the Reese Dual Cam Sway Control # RP26002. This system is one of the best on the market because it proactively works to prevent sway before it starts.

To determine what drop ball mount you need check out the FAQ article I attached that details how to determine the required ball mount drop.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind…

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Answer 2

Since your loaded tongue weight is only 740 lbs you want to go with the 1,200 lb bar, part #RP66009, as this gives you a tongue weight range of 600 lbs - 1,200 lbs which is more than enough for your towing setup. If you went with the 1,500 lb bar…

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Answer 3

Yes, you would just need to replace the spring bars of the #RP66084 and you would have basically the #RP66083 as that is the only difference. For spring bars you would then just need a quantity of 2 of the part #RP22225.

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Answer 4

You can upgrade your Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System with Sway Control, 10,000 pounds GTW, 600 pounds TW #RP66082 with the 800 pound trunnion bars, #RP22225 to increase your system's tongue weight. The part number includes 1 bar, so…

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Answer 5

In order to increase the capacity of the #RP66082 to 800 lbs, you'd replace your existing spring bars with part #RP22225. The #RP22225 replacement trunnion spring bar has an 800 lb capacity. This bar would best be used on trailers with a fully…

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Answer 6

When determining the correct spring bars for your trailer you will need to take into account the weight of gear loaded behind the rear axle of the truck and the additional tongue weight loaded in the camper. I believe larger is better but in your…

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Answer 7

On top of the spring bars there should be a sticker with the tongue weight rating for the spring bars listed. Hopefully it is still there! You could use a tongue weight scale like the part #e99044 to determine what your tongue weight is and from…

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Answer 8

Yes, we do offer replacement trunnion bars for weight distribution (WD) systems like the Reese #RP66022 that you referenced. You can click on the link provided to see all replacement trunnion bars for Reese and other brands. You will want to choose…

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Answer 9

The bolts that secure to the Rivet Nuts for Reese Dual Cam High Performance Weight Distribution #RP58507 aren't available from Reese as a replacement part but you should be able to find them fairly easily at your local hardware or home…

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Answer 10

It looks like the set screw on your weight distribution system is bent along with the part of the snap-up bracket it goes through. This is normally an indication that the system was overloaded, the trailer requires a higher capacity system, or the…

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Answer 11

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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How to Pick out a Weight Distribution System with Sway Control for a 2012 Ram 3500

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