Recommended Weight Distribution System for a 2007 Sunline Camper?

Question:

My wife and I are brand new to towing a camper. We just purchased a 24 ft 2007 Sunline Solaris T-2363 that has a listed UVW of 4200 Lbs, Listed TW is 520 Lbs, Listed GVWR is 6000 Lbs with a Max cargo of 1800 Lbs. For a tow vehicle, We are using a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie Quad Cab 4wd with 5.7 Hemi that has the factory tow package with factory installed in dash brake control and a 2inch receiver. The dealer we bought the truck from stated the maximum towing capacity of the truck is 10500 lbs. we want to be safe as possible and also not purchase the wrong thing for our needs so we are trying to find out if this WD system is the best choice for our application and honestly, If a WD system is needed at all. I just brought the camper home 2 days ago and had no issues with towing on the interstate at 65mph. I dont have any experience to compare what it was like but I do know the trailer tracked well and I never felt like the trailer was swaying. The weather was really calm and sunny that day though so there was no wind and only 1 semi passed me and he was maybe going 10 mph faster than me. I estimate that with all our gear packed and ready to go, the total cargo will usually be between 800 and 1000 pounds. We wont be carrying water as we will fill at the campground but we will have 2 house batteries and 2 propane tanks on the tongue and I know the 520 listed TW does not account for that. Any help and or recommendations will be greatly appreciated. We are new and really want to do things right from the start. So far, the only recommendation I have was from our dealer, who owns a camper, and he recommended we look at getting a wd system that was trunnion style. Thank You.

asked by: John A

Expert Reply:

From the weights you provided, I would actually suggest the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-0800. This will have a maximum tongue weight of 800 pounds and a minimum tongue weight of 400 pounds. What you really want to do to get the correct weight distribution system is shoot for the middle of its capacity range. The # FA92-00-0600 will have a maximum tongue weight of 600 pounds and will be cutting it a little close. Especially with the propane tanks and batteries not being filled or installed yet.

With all that being said, weight distribution is not always needed. If your 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 is handling the trailer without issues, you may not need it. What I tend to tell people that are not sure if they want to get a weight distribution system or not, is to tow a few times. If you are not getting any issues and everything feels fine, you can definitely forgo it. I will say though, adding one on will not hurt your towing experience at all and can only help. Especially during bad weather that could potentially cause sway.

expert reply by: Lazer S