Do I Need To Use A Weight Distribution System When Towing My Trailer?
Question:
i HAVE A 24, 3 axle trailer. Just refitted it with new brakes, hubs, wheels and tires I bought from you. Now rated for 3x6000=18000 pounds, less the weight of the trailer. Havent weighed it yet, but we were told it was 2800 pounds. I pull it with a 2015 Dodge 2500. The truck s 1.75 when I connect the trailer. Do I always need a weight distribution hitch? They can be cumbersome to rig.
asked by: Rick T
Expert Reply:
Needing or not needing a weight distribution system will depend on how your 2015 Dodge Ram 2500 handles the trailer and I always tell people to try towing without one before biting the bullet. If the back of your truck is squatting when you are hooked up and or you are experiencing sway when towing, then yes I highly recommend using a weight distribution system at all times. On the other hand, if you are not really getting any squatting in the rear end and not feeling any sway problems, then you wont need one.
With all that said, if you are not really needing anything for weight distribution, but you are getting sway, we do have the Tuson Asymmetric Sway Control # 335TSC-1000. This wires directly into the wire going to the brakes and will activate them as needed to stop sway in its tracks. It is a little on the expensive side, but I have had pretty good feedback with it and it is a lot easier than having to hook up a weight distribution system all the time.
If you are getting both squatting and swaying, I recommend the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control # RP66075. This will have a 1,000 pound to 1,700 pound tongue weight range and a 17,000 pound max towing capacity. It will indeed be a bit tedious to have to set up every time you are getting ready to tow, but from my experience, it does a good job with distributing the weight of the trailer and the best job of dealing with sway. This does not include a shank or ball though, so you will also need something like the Reese Weight Distribution Shank # RP54998, depending on how much drop you need, and the 2-5/16" ball # C40008.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tuson Asymmetric Sway Control - 1 to 4 Axles
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Only
- Severe Sway
- Tuson RV Brakes
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 20,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Reese Weight Distribution Shank - 16,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Shanks
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Round - 2 Inch Drop
- Trunnion - 2 Inch Drop
- Round - 7 Inch Rise
- Trunnion - 8 Inch Rise
- Reese
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 17K GTW, 1,700 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- 1400 lbs
- 1500 lbs
- 1600 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5.2K & 6K Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Integrated Drum
- Easy Grease
- EZ Lube
- Pre-Greased
- 25580
- 15123
- For 5200 lbs Axles
- For 6000 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 6 on 5-1/2 Inch
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- 16-1/2 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
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