Weight Distribution System Recommendation for 2017 Ram Promaster 1500 Towing Travel Trailer

Question:

Would like to tow a travel trailer with a GVWR of 4000 lbs, tongue weight of 465 - 495 lbs, with our 2017 Rain Promaster 1500 van, which is rated to tow a maximum of 5100 lbs and max tongue weight of 500 lbs. It has a factory installed 2inch hitch. Since this is a unibody vehicle with front wheel drive, do we need a weight distributing hitch and/or a sway control? The GCVWR of the van is 11,500 lbs, GVWR of 8550 lbs, base weight of 4657 lbs, payload rating is 3890 lbs, GAWR front is 4629 lbs and rear GAWR is 5291 lbs. Thank you.

asked by: Jeff R

Expert Reply:

Any time the trailer weighs more than half the weight of a tow vehicle it is an extremely good idea to use a weight distribution system. This will reduce sag, reduce sway from passing vehicles/wind, improve braking, handling, and your headlights won't point at the sky. This is true for uni-body or full frame vehicles. For a system based on the weights you mentioned a Reese WD system like the part # RP67509 that you referenced would work great as it has a tongue weight range of 400 to 800 lbs. If you wanted a similar system but with the best sway control that fights to prevent sway before it starts you'd instead want the Strait Line part # RP66083.

expert reply by: Jameson C