Weight Distribution System for an Arctic Fox Travel Trailer and 2006 Dodge Ram 2500
Question:
I will be towing a Arctic Fox 22GQ trailer with a Gross Dry Weight of 5030, and a GVWR of 7500 lbs. My tow vehicle is a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 Heavy Duty, 5.9L Cummins Diesel, Automatic Transmission. Do I need a weight distribution hitch for this vehicle and trailer combination?
asked by: Craig W
Expert Reply:
Weight distribution is a good idea if the trailer weighs at least 50 percent of the vehicle weight or if when hitched up the back of the tow vehicle sags. In your case weight distribution would be a good idea.
When choosing a system you will want 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 the rear axle of the tow vehicle. If the dry weight of the trailer is 5,030 pounds then the minim tongue weight of the trailer will be 503 pounds. When loaded to capacity at 7,500 pounds it could be as high as 1,125. This does not include anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
Curt system # 17301 will not be rated high enough if you are on the upper end of the scale. I recommend a system with a wide tongue weight capacity range of 600 to 1,200 pounds, # RP66542. With this system you will need to add a ball. You can use # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch.
To add sway control you can use # 83660. If the gross trailer weight ends up being over 6,000 pounds then go with 2 of these systems because 1 will not be sufficient for a trailer over 6,000 pounds.
If your trailer has anything mounted at the front of the frame like propane or water tanks, those can interfere with the bracket installation. If this is the case on your trailer you will need to replace the regular lift brackets with chain hangers # RP58305.
I have included some links on weight distribution and tongue weight for you.
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Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 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
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- Reese
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Chain Hangers for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Bolt On
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Chain Hangers
- Reese
more information >
Reese Weight Distribution System w/ Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD Only
- No Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >