Weight Distribution and Sway Control Recommendations for a 2010 Dodge Ram and 6,450 Pound Trailer

Question:

Ive purchased a 26 foot travel trailer, dry weight 6450 and tongue weight of 710lbs. Itll be pulled with 2010 dodge ram - 5.7L hemi. I want the safest system out there as Im new to trailering 2nd year coming up and Im stuck on a couple of questions: 1. Is there really that significant a difference between a dual cam system and friction bar only system? My dealer that I bought the trailer from is just recommending the standard friction control system.... pro series. 2. Whats the difference safety wise or easy of use between a trunnion bar and round bar? 3. Whats the proper weight limit or size of the WD system I should be using for the specs on my truck/trailer? They have me in for an 800lbs system... is that enough? Thanks for any insight and recommendations.

asked by: Shawn

Helpful Expert Reply:

There is a huge difference between dual-cam sway control and friction sway control. Dual-cam is an active system. It forces the truck and trailer to ride in a straight line, stopping sway before it starts. Friction sway control is a reactive system. It works to stop sway after sway has already started. With dual-cam, inclement weather is not an issue. But with friction sway control, you have to disengage the friction sway control in inclement weather.

On trailers that weigh more than 6,000 pounds or are longer than 26 feet, and you want to use friction bars like # 83660, you would have to use 2 of them. One would not be effective enough.

For the spring bars trunnion style bars are considered more heavy duty. They provide better ground clearance and are easier to install. Round bars drop lower at the head so on shorter vehicles there could be ground clearance issues. round bars are held in the head with small clips that make installation take a little longer whereas trunnion bars just rotate into the head quickly.

As far as weight capacity goes you want a system that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses the total tongue weight when loaded and ready to tow. Total tongue weight is the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

If the total tongue weight of the trailer is 710 pounds then a system rated up to 800 pounds such as # RP66073 would be fine. This system does not come with a shank because you will need one that provides the correct rise or drop to tow your trailer level. I have included a link to an FAQ article that will help you measure. The FAQ is on regular ball mounts but the same method can be used to find a shank. I have also linked the compatible shanks for you.

You will also need a properly sized ball. Use # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch. I have also included links to determining tongue weight and weight distribution and sway control FAQs.