Should Weight Distribution Hitch Be Used With 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Towing Forest River Vibe 28RB

Question:

I had asked about hitches. I had a response giving a hitch but i gave the wrong trailer model. So, it is a new model 2019 Ram 1500 and a 2021 Vibe 28RB. Same hitch? I was given a Blue Ox recommendation by a salesman. What do you think? Thank you for your time !

asked by: T A

Expert Reply:

According to the 2019 Ram 1500 towing chart, a weight distribution hitch is recommended for trailers over 5,000 lbs. Based on that information, I would say you should use a WDH and not just a regular ball mount. I'm not entirely sure which trailer you have without the year, and I was unable to find the 28RK so I will use the 28RL.

The 28RL has a an unloaded weight of 7,096 lbs with a dry tongue weight of 821 lbs. The GVWR is 9,621 lbs so you're looking at roughly 1,100 lbs of tongue weight. The same would be true for the 26RK as well. Using that tongue weight, I recommend the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control # RP66084.

This system has a tongue weight range of 600-1,200 lbs. This will help keep you level and significantly reduce any sway using the sway-control cams. It also gives you a bit of a cushion on the higher side if you have your truck bed loaded since anything behind the rear axle is also added to the tongue weight. You will also need the # 19286 for a 2-5/16" or # A-90 for a 2" ball.

I have attached some helpful articles along with a review video for your reference.

expert reply by: Robin H

Terri A.

8/19/2022

Robin H.

8/19/2022

Not a problem, we can certainly update the hitch recommendation based on that information. The 28RB is slightly heavier with your tongue weight potentially over 1,300 lbs fully loaded so you will want a higher rated system. The # RP66130 would be the best choice with a tongue weight range of 1.000-1,500 lbs. This doesn't come with a shank so you will also need the # RP54970 in addition to the hitch balls previously mentioned. The dry tongue weight of that trailer is 959 lbs but with propane and other things added in you will easily be above the low end of the WDH. This is a large, heavy travel trailer so you want a system that will provide you with excellent sway control and do a great job keeping the weight distributed while loaded and unloaded. The Reese is going to give you the largest tongue weight range and also the best sway control so you have the best experience towing.