2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Squats when Towing Livestock Trailer
Question:
I have a 2009 dodge 1500 quad cab. Question is I pull 16ft bumper hitch livestock trailer. I have stock suspension right now. An when loaded truck squats to bad and I need to do something. Thought about air bags but afraid thats not gonna be enough. I dont pull it all the time but prolly a dozen times a year. Any recommendations? Its also 4x4
asked by: Jeff L
Expert Reply:
When vehicle squat is caused bu the tongue weight of a trailer the best solution is to use weight distribution on the trailer. Weight distribution will distribute the tongue weight of the trailer more evenly to all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer and take care of that squat.
In order to determine the correct system for you I would need to know the total tongue weight. 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. I have included a link to our FAQ article that covers how you can determine the tongue weight.
Other factors that will affect which system to use is the design of the trailer and how much space is available at the front part of the trailer frame. I would need to know how tall and wide the frame is and how much space there is measured from the center of the ball cavity on the coupler back along the frame rail to the body of the trailer. In most circumstances you will need at least 24 to 31 inches of free space from coupler to body of trailer.
If there is not enough space on the trailer for weight distribution then the next best thing is to use some sort of suspension enhancement to level the truck. But this is not ideal for squat caused by a trailer but rather for squat caused by carrying a load in the bed. I have included a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution for you as well.
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Timbren Suspension Enhancement System - Severe Service - Rear Axle
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- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
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- Timbren
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