Is a Weight Distribution System Needed to Tow a Spree Escape E190 Trailer with Dodge 1500 Pickup

Question:

I am buying a 22foot light weight trailer and will tow it with a Dodge 1500 pickup. The manufacturer lists the dry tongue weight at 420 lb and the GVW at 3500 lb. It is listed at 2860 lb empty. The dealer says I dont need a WD hitch and I am inclined to agree but would like a second opinion. Thanks.

asked by: Tim B

Expert Reply:

The general rule of thumb for weight distribution systems is that a system should be used if the trailer weighs more than 50-percent of the tow vehicle weight. Since I do not know your truck model year I checked recent years and base weights for Dodge 1500 trucks. Base weights for 2013 Dodge 1500 trucks vary depending on power train, cab style, and box size from 4525-lbs to 5015-lbs. You can check your owners manual (or with your local dealership) to confirm the weight of your particular truck. You also need to ensure your hitch is rated for use with weight distribution systems; this will be indicated on its safety sticker.

Next you will want to weigh your loaded trailer. I found the same dry weight figures you quoted but you need its actual fully-loaded ready-to-tow weight with all gear and supplies, full water and propane tanks, and anything else you will have loaded when towing. If the fully-loaded trailer gross weight is more than 50-percent of your truck weight then a weight distribution system is called for.

The key factor for selecting a properly-matched weight distribution system for your trailer is its fully-loaded tongue weight. You need to add the weight of anything in your truck bed that is placed behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler, to your measured tongue weight. Once you know your total tongue weight load you can use this figure to select a system.

We offer a tongue weight scale, # e99044 from Sherline, but there are other methods to measure this that are outlined in the linked article. I have also included a link to a helpful article about weight distribution systems that will give you a lot of useful background information on the types of systems offered and which might be best compatible with your trailer.

I have included a link to our main page for weight distribution systems. At the top of the page you can select systems with or without sway control, and then on the next page you will choose the tongue weight that matches that of your fully-loaded trailer. This will display systems that offer the appropriate capacity based on your tongue weight.

For example, if your measured tongue weight is 600-lbs you could use the Reese SC Weight Distribution System Trunnion system with sway control and included shank, part # RP66153, along with 2-inch hitch ball # A-90.

expert reply by: Adam R