Excessive Trailer Sway Towing 32-Foot Travel Trailer with 6-Inch-Lifted Ram 2500 with 37-Inch Tires
Question:
I have a 2012 Ram 2500 4wd. 6inch lift and 37inch tires. I have traction bars, but no rear sway bars on the truck. Pulled my 32foot travel trailer today, and too much random sway. I pulled the same camper with my non-lifted 2011 Ford f250, with no sway at all. Tires are load range E, but I know tall tires would have a lot more flex in the sidewalls. I also know a lifted truck throws off all engineered geometry. I have weightdistribution and travel trailer sits mostly level, with my 10,000 lb major down shank I bought from you a month ago. Is it even worth spending the money on a Reese Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control system with the cam set up to try to get the sway under control?
asked by: Robert B
Helpful Expert Reply:
My technical contact at Reese confirmed that using a properly-rated and -installed weight distribution/sway control system such as the Reese Dual Cam should provide some reduction in trailer sway. You are correct that the sway you are experiencing when towing with your lifted Ram 2500 with 37-inch tires could be a result of the altered geometry in the tow vehicle, in particular the higher center of gravity.
If your current weight distribution set-up has your trailer out of level when hitched then this is more likely to contribute to trailer sway than the particular choice of system. An off-level trailer will always be more likely to sway. You will potentially have a tough time finding a weight distribution shank with enough drop to allow your trailer to remain level when hitched to your lifted truck.
You will need to take measurements of the height of the hitch ball on the truck and the height of the trailer coupler when the trailer is level. The difference between the two is the amount of drop you will need from a weight distribution shank. For example Reese weight distribution shank # RP3344 provides up to 8-5/6-inches of drop if used with a round bar system. The shank you are using, part # RP63971, provides only up to 6-1/2-inches of drop at maximum.
I also recommend checking the manual or with the manufacturer of your lift kit to confirm that the kit does not lower the vehicle's tow rating.
I have linked you to an article on weight distribution systems that will provide useful background.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Pro Series Weight Distribution Shank - 14" Long - 4-3/4" or 6-1/2" Drop - 1.5K TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Shanks
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Round - 6 Inch Drop
- Trunnion - 4 Inch Drop
- Pro Series
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Video: Review of Taylor Made Boat Accessories - 36957933
- Video: Surco Vans and RV Lawn Chair Rack Review
- Video: Review of Lippert Components RV Awnings - LC643921
- Video: Review of Taylor Made 4 Foot Teakwood Boat Flag Pole - 36960756
- Video: Review of Taylor Made Boat Accessories - Aluminum Flag Pole - 369918
- Video: etrailer RV Bumper Cargo Carrier Review e99049
- Video: Lippert Underchassis Double Bin Storage Unit Review
- Search Results: bike rack
- Search Results: flags and flagpoles
- Search Results: 2 tank propane regulator
- Search Results: lawn chair rack
- Search Results: lawn chair racks
- Search Results: cargo carrier
- Search Results: bumper bike rack
- Shop: Surco Lawn Chair Rack for Vans and RVs - Ladder Mount
- Shop: MORryde RV Cargo Sliding Tray - 90" x 39" - 2 Way Slide - 60 Percent Extension - 800 lbs
- Shop: Taylor Made Boat Flag Pole with Charlevoix Flag Clips - 36" Long - Anodized Aluminum
- Shop: Replacement Back Cover for Solera Power Awnings - Drive Head or Idler Head - Regal Style - Black
- Shop: Shocker Hitch HD Air 2-Ball Mount w/ Sway Control Tabs - 3" Hitch - 4-1/2" Drop - 20K
- Shop: 24x40 etrailer Cargo Carrier for RV Bumper - Steel - Folding - 500 lbs
- Shop: Taylor Made Skipper Flag Clips for Boat Flag Poles - Qty 4
- Q&A: How to Determine if Trailer Axle is Not Aligned and How to Measure to Replace Trailer Axle
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Determining Replacement Hub And Bearings For Dexter P-12 SLR Trailer Axle
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Q&A: Availability of 7-1/2-inch-long V-Shaped Replacement Keel Roller for Boat Trailer
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Trailer Grease Seal to Replace 127194TB
on Accessories and Parts
