How to Address a Sagging Rear End in a 2017 Ram 1500 Pulling a Travel Trailer

Question:

We have a 2021forest river vibe 26rk with a dry weight of 6328 and are using a recently purchased a 2017 dodge Ram 1500 with tow package truck ,what do you recommend to install to prevent the squatting of about 3 inches when we are hooked up ,thank you for your assistance.

asked by: Bob A

Expert Reply:

Congrats on the new truck! I saw you were looking at suspension enhancement but I want to point you towards using a weight distribution system to address the sagging. It will level out your truck and trailer by transferring some of the weight from your Ram's rear axle to the front.

Your 2021 Forest River Vibe 26RK has a tongue weight right around 1,000 lbs when fully loaded. With this in mind, I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control item # EQ37120ET. This works with trailer's that have a tongue weight between 800 lbs - 1,200 lbs so you'll be right in the middle of that range. The built in sway control will also help keep your trailer in line with your Ram when you are driving down the highway and get passed by a semi or make a sudden move.

If you do decide to go with suspension enhancement the Timbren System item # TDR1500DS you were looking at will make your daily driving miserable so stay away from it all together. It's just a giant rubber bump stomp that your suspension will bounce on. The SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs item # SSR-307-47 are a way better option. They use a system called progressive load control that only engages when there is weight pushing down on the rear end of your Ram.

expert reply by: Jerred H

Bob A.

3/10/2024

Thank you so much for your response. We do have a sway bar that is 10,000 pounds do you think we should upgrade to a 12,000 pound sway-bar or just add the sumo springs to help with the sagging . Thanks

Jerred H.

3/10/2024

@BobA No problem! I would make sure it is set up correctly but if you're still sagging it could definitely be under capacity. Try going down an extra bolt on the shank and see if that helps. The Ram's sit pretty high.