Will Pro Series Weight Distribution Work on 1998 Dodge Ram Towing 24ft Camper  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

Before making a final decision on a weight distribution system, I recommend carefully calculating the tongue weight of your trailer when it is loaded and ready to go with all supplies, cargo, and full water and propane tanks. You also need to add the weight of anything that will be hauled in the tow vehicle behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler. For a portable and easy way to measure tongue weight, try using a scale like, # e99044. I am including an article on measuring tongue weight which may be of help to you.

The Pro Series Weight Distribution System with Friction Sway Control, # PS49583, that you mentioned has a 10,000 pound gross tow weight (GTW) rating with a tongue weight (TW) rating of 750 to 1,000 pounds.

After doing a little research it looks as though the weight of a 1985 24ft Mallard Coach is around 4,500 pounds when empty and I am going to estimate an additional 500 pounds for cargo. The tongue weight of a trailer is typically 10 - 15 percent of the trailer's fully loaded weight. When towing about a 5,000 pound travel trailer with your 1998 Dodge Ram 1500, I am going to estimate that your tongue weight will fall somewhere between 500 and 750 pounds. In this case, you would be at the very low end of the system's rating and could possibly go with a smaller system.

Just a reminder, you will want to follow the weight limitations of the component with the lowest weight rating. This would include your truck, the hitch, and the weight distribution system. Also double check that the hitch you plan to use is compatible with a weight distribution system. The sticker on the hitch should give you two different capacities, one for gross trailer weight, one for GTW with weight distribution.

expert reply by: Leah S

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