Eliminating Rear End Squat with 3200 lb V-Nose Trailer Hitched to 2014 Dodge Ram

Question:

I pull an enclosed trailer 16 x 7 v nose Cargo Express Tandem axle, 2300 lbs unloaded, probably 3200 lbs with my equipment. My truck still squats pretty good in the rear. Will the tdr1500ds do the trick? Is this all I need? Any spacers required etc.?

asked by: Brian M

Expert Reply:

A suspension enhancement product like the Timbren # TDR1500DS springs you mentioned is designed to primarily suspend cargo carried in the bed or cargo area of the tow vehicle, not so much to counteract squat caused by a trailer being hitched to the vehicle. A weight distribution (W/D) system is designed to transfer a portion of the trailer tongue weight to the front axle of the tow vehicle, which levels out the ride height more effectively than a suspension product would.

You can learn more about W/D systems by checking out the help articles I've linked you to. The first step in choosing a W/D system is do determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of the trailer. There are several ways to do this, one of the articles I've linked to addresses this.

Since the tongue weight of a trailer is usually between 10-15 percent of its fully loaded weight, your tongue weight is likely somewhere between 300-500 lbs. The Reese Trunnion Bar W/D system, part # RP66540 would be a good choice for you. The system is effective on trailers with tongue weights from 200-600 lbs, which would be ideal for a trailer of your size. The chain hangers mount to the trailer frame, approximately 30 inches rearward along the frame from the trailer ball. If the V-nose of the trailer blocks access to the trailer frame in this area, you'd need to use a Bolt-On Chain Hanger, part # RP58305.

The # RP66540 includes the weight distributing shank, but the trailer ball is sold separately. For a 2 inch ball, use part # A-90 or part # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.