Best Weight Distribution and Sway Control for 7606 lbs. GVWR Travel Trailer

Question:

I have a travel trailer with a GVWR of 7606 lbs., dry weight of 4677 lbs., and hitch weight of 606. I would be pulling this with a 2012 Ram 2500 4x4 quad cab Laramie Longhorn short bed with the 6.7L Cummins and 3.73 gearing. The truck is stock height. What would be the best overall weight distribution and sway control setup? I have heard good and bad about a number of the popular choices out there and just need to find what would work best for this truck/trailer combo. I have never used anything like this before so hopefully the setup isnt to difficult to fine tune. A number of folks with similar trailers seem to mention their hitch weight is much more than listed.

asked by: Greg S

Expert Reply:

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow, this figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached an FAQ on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well.

Typically tongue weight is 10-15 percent of the total trailer weight, so let's say your trailer is loaded to the max and has 15 percent tongue weight. This would put you right under 1,200 lbs. Which honestly the Strait Line System part # RP66074 that you referenced would be perfect for. This system has the only sway control system on the market that proactively works to stop sway before it starts so it would be an excellent choice.

For a shank the most common size needed is the part # RP54970.

expert reply by: Jameson C