Weight Distribution for a 2006 Dodge Durango 4WD Pulling a 2 Horse Trailer

Question:

Hello, I recently purchased a 2005 Dodge Durango 4WD, with a 5.7L Hemi Engine and standard factory tow package. I have a bumper pull 2 horse trailer. I usually tow two horses, and I have used it once loaded with 2 horses and experienced no problems, but I was recently told that all SUVs must have equalizer bars installed to prevent swaying. Is this correct? I know the Durango has a class IV hitch, but I am unclear on how to determine the tongue weight of the trailer. The Doge manual says that any tongue weight over 350 pounds requires stabilizer bars. Are these different from equalizer bars? I am very confused!

asked by: Sarah D

Expert Reply:

I believe the manual is referring to weight distribution and sway control. Even with WD and sway control added, you will not gain any extra tongue weight capacity. If you are towing more than 50 percent of your vehicles weight, sway control and weight distribution should be used. I have included an FAQ on weight distribution below. To determine tongue weight, you can follow the method in the Trailer Towing Tips FAQ linked below. Generally speaking, the tongue weight should be between 10 and 15 percent of the gross trailer weight, fully loaded and ready to tow.

If your owners manual states that you need weight distribution for a tongue weight over 350 pounds, and your trailer is exceeding that weight, I recommend the Reese Round Bar Strait-Line Hitch with Shank, # RP66084. This system is weight distribution and sway control. The system used pro-active sway control that stops sway control before it starts.

expert reply by: Michael H