Weight Distribution for a 2013 Ram 1500 and 9,800 Pound Travel Trailer
Updated 09/22/2015 | Published 09/21/2015
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Question:
We are purchasing a Forest River Wildwood Travel Trailer. Its 33ft long and the GVWR is approx 9800lbs. We will be towing with a 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi, we confirmed with Chrysler that we were good to go with that weight. What weight distribution and sway control bar do you recommend?
asked by: Bobby L
Expert Reply:
To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
On a trailer weighing 9,800 pounds the tongue weight is likely going to be 980 to 1,470 pounds (10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight). For a system that covers almost that whole range I recommend Reese system # RP66561 rated for 700 to 1,400 pounds tongue weight since it is unlikely the tongue weight will be as high as 15 percent. Sway control is built in.
The included shank has a max rise of 6-1/2 inches and max drop of 1-1/4 inches. Other shanks are available separately if more rise or drop is needed. I have included some helpful links on weight distribution and determining tongue weight for you.
And for a ball for this system you can use # C40030 which has a 2-5/16 inch diameter.
