Weight Distribution for 15,000 Pound Amped Trailer and 2012 Ram 3500

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Question:

I have a 2012 3500 dodge Larimee, It has air bags and front suspension lift. I just purchased a 2015 Amped it will have a GTW OF 15000. Currently it is about 11000. And was having a hard time with the reese cam 12000. We are worried we arent able to pull our trailer safely with our system. My husband has plenty of experience hauling heavy loads but this hauling situation is making him a little nervous any suggestions on what we should be using as a weight distribution /trunnion/sway set up.

asked by: Talliah

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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.

A trailer that weighs 11,000 pounds would have a tongue weight around 1,100 to 1,650 pounds (10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight). Using a 1,200 pound system is not recommended because even unloaded and with nothing in the truck bed you are likely exceeding the capacity of the system.

I recommend going with a Blue Ox SwayPro system rated for 2,000 pounds tongue weight # BXW2000. This system also has a gross trailer weight capacity of 20,000 pounds. For a 2-5/16 inch ball I recommend # 63840.

If you have the trailer loaded to its 15,000 pound capacity then the tongue weight of the trailer alone could climb to 2,250 pounds. In that case you would need an even stronger system. But for that you will need a different hitch.

If your truck came with the factory trailer hitch then you would need TorkLift SuperHitch Magnum # TLD1102-30. This is the only setup that will have a tongue weight capacity high enough to handle 2,250 pounds (up to 3,000 pounds) but only if the truck has the factory hitch and only with a weight distribution system rated that high.

For a weight distribution system rated that high the only option is the Everest # TLWD1000. I have linked a video review of this system for you. It is the most heavy duty system we have. You will also need to add a shank using # TLM9010 or # TLM9011 and a ball using # C40085. I have included some helpful links on weight distribution and tongue weight for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 2

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 3

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 4

Hey Paul, we have great hitch solutions for the OEM pucks of your 2024 Ford F-350 short bed but whether or not you need a slider hitch is going to be based on the design of the trailer you plan to tow. Normally with a short bed truck you need a…

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Answer 5

Yes, the puck system used on the 2016-2019 Chevy/GMC trucks is different than the pucks used on the 2020 and newer trucks. So you would need a 5th wheel like the B&W Companion #BWRVK3710 for your 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 with an 8' Bed. If you…

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Answer 6

It sounds like the purpose of getting the air helper spring would be to counteract the 1 inch compression you're getting in your rear suspension caused by the pin weight of your 5th wheel. If that's the case, I believe that the AirLift 5000…

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Answer 7

Hi Bob; is your Patriot the slider #BWRVK3270 you looked at or the fixed #BWRVK3255? I know you said fixed mount hitch but since you looked at the slider I want to be sure. If it is the fixed hitch you can use the Adapter Rails for Curt 5th Wheel…

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Answer 8

You do not have to use a sliding 5th wheel hitch in a short bed truck. In many cases, truck beds shorter than 8 ft do not have enough clearance between the trailer and truck to execute sharp turns. This is why sliding hitches were invented. Due to…

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Answer 9

Having the puck system is a great feature. If you ever plan on loading the bed with mulch, sand or rock you'll quickly find that having rails permanently bolted to the bed floor is a real pain. Not only that, but the pucks look a lot better.…

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Answer 10

Great questions! Reese actually makes the OEM puck system for Ford so if the 2022 F-250 is cheaper by a lot then I recommend going that route and installing the Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit #RP87FR. The only thing you'll really be missing…

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Answer 11

Thank you for the photo of your 2016 Ram 3500's bed rail which sits 59-inches above ground. You are correct that the recommended minimum clearance between a bed rail and the underside of the trailer's overhang is 5 to 6-inches, as shown in…

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Answer 12

As far as height adjustability and weight capacities the Curt Q20 #C16130 and the Curt A20 #C16140 are identical. They both have a Gross Towing Weight of 20,000 lbs, a Vertical Load Limit of 5,000 lbs, and a height range of 13-17 inches. When it…

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Weight Distribution for 15,000 Pound Amped Trailer and 2012 Ram 3500

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