Weight Distribution Recommendation for Grand Design Transcend Xplor 265BH Towed by 2021 Ram 2500
Question:
HI there, I have a 2021 Ram 2500 Mega Cab with the Cummins and no air suspension. It has the rear coil springs. Im towing a 33 foot Grand Design Transcend Xplor 265BH travel trailer with a loaded weight of around 8000 pounds 6500 empty, and a tongue weight of 850 pounds. Thats a true tongue weight because I actually measured it with a scale. Please note that this weight is after a few weeks of towing, where Ive gradually been moving weight from the tongue to the back of the camper to improve the ride. Im probably too tail-heavy now, but even so, removing that weight has improved the ride some. Im still compressing the rear springs maybe 2 inches with this setup... not sure about the front springs. In addition to the tongue weight, I probably have 50-100 pounds of stuff behind the rear axle in the bed of the truck. Im currently using an Andersen hitch bought for my previous, smaller trailer but I wonder if its just not cutting it. I have it tightened up as high as I dare 9 threads, but I cant stop the bouncing completely. Im interested in a more heavy duty WDH like a Blue Ox or something. I read a comment on your website that the Rams may require an over-rated WDH to compensate for the soft rear springs. Do you think Id be better to go for a beefier WDH and move some weight forward to load the tongue again? If so, which model WDH? Or do you think Id be better to get SumoSprings or something like that to help stabilize the Ram springs when loaded? Or both? Thanks!
asked by: Chris
Expert Reply:
Weight distribution with the cargo moved forward in your trailer is going to be your best overall solution for ride quality, sag reduction, and improved handling/braking when towing. The Andersen WD system you have doesn't really do much when the tongue weight gets as high as your setup also. Worth mentioning is that you would want to be careful relocating cargo weight to the rear of the trailer as doing that often times causes sway.
So the best WD system would be the Reese Strait Line part # RP66084 which has a tongue weight range of 600-1,200 lbs and features best sway control at preventing sway before it starts.
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Will Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Brackets Sit Low Enough for Generator Box Door Clearance
- Article: Which Sway Control Hitch is Right For Your Trailer?
- Article: 2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Q&A: Recommended Weight Distribution System for a Nucamp Tab 400
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Q&A: Is Noise and Slightly Bent Trunnion Bars Safe for a Weight Distribution System
- Q&A: Comparing Reese Strait Line And Dual Cam II Weight Distribution Hitches
- Article: 5 Tips to Confidently Choose Your Weight Distribution Hitch
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver and Weight Distribution System for 2007 HS M30SFS and Trailer
- Q&A: How to Tell if Trailer is Standard or Underslung for B&W Continuum Weight Distribution System
- Q&A: Replacement Arms and Shank for Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: The Best Towing Mirrors