Weight Distribution and Sway Control Hitch for 27ft Dutchman Classic Towed by 1996 Dodge 2500  

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Expert Reply:

Selecting a properly-tuned weight distribution/sway control system requires that your hitch be rated for this application - it will say so on its safety sticker - and that you know your trailer's fully-loaded ready-to-tow tongue weight. The linked article offers several methods to measure tongue weight (TW) including with a scale # e99044. To the loaded trailer's measured TW you need to add the weight of anything in the truck that sits behind the tow vehicle's rear axle, such as filled gas cans, a generator or a toolbox. Once you know this total effective tongue weight you can select a WD system.

The key is to choose a system such that your total effective TW falls in the middle of the system's operating range. A WD hitch rated too low will not give you the desired weight redistribution to the truck's front axle; and one rated too high can result in jumpy and erratic handling. For example, if your effective tongue weight happens to be 1200-lbs, then a suitable system would be rated for TWs ranging from 1000 - 1400-lbs. The Pro Series system you referenced, part # PS49582, works for TW in the range of 550 - 750-lbs and would likely be far too light for your trailer.

Sway control comes in two flavors, prevention and correction. I recommend a sway prevention set-up as it will deliver better handling and spare you more of those white-knuckle moments such as when a semi truck passes you on the highway. I have provided a link to our page for all systems that include the required shank and that prevent sway. You can click on your TW figure to see compatible systems.

For a 1200-lb TW I recommend the Blue Ox Sway Pro # BXW1500 since it is compatible with both electric and surge brakes, offers good ground clearance thanks to its trunnion style bars and since it allows you to back up the trailer. All you need to add is a hitch ball, part # A-90. Please refer to the linked video.

An article with lots of additional information on weight distribution is also linked for your review.

expert reply by: Adam R

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