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

Question

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

0

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

0

Answer 1

You are correct, the difference between the Electric Brake Assembly for 6K Axles, part #23-458 / 23-459 and the Electric Brake Assembly for 7K axles, part #23-180 / #23-181, is that the 7K brake assembly has a stronger magnet, and also has a…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Yes, the gooseneck hitch balls for the factory prep packages are the same for Ram and Ford. If you need a new hitch ball for either of these systems than you can use the Curt Pop-In Ball part #C60601 or the Reese Pop-In Ball part #RP19311.

view full answer...

Answer 3

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…

view full answer...

Answer 4

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…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Great question, Jeff! When the Rota-Flex first came out it renovated what a pin box could do and be, but at this point in time that technology is a little more dated and the Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel Pin Box #325-GH-8040 is the "new…

view full answer...

Answer 6

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…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The Hellwig Adjustable Big Wig Rear Anti-Sway Bar #HE94FR is only going to leave a few inches between it and the spare tire, as you can see in the attached picture. Depending on how far forward you have the tire it could potentially interfere with…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Most fifth wheel rails are made to the same industry standard dimensions. They aren't all though. If you measure 22 inches on center between the two rails and they look like the rails of the #RP30035 that you referenced they would be the industry…

view full answer...

Answer 9

To get the B&W Patriot #BWRVK3200 to work with your 2006 Dodge Ram you're going to need a set of 5th wheel rails #DM8552016-71. These rails are custom fit to your vehicle so they'll just bolt right up to the frame. It is worth mentioning…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Since the pin weight of your camper is 2.1k, I recommend going with the LoadLifter 5000 opposed to the 7500. While technically there is not reason you couldn't use the 7500 kit, it really is not necessary for a camper like yours. Generally the…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The Ram OEM 5th wheel puck system, shown in the linked photo and article, was launched in 2013 so what you have in your truck is likely to be an aftermarket installation of some kind. These newer Ram trucks with the factory prep can directly accept a…

view full answer...

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

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching