Weight Distribution System for a 2014 Ram 2500 and Trailer with 850 Pounds Tongue Weight

Updated 02/09/2016 | Published 02/08/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - 12 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

(76)

$874.52

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2621)

$22.57

2-5/16" Hitch Ball w/ 1" Rise - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Raw - 25K

(509)

$37.47

Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15K GTW, 1,500 lbs TW

(70)

$896.45

Question:

Hello. We just bought a brand new 36ft travel trailer and our old WD hitch isnt rated high enough to pull it. I already have a hitch from our last hitch. Our new campers hitch weight is 855 lbs. I was wounding how heavy of a hitch should I buy. My tow vehicle is a 2014 Ram 2500 with the diesel option.

asked by: Ryan

Helpful 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.

If that total tongue weight is 855 pounds then I recommend a system that is rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds tongue weight such as # RP66074. Since you already have the shank you will not need to add one. If the ball you have with the old system is not rated high enough I recommend # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.

If you think that you may end up exceed 1,200 pounds tongue weight I recommend the next step up, # RP66130, which is rated for 800 to 1,500 pounds tongue weight. For a 2-5/16 inch ball for this system I recommend # C40086. I have included some links on weight distribution and determining tongue weight for you.

expert reply by: Michael H