Weight Distribution for a 2015 Ram 1500 and 8,500 Pound Travel Trailer

Published 07/07/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

(172)

$1154.04

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

(509)

$37.47

Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW

(64)

$179.77

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

(70)

$896.45

Question:

I have a 2016 Ram 1500. I will be pulling a 26 ft , 8500 lb rv. When attached to the truck the back of the truck drops 2 in. Do you recommend a wdh and if so any recommendations on which one. Thanks

asked by: Rick O

Expert Reply:

Weight distribution is definitely a good idea and will eliminate the squat on your 2016 Ram 1500 when the trailer is coupled. 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.

Trailer tongue weight is usually 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight so an 8,500 pound trailer would have an estimated tongue weight of 850 to 1,275 pounds. For a system that covers this whole possible range I recommend Reese Strait-Line system # RP66130. It is rated for 800 to 1,500 pounds tongue weight.

It also comes with dual-cam sway control that prevents trailer sway before it starts. The only other parts you will need are a ball, # C40086, and a shank with the right amount of rise or drop to tow the trailer level.

The standard shank, # RP54970, offers up to 1-1/4 inches of drop and 6-1/2 inches rise. I have included a link to other shanks for 2 inch hitches for you as well as some helpful links on weight distribution and determining tongue weight.

expert reply by: Michael H