How to Select Weight Distribution/Sway Control System for 24-Ft Trailer Towed by Ram 1500

Updated 02/28/2017 | Published 02/26/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

(900)

$850.00

Thin Walled Socket for Equal-i-zer Hitches

(104)

$77.74

Question:

recommendations for a weight distribution hitch and sway control to tow a 8.5 x 24 ft enclosed cargo trailer , tongue weight is 540 lbs payload is 6800 lbs and weight of trailer is 3600 lbs. With a 2015 Ram 1500 4 door pick up

asked by: Ron

Expert Reply:

The key to selecting an appropriately-rated weight distribution/sway control system (WD/SC) is knowing the fully-loaded trailer's actual measured tongue weight (TW) with all gear and supplies loaded. You also need to add in the weight of any cargo in the tow vehicle that sits behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler or generator, as this too will act just like trailer TW. The best way to go is to load the trailer as you usually will and to then measure the TW using the scale # e99044. Other measurement methods are outlined in the linked article.

With your total TW known you can select a system. Ideally your TW figure will fall near the middle of the system's operating range. For purposes of an example, we will assume your loaded TW will be about 750-lbs (this is based on your dry hitch weight figure of 540-lbs). You can use the linked page to select your TW figure to then see compatible systems.

For a TW of 750 to 800-lbs I suggest the Equal-i-zer 4-Point Weight Distribution System # EQ37100ET which works for TW from 600 to 1000-lbs. This system prevents sway, rather than trying to stop it once it starts, and it is complete. All you might want to add is a 1-7/8-inch thin-walled socket like # EQ70-00-4800 which makes ball installation easier.

This system's lift brackets are smaller than most, making them easier to place along the trailer frame (go mount between 27- and 32-inches rearward from the hitch ball). Please refer to the linked video.

expert reply by: Adam R