Why Would Weight Distribution System Still Allow Trailer to Cause Vehicle Suspension Sag

Published 08/17/2018

Question:

I have a 2014 toy hauler pop-up trailer that can hold 2 full sized 4x4 atvs on the trailer in the front. The problem is once those 2 atvs are loaded, it creates too much weight on the tongue, causing the truck to sink down too low in the back. The truck thats pulling is a 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 4x2. We even purchased a weight distribution hitch and it still has too much weight on the tongue. Without the atvs on the front, the truck pulls the pop-up just fine. Is there any other weight distribution hitch that may work better? The one we got is for 1000 lbs.

asked by: Lisa

Expert Reply:

Pop ups like what you have are pretty cool since they allow you to bring ATVs with you pretty easily. The problem is that you end up concentrating so much weight on the front of the trailer you end up with quite a bit more tongue weight when loaded vs. unloaded. Typically a properly rated weight distribution system will eliminate the sag you described. But that assumes two things.. That the tongue weight capacity of your vehicle isn't being exceeded and that the tongue weight range of the system is correct for the loaded tongue weight of the trailer. Note that tongue weight also includes the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

One easy solution (if you aren't overloaded) would be suspension enhancement like the Timbren kit part # TDR1500DS that you referenced for your 2014 Dodge Ram 1500. Or you'd have to look into a higher rated weight distribution system. But before you do that you really need to determine what tongue weight you do have and go from there. I attached a help article on tongue weight for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C