Recommended Weight Distribution System and Sway Control for 2018 Jayco 324BHTS Travel Trailer  

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Expert Reply:

Your 2018 Jayco 324BHTS has a GVWR of 10,950 lbs with a dry weight of 8,605 lbs and dry hitch weight of 935 lbs. When looking for the best weight distribution system, you first need to determine the total tongue weight which will be your completely loaded tongue weight as well as any cargo behind the rear axle of your Ram truck.

My recommendation for the best system to meet your needs is the Rees Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW # RP66074 because the dual cams and hot rolled spring bars help prevent sway and keep your trailer in line with your vehicle. You will also need a hitch ball like # 19286 for this system.

If you prefer the trunnion style with brackets only versus the dual cams, then I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control # EQ37120ET. This comes with the hitch ball, but you will need a thin walled socket like # ALL643216 to install it.

With either option if you have a 2-1/2 inch hitch receiver I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Shank # EQ90-02-4900. Then you can use # RP66074 or # EQ37121ET for the same systems without purchasing the 2 inch shank included in the options listed above.

I've attached an article on weight distribution systems to help further if desired.

expert reply by: Jason S

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Steve

2/11/2019

Hi Jason I am trying to build in some safety margins. I am new to towing anything this big. If my GVWR on the trailer is 10.950lbs, and my tounge weight could be 10-15% of that, that puts the max tounge weight at 1650lbs, far over the hitch capacity. It may not be that much, but would it not be in the interest of safety to have a hitch rated for that? Even the Equalizer hitch, would the 1400lb model be more adequate? This is my dilemma!

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Jason S.

2/11/2019

Due to the tongue weight of your trailer dry being just 11% you most likely would be fine with the 1,200 lb system, however it is safer to go larger as you stated so I do recommend you going a little heavier. The Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW # RP66130 would be a great option rated for total tongue weights between 800 and 1,500 lbs. This would be my choice based on the ability to keep the trailer in line with your tow vehicle, but the Equal-i-zer # EQ37141ET rated for total tongue weights between 1,000 and 1,400 lbs is also a good option if you prefer that style.

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