Determining Which Weight Distribution System For 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Towing 215 Trailer

Updated 01/02/2021 | Published 12/31/2020

Question:

Good afternoon I have a 2004 Ram 1500 with a 5.7 hemmi engine with the tow package 4 prongs and 7 prongs factory installed and I’m going to be howling a 21’ 5” trailer that weighs close to 4000 and the TW is 400 and would like to order a weight distribution hitch. I was thinking of the Eaz lift with 800lb for TW and a 8,000 for total weight. Can I use it or it too much or to little for my trailer specifications? The reason why I’m thinking of something like that is : once I loaded the trailer the 400 TW is going to be much more. What would you recommend?

asked by: Ray

Expert Reply:

Determining the correct weight distribution system is dependent on the total tongue weight of your trailer. Ideally you want your total tongue weight to be in the middle of the range of the weight distribution system you choose.

To measure the total tongue weight of your trailer I recommend using a tongue weight scale like the etrailer # e99044 to measure the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to tow trailer and adding the weight of any cargo placed behind the rear axle of your 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. I included a helpful article that will walk you through how to measure your total tongue weight, and you will want to do this before purchasing a weight distribution system.

Since you mentioned that you believe the tongue weight of your trailer will be quite a bit higher than 400lbs the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control # RP66083 which has a tongue weight range of 400-800lbs and a maximum trailer weight rating of 8000lbs is probably going to be the best system for you. This system also comes with a 2-5/16" hitch ball, and a top of the line sway control system.

I included a video of the Straight-Line # RP66083 and etrailer # e99044 for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C