Solution for Improving Ride Quality While Towing Trailer and Hauling Arctic Fox 811 With Ram 3500

Updated 07/14/2022 | Published 07/11/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Shocker Hitch Impact Max Cushioned Ball Mount- 2-5/16" Ball- 2" Hitch - 7" Drop - 20K

(4)

$404.94

1-7/8" 12pt Shallow Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel

(279)

$19.92

Blue Ox Hitch Receiver Immobilizer III for 2-1/2" Hitch with 2" Adapter

(441)

$84.07

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 4,000 lbs GTW, 400 lbs TW

(840)

$800.00

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(840)

$757.07

Firestone Air Command Heavy Duty Air Compressor - Analog - Dual Path

(360)

$823.60

Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(835)

$722.39

Question:

I have a Reese titan hitch extender on my ram 3500 because I haul an Arctic fox 811 camper. I tow a lighter enclosed trailer. About 300lbs tongue weight loaded. Would I benefit from a gen-y or air-ride type of hitch with this setup. Can I even use one of those products with an extender? I am looking for any ride advantage I can get. Thank you.

asked by: Lionel A

Expert Reply:

I have some solutions for you, but I would not recommend using a ball mount like the # SHK34RR at the end of your Reese Titan extension. Although this is and others like it are designed to absorb road shock, there will be a lot of extra movement at the end of the extension. It would likely negate any benefit or make it worse.

The first thing I would do is add the Blue Ox Hitch Receiver Immobilizer # BX88312. This is a simple add-on that will help keep that long extension stable and secure, which will also improve the ride quality.

Another option that will definitely improve your ride quality while towing and hauling is a weight distribution hitch. Based on your tongue weight I would choose an option like the Equal-i-zer # EQ37060ET. This works with tongue weights from 200-600 lbs and has 4 points of sway control. Along with sway reduction this will also keep you level.

However, I would recommend finding your actual tongue weight with a scale like the # e99044. Tongue weight also includes any weight behind the rear axle so I'm sure you're above 300 lbs. As long as you stay within the tongue weight range of the hitch it won't be a problem. You will also need the # ALL643216 for hitch ball installation.

The last possible improvement would be suspension enhancement for your Ram 3500. With that camper and the trailer I would recommend air bags like the Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs # F2710. I'm not sure which year your truck is but these will fit the 2013-2022 model with 4WD. These will also help keep you level and absorb road shock for a smooth ride.

It would also be a good idea to add an air compressor like the # F2219. This will allow you to adjust your air bags wherever you are. This is a dual path system so the air bags can be adjusted individually or together.

I have attached some review and installation videos for your reference.