Is Weight Distribution or Suspension Enhancement Better When Towing a Trailer with a Grand Caravan

Updated 06/03/2014 | Published 06/02/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System

(6311)

$269.36

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1358)

$12.80

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3870)

$21.40

Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 6K GTW, 600 TW

(238)

$722.27

Question:

I just finished all my installs for towing on my 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan. What Im needing now is help deciding which is better either a weight distribution hitch or suspension enhancement. pulling a 2000 Fleetwood Santa Fe. Are either even necessary?

asked by: Ryan G

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you want to eliminate sag and improve ride quality when towing your Fleetwood Santa Fe, a weight distribution system would be your best option. Suspension enhancement products, like the Timbren springs, # TDVRRT, were originally designed to help the factory suspension when hauling a heavy load in the vehicle. A weight distribution system will take weight off of the rear axle of your Grand Caravan and distribute the weight among each axle. This not only reduces sag, but also reduces wear on your vehicle's suspension and provides better traction for the trailer.

When choosing a weight distribution system, you want to find the total tongue weight of your towing setup. The total tongue weight includes the loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer plus the weight of anything loaded in the van behind the rear axle. I have attached an article on determining your trailer's tongue weight for you to review.

Once you have your total tongue weight, you want to choose a weight distribution system that can support that weight. The systems that I personally recommend are the Reece systems.

If you find that your total tongue weight will not exceed 400 lbs, then I recommend looking at the Reese Light Duty Weight Distribution System, # 66557. This system uses integrated friction sway control and bolts around the trailer frame, no drilling required.

If your tongue weight will exceed 400 lbs, then I recommend stepping up to the Reese Steadi-Flex system, # RP66558. This system also has a bolt-on installation and integrated sway control, but it has a maximum tongue weight capacity of 600 lbs. I have attached links to the installation instructions for these systems as well as a demonstration video for the Steadi-Flex system for you to check out. We do not have a video of the Light Duty system at this time because it is fairly new. I have also attached a help article on weight distribution for you to check out.

Neither of these systems come with a hitch ball. For a 2 inch ball, you will want part # 63845 for the Light Duty system and part # 63845 for the SC system.