Weight Distribution for a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and 3,400 Pound Pop Up Camper

Updated 06/23/2014 | Published 06/20/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(815)

$209.35

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2633)

$22.14

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

(3901)

$20.94

Question:

What weight distribution hitch, if any would you recommend for the Curtis 2 inch, class 3 hitch on my 2008 dodge grand caravan. Towing a pop up with gross vehicle weight of 3400 pounds and tongue of 350 pounds.

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

Curt trailer hitch # 13364 for your 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan is rated for 5,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 500 pounds tongue weight when using a weight distribution system. You will need to check the owners manual for the van to determine if it can be used with weight distribution and if so what it is rated for. Which ever has the lower rating, the hitch or vehicle, is the rating you need to go by.

To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

Tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. For a 3,400 pound trailer that would make the tongue weight 340 to 510 pounds.

Based on this I recommend a system rated for 200 to 600 pounds tongue weight which covers the probable tongue weight of the trailer. Reese system # RP66540 fits the bill. It also features trunnion style bars for better ground clearance compared to round bar systems.

You will only need to add a properly sized ball to this system. Use # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch. And if you wanted to add sway control use # 83660. I have included some helpful links on weight distribution, sway control, and determining tongue weight for you.