What Brake Controller and Weight Distribution Hitch do I Need for My 1997 Ram Pickup?
Updated 12/29/2025 | Published 12/05/2025
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Question:
i have a 1997 Dodge one ton pulling a Felling 8 ton trailer. The trailer weighs 4000 and mini-ex weighs 11,000. My current, off the shelf controller, $60.00 has to be manually adjusted constantly. It either will lock the tires up or is weak braking. Any suggestions on an upgrade? Also any suggestions on a load leveling hitch for the same setup? I have a 2inch receiver
asked by: Bud T
Expert Reply:
Hello Bud,
Happy to help you get into a better brake controller. I see that you asked about the Tekonsha POD # 39523. This is a time delayed brake controller. Since you are upgrading, I really recommend moving over to a proportional controller. Time delayed controllers were great when they were the only thing available, but once you try a proportional setup, you will feel a big difference in smoothness and stopping confidence.
For a great cost effective proportional controller for your 1997 Dodge Ram, I would go with the Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness 1 to 4 Axles Proportional # TK93UR. The # TK93UR comes with the vehicle specific pigtail for a very simple installation. This will work if you have electric brakes, please let me know if you have Electriv Over Hydraulic, as you will need a different controller.
As for a weight distribution hitch, your overall weight would be around 15000 pounds. You want your loaded tongue weight to be 10 to 15 percent of your total weight. Based on that, I suggest the Weigh Safe True Tow Weight Distribution Hitch 2 inch Shank 6 inch Drop 18500 GTW 1800 TW # WS47RR.
What I really like about the Weigh Safe is that it takes all the guesswork out of finding that sweet spot during setup. It also has 4 point friction which is great for sway control. All you have to do is connect the trailer to the ball, open the app on your phone, enter the weight from the built in scale, answer two quick measurement questions, and the app tells you exactly how to adjust the system for optimal performance. This setup will work great for transporting your excavator.
What is your main concern while towing that has you looking for a weight distribution system? What are you feeling that just doesn’t seem quite right?
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on Trailer Brake Controller
Kate F.
12/29/2025
Hey Bud, how did the Tekonsha Voyager controller work out on your Dodge when towing the Felling trailer and mini-ex? Did it give you smoother braking compared to your old controller? Your feedback could really help others dealing with the same heavy setup.