Forum Discussion

Jc_Everest's avatar
Jc_Everest
Explorer
Jul 25, 2023

2022 dodge ram sway issues

I have a 2022 Ram 1500 etorque with a tow rating of 12750 lbs. Payload of 1840 lbs pulling a 28 bhss puma. Dry weight of 7513 lbs, hitch weight of 835 lbs. I'm using a recurve R3 hitch. After adjusting this hitch several times I still can't get the sway under control above 45 mph. The manufacturer said the vehicle sway dampening/ anti sway control needs to be off as it works against the hitch. My truck has this built in the the abs and no way to turn off. Took to the dealer and they can't figure out if there's a way to do it. The master mechanic there said he had a 32ft pulling with a 1500 ram and had the same issue. He removed the hitch and pulled with just a ball and said it pulled fine after that. Not seeing how this is a safe option but leading to believe it may be my only option. Reading on dodge forumns seems the control comes on at 40 mph which would make sense that I start having issues at 40. Anyone have suggestions. Neighbors have an equalizer they don't need anymore, would this be an option? Any help would be appreciated as the experts came seem to figure it out.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Jul 25, 2023
    First define sway. From the speed you say, it could be actual trailer sway, or are you a newb to towing and it’s just a little wiggles?
    Second, assuming you have a 1000lbs or so hitch weight (loaded), do you have enough rear tire to keep the truck from exaggerating the symptoms due to squishy tires.
    Third, most real trailer sway (which you haven’t defined, it gets worse the faster you go and you won’t be able to drive any faster without losing control) is due to not enough tongue weight and/or too much weight/length aft of the axles. Does it look like you’re dropping 1000lbs on the hitch? It should squat that truck pretty hard before the wdh. Does it?
    Have you tried without the wdh to prove or debunk your theory of the ESc working against the wdh?
    Have you taken too much weight off the rear axle with the wdh? Or is it hitch light already like I mentioned above?
    Are the trailer tires properly rated and inflated? Is the suspension worn out?
    Need more info to even begin to diagnose. Or find a buddy who knows what they’re doing to check it out with you.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Jul 25, 2023
    And if you’re subscribed to needing a wdh and anti sway unilaterally to be safe, you answered my first question about your experience towing.

    Like my buddy who showed up with his 1 ton Ram last week hooked to his midsize TT, wdh, anti sway and all hooked up….
    I just don’t say anything….lol. He has no clue.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2023
    You have too much trailer for that truck period. @36'10" long and over 8000 lbs you're 100% in 3/4 ton range.
    Are you loaded up for camping or towing empty? Do you know your actual weights.
    Those weights you quoted are fictitious dry weights.
  • TXiceman's avatar
    TXiceman
    Explorer II
    Jul 25, 2023
    That is way too much cart for that little horse. Two things that will help is to get rid of the soft side wall truck tires and get load range E, 10 ply tires and some heavy duty shocks. Another issue is the soft coil spring rear suspension on the newer Ram 1500 trucks. The trucks are designed as grocery and mulch haulers.

    Ken
  • trailer_newbe's avatar
    trailer_newbe
    Explorer II
    Jul 25, 2023
    X2

    Not enough truck for the trailer. Many argue it can be done with a 1/2 ton and from a pure numbers standpoint they technically may be correct. With that being said I’ve been where you are right now and it’s not going to be comfortable until you either down size the trailer for go to a 3/4-1-ton truck.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Jul 25, 2023
    Take the rig to a CAT scale. Weigh with and without the trailer attached. The brochure empty weights mean nothing.

    I'm betting the trailer weighs in at 9000-9500lb. Meaning the hitch weight should be around 1100-1300lb. Add in passengers, bolt on items and gear in the bed and you are either:
    - Over your payload which can result in a squishy suspension and tires that can cause issues.
    - The hitch weight is too little which can cause sway (10% is bare minimum and much better to be 12-15%)

    As others have said, this is really 3/4 ton truck territory. No way I would consider anything close to a 12,000lb trailer behind any 1/2 ton.
  • Jc_Everest's avatar
    Jc_Everest
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2023
    Ok, I did take to the cat scale and trailer was 6900. I have the axle weights but I'll have to go home to get it. Truck is rated at 12750 like I mentioned whick seems to be more of the 50% range with drunk math. I'm well below axle gawr on both front and back. Total gross weight was 13000
  • nickthehunter's avatar
    nickthehunter
    Nomad II
    Jul 25, 2023
    You need to know what the trailer weighs, loaded for camping, and not hooked up to the truck. And you need to know the tongue weight. Regardless of whether or not you are over any of your trucks ratings, that won’t cause the trailer to sway; not enough tongue weight will.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Jul 25, 2023
    Jc Everest wrote:
    Ok, I did take to the cat scale and trailer was 6900. I have the axle weights but I'll have to go home to get it. Truck is rated at 12750 like I mentioned whick seems to be more of the 50% range with drunk math. I'm well below axle gawr on both front and back. Total gross weight was 13000


    So you’re not into answering questions, so this is a fun guessing game for the participants?

    PS for dodge guy if he hit the scales at 6900 on the trailer adoes and it’s a 7500 states dry dry weight from his first post, sounds pretty close to 7k on the axles and whatever ish on the tongue.

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