Do we need weight distribution hitch?
I have another new-bee question. We are about to buy our first travel trailer, a used Grand Design 2600RB (GVWR is approximately 8000 lbs) from dealer about 6 hours away from us, if all goes well w...
Forum Discussion
The OP wants to transport an 8000# GVWR TT using a Ram 2500 with a 6.7L Cummins diesel safely without excessive sway.
First thing is to be sure the unloaded (for camping) TT has the proper tongue weight. It should be about 10% to 15% of the TT actual weight (8,000# X 12.5% = 1,000#). The dealer can measure that for you. You may need to add water to your fresh water tank to get the weight up.
Second - Can your TV handle the 1000# on the hitch? The OP states that the hitch is rated for 1800# so that's OK. Next, it's a very easy two step process to test the actual TV suspension to see if it can handle the TT. First attach the TT (with correct tongue weight) to the TV and measure the height of the front wheel fender. Second raise the TT off the hitch and remeasure the fender height. If the difference is less than 1/4 inch then the OP doesn't need a WDH.
IMHO a standard diesel RAM 2500 can handle the unloaded TT without a WDH as long as the TT has the correct tongue weight and a proper hitch.
First thing is to be sure the unloaded (for camping) TT has the proper tongue weight. It should be about 10% to 15% of the TT actual weight (8,000# X 12.5% = 1,000#). The dealer can measure that for you. You may need to add water to your fresh water tank to get the weight up.
Second - Can your TV handle the 1000# on the hitch? The OP states that the hitch is rated for 1800# so that's OK. Next, it's a very easy two step process to test the actual TV suspension to see if it can handle the TT. First attach the TT (with correct tongue weight) to the TV and measure the height of the front wheel fender. Second raise the TT off the hitch and remeasure the fender height. If the difference is less than 1/4 inch then the OP doesn't need a WDH.
IMHO a standard diesel RAM 2500 can handle the unloaded TT without a WDH as long as the TT has the correct tongue weight and a proper hitch.
