New Weight Distribution Hitch/Sway bars

[campgrandma]

We are probably going to need to purchase a new weight distribution hitch/sway bar system for our travel trailer. While at a Cracker Barrel, someone stole one of our sway bars (believe it or not!!!) We have been trying to find a replacement for it, but have had no luck...it was a pretty old system. If we can't find two replacement bars, what would be suggested for a new system. Hitch receiver on our Dodge Ram truck is 1000lb for WD Hitch.

Travel trailer is a Keystone Cougar 302RLS, loaded 9705lbs capacity, haven't weighed in a while so don't know if we are at that....don't think so. Last time we weighed, we were below that.
Anybody heard or used the SwayPro from Blue Ox?

Thanks a bunch.

[campgrandma]

Actually don't remember, John

[AH64ID]

campgrandma wrote:
We are a little confused... Are you saying because the TRUCK is not 1/2 ton, the TW will be higher? Also, the receiver on the truck is for 10,000 weight for camper and 1000 tongue weight. Truck is 2500 Dodge Ram, diesel. The last time we weighed, seems like we were around 8900 or so... Could be wrong

Not the truck, but the camper.

It's not a standard but it seems that when I look into trailer weights the 1/2 ton series TT's have a lower tongue weight than a similar non 1/2 ton.

Did you weigh the tongue or just the trailer? If it was hooked up was the 8900 just the axles? If so you are well over 9700 total weight.

I would almost put money on the trailer having more than 1,000lbs of tongue weight.

Is it the OEM Class IV hitch? I though Dodge rated those at 1,200lbs of TW (but I am looking at a Dodge guide from 02-09 and the 1,200 could be 03-09).

[campgrandma]

We are thinking that the weight was lower than that

[campgrandma]

We are a little confused... Are you saying because the TRUCK is not 1/2 ton, the TW will be higher? Also, the receiver on the truck is for 10,000 weight for camper and 1000 tongue weight. Truck is 2500 Dodge Ram, diesel. The last time we weighed, seems like we were around 8900 or so... Could be wrong

[AH64ID]

downtheroad wrote:
One suggestion:
When you do decide, I'd go with 1200 lb. bars for the weight you posted.

9700 lbs. x 13% = 1261

Agree. Looking at the floor plan I wouldn't be surprised a bit if it was closer to 15%, especially if propane is full and there are 2 batteries. It's also not a 1/2 ton series, which makes me think it's at the upper end of the TW range as well.

[gcloss]

I've had a few different types of WDH and currently have the BlueOx. It was a breeze to install, simply to hookup and the design is such that all grease is self contained. No more getting grease on everything when unhooking/storing. One more thing it is quiet .... no moaning, groaning or loud bangs from the WDH.

[the_happiestcam]

Have the Blue Ox - love it.

[downtheroad]

One suggestion:
When you do decide, I'd go with 1200 lb. bars for the weight you posted.

9700 lbs. x 13% = 1261

[campgrandma]

Good question, Dakota98! When we were looking to replace just the sway bar, we knew it would be below our deductible. Now that we are pretty sure we will have to replace the whole system, it would be over that. we will check and see.

[lots2seeinmyrv]

We have the Blue Ox Sway Pro and are very happy with it.

Easy to set up. No problems towing all over the US and mountain driving.

[Dakota98]

Will insurance help cover the loss ?