Brandon,
You haven’t calculated the hitch weight yet. You can measure the hitch weight a few different ways, but you cannot measure it by comparing axle weights with the truck hitched (with a weight-distributing hitch) to the axle weights with the truck unhitched.
The way I measure hitch weight is to tow the trailer to the scale, then unhitch the weight distribution part of the hitch. This will place all the hitch weight on the truck’s hitch. Weigh the trailer axles only, keeping the truck’s tires off the scale. Then weigh the entire trailer alone. The difference between those weights is the hitch weight.
Another way to do the same thing is weigh the truck by itself. Then, without using the weight distributing part of the hitch, hitch up to the trailer. Weigh just the truck’s axles while it is hitched to the truck. The difference between these weights is the hitch weight.
Another way to get a very close approximation is to unhitch the trailer, leaving only the front jack on the scale. The weight at the jack will be close to the hitch weight, with a greater error the farther the jack is from the hitch ball coupler.
In order for any of the above methods to work, the approach and departure areas at the scale must be level with the scale. You cannot use these methods accurately if the scale is at the top of a ramp.
The very best way to measure the hitch weight is to buy a scale for that purpose. There is at least one company that makes such scales. See here:
Trailer Loading and Towing Guide
(That site also has a good discussion of trailer loading, hitching, and towing. )
Generally speaking, you want at least 10% of the trailer’s weight to be carried by the hitch. More hitch weight will result in a more stable trailer, that is, less likely to sway.
I partially disagree with Harvey about the requirement for a weight distributing hitch. He says that you don’t need one. I say that if you have the factory-installed hitch, you do need one. The numbers are VERY difficult to get from Dodge, but as I remember it, the hitch on my 2008, Quad-Cab, 2500, 4x4 is rated at 10,000 or 12,000 pounds with a weight-distributing hitch, but only 5,000 pounds without a weight-distributing hitch. I wish I could find the reference for those numbers, but I can’t anymore.
So with a trailer that weighs 8840 pounds, I would say that you do need a weight-distributing hitch.
Having said that, many drivers, including Harvey and me, have towed trailers above the weight limit and had no problems. You probably won’t either. I do agree with Harvey when he said, “If it tows stable without undue sway you should be okay. ”
Do both the trailer and the truck sit level when the trailer is hitched up? If not, then you probably need to adjust the height of the ball. With your truck sitting so high off the ground, you may not be able to get the ball low enough for the equalizing bars to do much good.
Another option to increase the equalizing force from your hitch is to adjust the tilt of the ball mount if possible. That’s the heavy piece that the equalizing bars mount to. If yours is adjustable, try tilting it down more than you currently have and see if you can get more force on the bars.
One last thought: If your weight-distribution hitch is maxed out and you still aren’t transferring any weight to the front axle (as appears to be true), then you may have a hitch that is underrated for the weight of your trailer.
Good luck
– Loren
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