Trailer Hitch Question

[GregSmith]

Being new to trailering, I hope the more experienced among you can point me in the right direction. I pull a tandem-axle car trailer with a loaded weight between 7,000 and 8,000 lbs. Using the Dodge factory class IV hitch, do I need to add weight distributing hardware? Thanks for your help.

 

[MMeier]

You can't go wrong by going with a WD set up along with a sway control set up also. My. 02

 

[tpicard]

I would not say need, but I use a EQ hitch with my 8000lb trailer. They just tow better, takes alot of the hop and buck out of them. JMHO

T

 

[Glen]

Yes, you really do need an equalizer hitch. The Dodge hitch is not rated for your weight without it. Also, as said, the operation of the combo is much better.



You may not need a sway control. When I traded for my new trailer it handled so well without the sway control that I didn't bother to install my old one. Hook up you trailer and let a few 18-wheelers pass you; you'll know if you need sway control!

 

[MRosinski]

Is it a open or enclosed trailer?

 

[Grizzly]

Being new to trailering, I hope the more experienced among you can point me in the right direction. I pull a tandem-axle car trailer with a loaded weight between 7,000 and 8,000 lbs. Using the Dodge factory class IV hitch, do I need to add weight distributing hardware? Thanks for your help.

What year is your Dodge? Without an equalizer you can only pull 5K lbs. With an equalizer you can pull 10K lbs.

 

[GregSmith]

My Ram is an '06 3500 2wd short bed (single rear wheel). The car trailer is an open unit. Thanks again for your help.

 

[MChildress]

The factory hitch scarred me. I put a Reese Titan V on mine. I use WD with my camper but not with my open trailers.

 

[ARoss]

Surge or electric brakes? I pull 12k with a Putnam XDR ... no WD. I paid around $150 for the hitch, which is quite a bit less than the upgrade for WD. I've got surge brakes on my trailer and the RV places around here don't recommend WD with surge.

 

[Subby]

I think it makes the difference between enjoying the drive and just getting there.

 

[05Ram3500]

the top hitch is class 5 Correct???

 

[JHardwick]

Being new to trailering, I hope the more experienced among you can point me in the right direction. I pull a tandem-axle car trailer with a loaded weight between 7,000 and 8,000 lbs. Using the Dodge factory class IV hitch, do I need to add weight distributing hardware? Thanks for your help.

Is it tandem, or double axle? Seems to me, a double axle tandem would weigh that much empty.

 

[macdaddy]

Greg



I pull a 10K toy box with 1100 lbs of tongue weight with the factory hitch. When I go to pick up the beast where I store it,I haul it 10 miles back without using the load distributing bars. What I notice is that without the bars the trailer "rocks" side to side pretty good. Once the bars are on and I am on the road she tow's like a dream.



You shouldn't have a problem with the weight your towing as long as you use the WD hitch.



Mac