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2500 4x4 towing

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Ironhead1970

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I had a 2022 1500 lone star edition with the hemi engine a 8 speed transmission. Been towing a 6,000 lbs TT once a month. The engine felt like it was struggling a little bit on inclines and headwinds mpg would go from anywhere around 12 to 15 down to 9 mpg.
Just got a 2022 2500 diesel 4x4 laramie edition doesn't have everything no air ride, it's coils all the way around. From the ground to the bottom of the bottom door seal is 22.5 inches. Later this week I'm going to measure how high the trailer hitch is when the trailer is just a few degrees off or as close to level as I can get it when it's being towed. I know I'll need a drop hitch, I have a Weight distribution hitch with antisway bars. Is there any difference towing with a 4x4? I know with the diesel, towing a 6,000 lbs 27 foot long TT is going to feel different. Have no need for a 4x4 living in san antonio, TX but it fell into my lap at a price I couldn't turn down. Have a few questions. Will I need to use the weight distribution hitch? I won't tow without antisway bars, to me it's just safer. Anything else that anyone can think of? Within next month I plan on taken the trailer to drive around, and back up a few times to see if there's a difference towing with 2500 compared to the 1500 I learned on.
Thank you
 
Anti-sway mechanisms are a gimmick. They are a poor band-aid for an improperly loaded trailer. Proper tongue weight is the only real way to eliminate sway. Get your tongue weight at 13-15% and you won’t have to worry about sway.

I can’t think of any hitch that has sway control without weight distribution, but plenty of WDH’s don’t have sway control. If your hitch has it built in, like and Equal-I-Zer, then don’t worry about it but if it needs an add-on friction device it’s not with the cost.

A trailer that light won’t need a WDH, but IMO they tow much between with one. It’s a more stable and comfortable towing experience, especially with a long trailer.
 
I have been going crazy over analyzing this. In the past I haven’t given tongue weight much
though But now I am. I have a question on the tongue weight. I have a cargo trailer that when loaded is just under 10k (9690 to be exact). My tongue weight is just over 17% according to the gauge on the hitch. I am running a weight safe WDH and pulling it with the truck in my sig. Is that 2% really going to be an issue? I could add some weight to the rear but that may put me over the total weight rating of the trailer.
 
phatboy64 said:
I have been going crazy over analyzing this. In the past I haven’t given tongue weight much
though But now I am. I have a question on the tongue weight. I have a cargo trailer that when loaded is just under 10k (9690 to be exact). My tongue weight is just over 17% according to the gauge on the hitch. I am running a weight safe WDH and pulling it with the truck in my sig. Is that 2% really going to be an issue? I could add some weight to the rear but that may put me over the total weight rating of the trailer.
Click to expand...

If you’re within all your ratings tow it as is. It will tow very stable at 17% TW.
 
Weight distribution hitches are worth having. Sway control can help in the wind or on bad pavement.
Relax, You have stepped up to a proper towing rig which is going to make your life easy.
By all means make sure you have the right drop on your new trailer hitch.
 
Thanks for all feedback. I think I have confirmed what I was thinking. I did manage to shift some things around and “maybe” closer to the 15%. I agree that it is way better to be with in the spec but sounds like a little over is better then a little under when it comes to tongue weight.
 
As you probably know by now the most important thing is properly dialed tongue weight. If you get that dialed in you’re going to have a smooth ride.

This tongue weight scale is affordable and seems accurate. Simple weigh. It’s just a little stand that you sit the coupler on. I use it to get my 7k lb 20’ enclosed to around 900-1000lb tongue weight

IMG_9167.jpeg
 
Rockcrawlindude said:
As you probably know by now the most important thing is properly dialed tongue weight. If you get that dialed in you’re going to have a smooth ride.

This tongue weight scale is affordable and seems accurate. Simple weigh. It’s just a little stand that you sit the coupler on. I use it to get my 7k lb 20’ enclosed to around 900-1000lb tongue weight

View attachment 76177
Click to expand...
I have the same tongue scale and use it every time we hookup the TT for a campout (after loading everything). Worth every penny (which is not a lot :))
 
Thanks....the PIA part is I have to disconnect the WDH spring bars before backing up...
 
I have found the Weigh Safe built in scale to be accurate when comparing it to other scales.
 
phatboy64 said:
Thanks....the PIA part is I have to disconnect the WDH spring bars before backing up...
Click to expand...

This is true on some WDH brands, but not all.

It's probably worth a phone call to the MFGR if its stated in your owners manual.
 
phatboy64 said:
Thanks....the PIA part is I have to disconnect the WDH spring bars before backing up...
Click to expand...
In over 30 years of towing with WDH I have never once disconnected the spring bars before backing up. I'm sure there are hitches which differ from what I have used, (Old Fashoned Eaze Lift), I just haven't had the need. Not sure I have even seen anyone do it in a campground. Sway Bar addition? Yes That likely needs disconnected.
 
I am using Weigh Safe WDH. When it talked to them they were very adamant about not backing up with the spring bars connected. I asked “what if I need to back up to maneuver into a gas station pump” and they said I would have to get out and disconnect the spring bars. Not doing so could damage the hitch.
 
phatboy64 said:
I am using Weigh Safe WDH. When it talked to them they were very adamant about not backing up with the spring bars connected. I asked “what if I need to back up to maneuver into a gas station pump” and they said I would have to get out and disconnect the spring bars. Not doing so could damage the hitch.
Click to expand...

I’d buy a different hitch if they are that fragile.
 
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