Weight Distribution Hitch for 24-Foot Enclosed Trailer with Limited Frame Clearance

Question:

I have a 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 Single Wheel, I will be towing a 24foot Enclosed Trailer with a 5V Nose,2 5/16 Ball, Max Trailer weight is around 11k Lbs, Im looking for sway control, main issue is high winds and large trucks during passing to control sway. Ive been looking at Dist Hitch but I have only 28inch from center of ball to side of trailer to able to installed bars/chains, A stand alone sway unit would be possible if I could find a hitch that doesnt require welding to install mount, Thank you, Ill be looking forward to your recommendations.

asked by: Kyle K

Expert Reply:

You could use a friction sway control device like # 83660 to help control the sway effects caused by passing trucks, but with a 24-foot enclosed trailer that has a lot of surface area for wind to push on, you will get much better results with a weight distribution system that has built-in sway prevention. These perform much better, and they also allow you back up the trailer without having to disconnect the sway arm. All friction arm units must be disengaged before you try to back up the trailer.

We do have options that will work well even on trailers with limited frame access for the chain hangers.

Equalizer # EQ37121ET uses narrow fame brackets that take up a lot less space on the frame. These can be as close as 27-inches from the center o the hitch ball. This system works for loaded trailer tongue weight from 800- to 1200-lbs. Just add the shank to fit your hitch (2-inch or 2-1/2-inch).

We also have bolt-on hangers # RP58305 from Reese (see photo, please) that install to the outside of the frame, and which can even be placed under the trailer nose. These work on frames up to 2-1/4-inches wide and work with their Strait-Line setups such as # RP66075. This system works for tongue weight (TW) from 1000- to 1700-lbs.

You will need to measure the TW of the trailer when it is fully loaded, and to that add the weight of any cargo in the truck that sits behind the rear axle - like a cooler, toolbox, or generator - since that weight will act like trailer TW. Use scale # e99044 to measure and then you can select the correct system for your trailer.

Please tell me the total loaded TW and hitch size and I will be happy to recommend a system. You can refer to the linked article and video for more on choosing a WD system.

expert reply by: Adam R

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John R.

2/11/2020

I have a dual cam straight line distribution hitch that I had on my 16x7 enclosed trailer Im now putting it on a 24x8.5 ATC aluminum car hauler with 7in. Frame rails, I also have a 3500 trailer toad that I want to use,is there anything I should know before I proceed?

Jacob H.

2/13/2020

A weight distribution system is not recommended to use on a aluminum trailer because the frame is not strong enough to support the weight of the bars. What I would recommend for your set up is to use the Hayes Sway Master Electronic Sway Control System HA81775 to eliminate the sway in your new trailer. It will apply the proper breaking in order to eliminate the sway and all you have to do to set it up each time is plug the 7 pole. If you are needing support for the rear of your vehicle then i would recommend getting a set of air bags to bring your truck back to factory ride height.

Helpful Links

Accessories-and-Parts/Hayes/HA81775.html

dept-pg-Vehicle_Suspension-pt-Air_Springs-pm-Firestone.aspx