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Old 05-03-2018, 11:22 AM   #1
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Weight Distribution Hitch

Hello all - What are your experienced opinions on the necessity of weight distribution hitches for toy haulers in the 30' range? We have an Octane SL 272 and I will be pulling it with both my 2010 Ram 2500 (6.7 Cummins, 6 speed manual, 4x4) and 2000 Excursion (7.3 diesel, 4x4, Limited). I should add I'm experienced at hauling trailers and heavy loads (horses, equipment, etc) and that 95% of our travel with the TH will be within 3 hours of our home in central VA. I understand the TH's are much more susceptible to wind, but I've pulled it several times on both the interstate and country roads with no issues and nothing that would make me nervous. I'm more concerned with the Excursion than the Ram bc its not as tight in the rear end, sits lower and squats a bit more, although things level out nicely with the side-by-side in the back of the TH. Additionally, if I decide to go with a wdh, which do you recommend for our set up? This is the model I'm looking at, but I'm not sure if it will fit our 272 because of the gear rack welded in the tongue -

https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Dist...e/RP66074.html

Thoughts?
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Old 05-04-2018, 01:24 PM   #2
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I would go with a weight distribution hitch. The factory receiver on your Ram is only rated at 600 lb tongue weight so even if it pulls “fine” over time something might break. The wdh just spreads the weight out so it’s not all resting on one point.

The one you linked to should do just fine.
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Old 05-04-2018, 03:16 PM   #3
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topshelfredlabel,

Welcome to JOF :

Quote:
Originally Posted by topshelfredlabel View Post
snip..... if I decide to go with a wdh, which do you recommend for our set up? This is the model I'm looking at, but I'm not sure if it will fit our 272 because of the gear rack welded in the tongue -

https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Dist...e/RP66074.html

Thoughts?
I haven't towed a loaded TH....., but IMO when TT's, TH's, etc., are on the heavy side and 30ft plus in length a WDH will insure that the TV's front suspension remains planted (maintains un-hitched weight/steering/braking characteristics) while in-tow....., especially in less then ideal towing conditions (i.e.; cross winds, sudden maneuvers, etc.).

The 2018 Octane 272 has a "published" UVW of 6,990lbs, but the "as-shipped" UVW comes in around 7,500lbs (yellow sticker). GVWR of 10,500lbs.

Hypothetical loaded Octane 272: (7,500lbs UVW) + (1,000lbs toys) + (700lbs cargo, no fluids) = 9,200lbs gross weight (no fluids).

Recommended "loaded" tongue weight range of 13% to 15% of 9,200lbs = 1,196lbs to 1,380lbs. The Reese Strait-Line WDH (with integrated sway control) you referenced is rated at 1,200lbs maximum loaded tongue weight.

It all depends on your loading habits......, the 1,200b rated WDH will work but within a specific loaded tongue weight range. I would tend to lean toward a higher rated WDH w/integrated sway control (Reese Strait Line, Equal-i-zer, etc.).

Worst case scenario @ 10,500lbs GVWR: 1,365lbs (13%) to 1,575lbs (15%) loaded tongue weight range.

Bob
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Old 05-04-2018, 04:13 PM   #4
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If you like Reese. I would highly recommend checking this new hitch:

https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Dist...e/RP66561.html

BTW, it's $100.00 cheaper here:

https://www.streetsideauto.com/searc...ds=reese+66561

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Old 05-04-2018, 07:42 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by farnik78 View Post
snip......The factory receiver on your Ram is only rated at 600 lb tongue weight....snip
farnik78,

Just curious, did you mean to state "factory bumper" rather then "factory receiver" in respect to the OP's 2010 Ram, or were you referring to the "weight carrying" mode tongue weight (without WDH) the factory receiver?

Reference note #3 on the weight charts: http://www.rambodybuilder.com/2010/d...ammlup2500.pdf

I couldn't find anything specific on the "weight carrying" tongue weight for the factory receiver.

Bob
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