Dodge1500 Towing

Craiger · 02-06-2018, 03:14 PM

I have a 27DSRL that I tow with my Dodge Ram 1500. The rear end sags and the front raises even with the weight distributing hitch cranked up to five links from the end which is as short as I can go without the bars hitting the bottom edge of the frame.

Anyone else with a Dodge 1500 having issues getting the truck level when towing?

groundhog72 · 02-06-2018, 03:23 PM

Need heavier leveling bars maybe. What's the rating on the ones you have ?

JHerzog · 02-06-2018, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craiger

I have a 27DSRL that I tow with my Dodge Ram 1500. The rear end sags and the front raises even with the weight distributing hitch cranked up to five links from the end which is as short as I can go without the bars hitting the bottom edge of the frame.

Anyone else with a Dodge 1500 having issues getting the truck level when towing?

I have a 2016 27DSRL that I pulled for 18 months with an F150 before swapping the TV for an F250. I used a CAMCO R6 WDH and it worked great at getting the TV level and had more ground clearance. The anti-sway is automatic too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrIqxT1q2FA

Rustic Eagle · 02-06-2018, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craiger

snip...... weight distributing hitch cranked up to five links from the end which is as short as I can go without the bars hitting the bottom edge of the frame.?

It could be simple as adjusting your ball mount tilt to allow for additional spring bar tension....., BUT, I would recommend first taking your TV/TT combo to a CAT scale and weight it under loaded conditions. Most folks find that a CAT scale visit eliminates the guess work and will identify potential issues (if any).

The CAT results will confirm all weights..., tongue weight, TT, TV, etc.. The results will also confirm if your WDH is adequately "sized" and "adjusted" correctly.

Cat scale how-to:https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...v-tt-3871.html

It would be handy to have a copy of your particular WDH's installation/adjustment documentation.

Bob

NH_camper · 02-06-2018, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craiger

Anyone else with a Dodge 1500 having issues getting the truck level when towing?

I had the same problem and not just when towing. Timbren suspension enhancement rubber springs fixed it for me.

Scott_Trailer_Newbe · 02-06-2018, 05:00 PM

I tow a 2018 White Hawk 28RL with my 2008 Tundra CrewMax and I might get 1/4" of sag in the back, so I think it has to be the WDH or the adjustment of the hitch height.

nisbitch · 02-06-2018, 06:47 PM

I added a set of Airlift 1000 bags in the rear coil springs. Seemed to make a big difference in my sag. https://www.airliftcompany.com/shop/...air-lift-1000/

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Vaquero · 02-06-2018, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nisbitch

I added a set of Airlift 1000 bags in the rear coil springs. Seemed to make a big difference in my sag. https://www.airliftcompany.com/shop/...air-lift-1000/

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I did the same. No regrets.
Added higher load rated tires too.
The ride is stiffer, much like a 3/4 ton.
I do still enjoy the mpg of the 1/2 ton though.

dee · 02-06-2018, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott_Trailer_Newbe

I tow a 2018 White Hawk 28RL with my 2008 Tundra CrewMax and I might get 1/4" of sag in the back, so I think it has to be the WDH or the adjustment of the hitch height.

I have owned a tundra and ram. The ram is much softer I assume due to the coils.

dee · 02-06-2018, 09:23 PM

Airbags should help you. However, I agree that you need to get weighed to see how the wdh is performing.

TxTwoSome · 02-06-2018, 09:49 PM

My trailer is a little smaller but i added TUFF springs the progressive ones.

This fixed the problem for me and was an easy swap. And i still have a very good ride without the trailer.

Quantum · 02-06-2018, 10:25 PM

You're likely going to need sumo or timbren supports.

The dodge 1500s are known for soft rear suspension....makes for a great ride when not towing.

Craiger · 02-07-2018, 08:22 AM

Thank you all for the quick replies. I will let you know which route I take to level it out.

Craiger · 02-09-2018, 12:32 PM

Local dealer had me bring the rig in to look at it. They said the weight distributing hitch was set up correctly and that the rear suspension of the Dodge 1500 was too soft. Recommended air bags so that I can keep the soft ride when not towing and then pump them up when towing to keep the truck level. I will let everyone know how it turns out in a couple of weeks.

Rustic Eagle · 02-09-2018, 03:00 PM

Craiger,

If you get a chance, take a couple of side view pics of your WDH with the TV & TT hitched......., and post the pics. Would be interesting to see your present set-up.

Just thinking out loud here..........,

In your 1st post you stated that: "the weight distributing hitch cranked up to five links from the end which is as short as I can go without the bars hitting the bottom edge of the frame." This observation on your part still has me wondering about the present WDH adjustment...., because a properly sized/adjusted WDH would address your TV's present raised front end condition (all TV's will incur a 1" - 2" rear squat).

What is the weight rating of your WDH? With a 27DSRL a 1,000lb rating would be my minimum.

Bob

ALJO · 02-09-2018, 04:32 PM

As is said; RAM 1500 have soft springs. I installed also the Airlift 1000 and are very happy with the results. Still have the soft ride when not trailering.
Airlift is an easy install, remove bottom shock bolt, lower axle, remove spring and slip in the bag. Use about 30 lbs. in them when the TT is hooked up.

Craiger · 02-09-2018, 05:03 PM

Good to know. Thanks

Craiger · 05-07-2018, 10:53 AM

The air bags made all the difference in the world. I have taken the trailer out twice and both times it was level and towed well. It only took 20 pounds in the bags. Thanks for all the advice.

DamonZ8 · 05-07-2018, 05:30 PM

I have a 2015 RAM 1500 Bighorn, I tow a 265RLSW (7500 Lbs. loaded) without any sag. I use the Husky Center Line WDH and still have some adjustment room on the trailer. I think the hitch on the TV needs adjusting?

FeatherFam · 05-07-2018, 06:03 PM

Make sure you have a good WDH dialed-in. I put Sumo Super springs in the front and rear coils and Firestone Work-Rite bump stops to replace the OE junk in the rear. The TUFF progressive load spring is an excellent idea. I may still install them at some point. You should definitely do somethings. If it were me, I would go with the Sumo in the front and the TUFF progressive coils and Firestone bump stops in the rear.

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