Do I even need WD bars now?

[Skippy38]

So I just upgraded my TV to a Ram 2500 6.4L/4.10 package which is MUCH heavier than the old 1500 4.7L/3.55 setup. I hooked up my trailer with no WD bars and the rear only dips barely 1.5 inches and the front rose just under 1/2 inch. The trailer is perfectly level. I have not towed with it yet just set it up in the driveway. Do I even need the weight bars if I am this close? I was at the same measurements with the 1500 after hours of adjustments and it towed great. It would sure make things easier if I did not have to mess with them. Thoughts?

[Tank99]

Only thing I can think of is what about sway control? Im still kinda new at this....was the first thing that popped into my head.

[Skippy38]

I have two sway bars but have only needed one so I will still be using a sway bar.

[Tank99]

Ok I have the equalizer WD....forgot about the other style. Brain fart....LOL

[youroo]

Originally Posted by Skippy38

So I just upgraded my TV to a Ram 2500 6.4L/4.10 package which is MUCH heavier than the old 1500 4.7L/3.55 setup. I hooked up my trailer with no WD bars and the rear only dips barely 1.5 inches and the front rose just under 1/2 inch. The trailer is perfectly level. I have not towed with it yet just set it up in the driveway. Do I even need the weight bars if I am this close? I was at the same measurements with the 1500 after hours of adjustments and it towed great. It would sure make things easier if I did not have to mess with them. Thoughts?

How much T/W do/Will you have? What does the hitch on the Truck say (500# or more use W/D)? Do you ever travel roads that have (Bumps/Dips/expansion joints)? Think about these Qs and you will come up with your answer! Youroo!!

[Skippy38]

Youroo, good observation. I have the Class V 2 1/2" receiver and direct from Ram it states "The maximum tongue weight for Class V (receiver hitch) is limited to 1800lb." My gross trailer weight is about 5,800 lbs and my tongue weight is approx. 700 lbs so it appears that I am well under my hitch rating. Majority of driving is flat Florida interstate and other flat roads.

[Crockett]

do you plan on loading the bed when you tow? WD reduces porpoising where the front bounces over bumps. it also helps keep the front end alignment in specification. ive delivered rentals for many years. one ton duallys without WD generally. do you need WD? it will make a difference. in a big wind it will make a bigger difference. you'll have to decide if its worth the effort.

[Charles Firth]

Just my $0.02 worth, if you have them why not use them ? I am new to this but my understanding is the wd distributes the weight evenly between the TT and the tow vehicle,and puts the weight where it is needed like away from the front of the tv. I would think it would tow better and also help eliminate sway. I would use them.

[pops p]

On my truck I have 950 lb. tongue capacity. I use Eaz-lift WDH. The head is rated for 1400 lb. tongue weight but the label states not to tow exceeding 600 lb. tongue weight without the bars.

This is also just my 2 cents.

[thebrakeman]

Look at it this way. Assuming your 2500 has the same wheelbase as the 1500, then dropping the tongue on the ball will add just as much weight to the rear axle, and remove just as much weight from the front axle. Why would you not want to transfer that lost weight back up to the front wheels, for optimum stability, steering, etc.

Your 2500 has a stronger suspension, so you don't see the effects like you did with the "soft" 1500. But leveling out your 1500 was the secondary benefit. Transferring weight was primary, and it still is primary for your 2500.

PS - You said your hitch is rated for 1800lbs, but that's the limit in WD mode. In order to consider eliminating the WDH, you need to know the TW limit in WC mode (weight-carrying).

[thebrakeman]

Oh...I just saw you have a 2.5" receiver. That very well may be 1800 lbs WC. I don't know. You should confirm. But either way, I'd go with the WDH, especially since you already have it.

[Mountndream]

I bought the same rig and will use the WDH for any long hauls I do, but for a quick 90 minutes trip, i find I don't need them. I did set up my hitch to use them though, if for no other reason then the Sway control attachement.

I also realized that the 2500 has integrated sway control this weekend, but will still always put the bar on for that

[fvstringpicker]

Originally Posted by Crockett

WD reduces porpoising where the front bounces over bumps.

That was my experience.

[rblack22]

Never had em so don't have any experience with them. My TV is a 2000 F350 4door long bed. Initially I towed my ulsbs275 with a tongue weight of around 2000lbs on the hitch that came with the truck and except for one windy day had no issues. Then I discovered the factory hitch was rated at 500 lbs TW and 5000lbs Tow 8-O I upgraded to a new hitch rated for 2550 TW and 17,000 tow. Truck n Trailer are level even with the Airbags at 5psi, but for hi way driving I keep the bags at 60-65psi and the cruise control at 65mph. Smooth sailing thus far.

[Crockett]

smooth sailin' I guess...thats a friggin' land yacht. Longer the wheel base, the less imperative the WD. Why?...less mechanical advantage on the front end by the Tongue Weight

[Skippy38]

I guess I will try a short pull to see how it rides. I do have two sway bars that I can use to control sway if it needs it