I have a 2004.5 2500 Ram that I want to use to tow a trailer loaded to 12K. It is a bumper pull and I have a Anderson weight distributing hitch. I will be travelling 1100 miles. The greatest concern is the single rear wheel. For that distance I would rather have a DRW, but, am I just being overly cautious?

 

Its not the SRW which would be of any concern for me since a 12k trailer will have a WD system which should appropriately distribute the weight over all the (truck and trailer) axles and therefore the (around) 2200 lbs of tongue weight the truck will be supporting shouldn't be a "weight" problem over the trucks rear axle as long as the tires have the proper rating.

Rather my concerns would be that 12k is, I believe, more weight than the 3rd gen OEM receiver hitch is rated for, and more importantly that 12k is a lot of weight hanging out behind ANY truck connected to the bumper. 12k isnt going to damage a 10k rated hitch unless there's a lot of herky jerky tugging abuse on the hitch, but if there's any issues while on the road then that overage of weight may affect you insurance wise....."if" it ever came to that.

So it doesn't matter if its a SRW or DRW because unlike towing with a 5th wheel, the leverage advantage for such a heavy bumper pull trailer will be to the trailer, not the truck. The added width of the DRW truck axle wont help and the two additional tires wont be doing much either but adding a little lateral support.

My suggestion would be to load it up and take it out on the road to see how it feels. If its comfortable and tracks straight and doesnt want to tug you around then you'll be fine on your trip.

 

KATOOM, ]I agree w/ most of what you said. A Class III hitch is still rated at 10K when used w/ a WD hitch. I'll be on interstate and will be gentle, so would think that 12K will still be OK.

I've towed w/ both SRW & DRW - do not underestimate the significantly improved lateral stability, not to mention the inherent safety of 2 tires per side instead of just one.

 

For peace of mind you can upgrade to a class V hitch.

But the tall 315's may cause issues with stability though. Shorter E rated (80psi) tires will help there.

 

The hitch on the Dodge is a little weak. The class 5 hitch suggestion is a good one. The Anderson WD would be the absolute last hitch I would want in that situation. You will not be able to transfer enough weight to help at all. So at least get a better WD hitch for the job. You will have about 1500 or more lbs hitch weight. That is a lot hanging out behind the bumper and if you want to steer you need to transfer some to the front axle. Class 5 hitch, good WD hitch with at least 1000 lb bars, and drive easy. Or talk yourself out of it.

 

Airbags make a huge difference also......

 

for 1100 miles, hire a buddy with a 1 ton and high pressure tires to haul it for you. With tall singles, you'll be a statistic.

 

Common sense prevailed & I hauled it w/ my 5500 Ram. I did not want to put insurance back on it, but did. w/ the 5500 it was an easy haul.

 

Good call.