Ram HD with Air Leveling Suspension: What Hitch Setup to Use? (Ask TFLtruck)

2015 ram 2500 hd cummins diesel extreme towing test uphill
Ram 2500 HD

How to setup a hitch when towing over 10,000 lbs with a Ram HD truck equipped with air-leveling suspension? Bill R. recently sent in the following question.

Do you need a weight distribution hitch on a Ram HD (2500 or 3500) with air leveling suspension for heavy 10k+ bumper-pull towing? If so, could you create a video with the correct way to set it up with a Ram air level truck. The “internet experts” all say to do it differently, and Ram has no comment.
Thank you,
Bill R.

Bill, this is an excellent question, and it is one of the questions we discuss in the Truck Nuts Book.

The air-leveling rear suspension in the Ram HD trucks is helpful for heavy towing because it virtually eliminates rear squat under load. We have tested several Rams with this suspension setup when towing a gooseneck trailer.

You are asking about conventional (aka. bumper pull) towing and the weight distribution hitch (WDH). Some manufacturers require a use of a WDH above a certain trailer weight. Please check your Ram HD owner’s manual for WDH requirements.

We like to use the WDH with built-in sway control for trailers that go beyond 10,000 lbs in weight. Not only does this hitch help distribute the weight over all axles, but it also helps to prevent (but not totally eliminate) trailer sway.

If you are running about 10% tongue weight with your trailer, the trailer should not sway.  However, sudden highway maneuvers, strong side winds, or potholes can induce trailer sway. We like the extra security of mechanical friction sway control.

Here is our WDH installation process.

We used the GenY Hitch with the WDH and built-in mechanical sway control in this Ram HD Ike Gauntlet™ review. We initially had some trailer sway. We increased the tongue weight by moving the load forward and tightened the WDH trunnion bars by raising the trailer mounts. This practically eliminated the trailer sway and made the towing experience much more relaxed.

We used an Andersen weight distribution hitch on this Ram HD truck.

Andre Smirnov
Andre Smirnov is an Automotive Enthusiast, Producer, Reviewer, Videographer, Writer, Software Engineer, Husband, Father, and Friend.