What are the top rated towing accessories for a Ram 1500?

Honestly, I've tried many different setups over the years and the Rockies are no joke when you're pulling 7,000 pounds. You really need that mechanical friction to stay stable. My pick is definitely the Equal-i-zer 4-point Sway Control Hitch 10k/1,000 lbs. It's usually priced around $650 online, so it fits your $800 budget perfectly with cash left over for gas.

• Built-in sway control means no messing with extra friction bars
• It's a tank when it comes to mountain winds
• Easy to back up without unhooking The Andersen is a neat design, but in my experience, it struggles with heavier tongue weights in high-altitude gusts. Go with the 4-point setup for that peace of mind... you wont regret having the extra weight in the hitch itself when things get hairy. Let me know if you need help with the initial install steps once it arrives!

Just catching up on this thread. Re: "Yo, just saw this thread. I used to..." - honestly, there are a couple of other setups that handle the Rockies beautifully without the noise of an Equal-i-zer. I have been very satisfied with these two after reading through technical breakdowns on eTrailer.

• Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution Hitch BXW1000: This system is effective because it uses a trunnion style bar that doesnt require grease. It provides a smooth ride and handles crosswinds by using tension rather than friction... really solid for 7k lbs.
• Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution Hitch 66612: This works well for mid-heavy loads. It utilizes integrated friction pads, making it much quieter than standard hitches. Both stay under your $800 limit. I suggest using a Sherline LM 2000 Trailer Tongue Weight Scale to verify your balance. Proper tongue weight is the most critical factor in preventing fishtailing.

I've spent a ton of time hauling in the mountains and honestly, you can get high-end stability without blowing your whole $800 budget. I'm super satisfied with my current setup because it handles those nasty crosswinds near the peaks like a total champ. Safety is the main thing here, especially with 7k lbs pushing you around on those steep grades. Check these out if you want to save some cash:

• Husky Center Line TS 32218 800-1200 lb Tongue Weight
• This thing is way quieter than some alternatives and keeps the trailer totally locked in.
• EAZ LIFT 48058 Elite Weight Distribution Hitch Kit 1000 lbs
• Really sturdy choice that's usually a total steal price-wise.
• Tekonsha P3 Electronic Brake Controller 90195
• If your Ram doesn't have the factory tow package, get this too. You'll be happy with either of those hitches. They are super reliable and wont leave you white-knuckling it when the wind kicks up. Just reach out if you need help with the install stuff!

Yo, just saw this thread. I used to run the Andersen but switched when I started doing more heavy-duty hauls through the canyons. Tbh, the Andersen is great for lighter stuff but for 7k lbs on a Ram, you might want something with more bite. I ended up getting the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution Hitch BXW1000 a couple years back and it changed the game for me. It uses tension on the bars instead of friction pads, so its way quieter when you're turning at the gas station. Plus, you dont have to unhook it to reverse which is a massive win when youre tired and just want to park. Usually runs about $750-800 depending on where you look. Definitely kept my front end planted when those crosswinds hit coming out of the tunnels. Its been solid for me over the years.