Weight Distribution and Sway Control Recommendation for 2008 Toyota Tundra and a 30 Foot Toy Hauler  

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There are several decisions to make when selecting a weight distribution system for your towing needs. The first and most important decision is to select a system that is properly rated for the capacity your setup requires. Since you have close to 10,000 pounds gross trailer weight, I would recommend a weight distribution system with a 12,000 pound gross weight and 1,200 pound tongue weight like you selected.

You can go with a round bar system like the Strait-Line Weight Distribution with Sway Control, item # RP66084, that you selected, or you can go with a trunnion style system like the Strait-Line Trunnion Weight Distribution with Sway Control, item # RP66074. The difference between the two is minimal, since they are both rated for the same weight capacities. In my experience, the trunnion style is easier to hook up and unhook and is normally built for the heavier applications. The trunnion style gives a bit more ground clearance if this is an issue for your setup.

Once round bar or trunnion is decided on, you will need to decide on sway control. Friction sway control is reactive and dual cam sway control is proactive. This means that the dual cam system works to keep the trailer in-line with the tow vehicle at all times and that the friction style system works to stop sway once it has started. For your setup with a lifted truck and a heavy camper, I would go with the dual cam system.

Next, you will need to determine if you will need a weight distribution shank with a deep drop. With a 6 inch lift and air bags, this is a possibility. Park your trailer on a fairly level surface and get the tongue level. Then, measure from the ground to the bottom of the coupler. Now, measure from the ground to the top of the receiver opening. If the receiver is higher than the coupler the difference is the amount of drop you will need. The Reese Weight Dist Shank, item # RP3215, supplies a 5-3/4 inch drop when used with trunnion-bar models and a 6-3/4 inch drop when used with round-bar systems. The Reese Weight Dist Shank, item # RP3344, supplies a 7-5/8 inch drop when used with trunnion-bar models, and a 8-5/8 inch drop when used with round-bar systems. One of these shanks should work for your vehicle.

You will then need a properly sized and rated hitch ball with a 1-1/4 inch shank to install in the weight distribution head. The Hitch Ball with 2-5/16 inch Diameter and Medium Shank, item # 19286, will most likely be the correct ball for your system.

I have linked some weight distribution information and a video installation for you to review. Check to be sure that the towing capacities of your vehicle are not exceeded, especially since a lift has been added to the suspension.

expert reply by: Robert G

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