Recommended Weight Distribution Setup and Suspension Enhancement for 2012 Toyota Tundra 4x4

Question:

Hi. I am looking to see if someone can provide some insight on this. My trailer/camper is 7,125 dry weights with its hitch weight being 890. I don’t know if that includes batteries and propane tanks, but let say it doesn’t, so I would add at least 200 lbs to 890. I have weight distribution system with bars able to handle up to 14,000 lbs trailer weight and 1000-1400 tongue weight depending on pin hole used. My truck is a 2012 Toyota tundra SR Double cab 5.7 V8L iForce engine 4x4 6.5 ft bed with max towing capacity of 9,800 lbs, with payload weight of 1,500 and tongue weight of 1,030. I should say also, add about 500 lbs into trailer for cargo. So, when this is all hitched up, how do I determine if I am over max for tongue weight and payload, plus with passengers in the truck? I wanted to makes sure I know how to figure out if I am exceeding any of these numbers and whether or not my weight distribution system is plenty to handle all this or I need to be careful how much I load in truck bed as cargo vs putting it onto trailer? Also, if I should consider installing some sort of suspension enhancers for rear axle on truck and if that will help a tongue weight. Thank you so much for any information.

asked by: Hasan B

Expert Reply:

The total tongue weight for a weight distribution system is the loaded trailer tongue weight along with any cargo behind the rear axle of your truck. I recommend using a scale like the etrailer Trailer Tongue Weight Scale # e99044 to determine you actual loaded and ready to go tongue weight on your trailer. This will help you ensure you have the correct weight distribution system for your application. I have attached an article to assist.

You will also want to make sure your Trailer hitch receiver is rated for weight distribution and what that capacity is when using weight distribution. That tongue weight rating with weight distribution is the maximum loaded trailer tongue weight you can put on your truck, so hopefully you are under that weight, or you will be needing a different vehicle to tow your trailer.

The number of passengers in your truck won't matter for your towing or weight distribution unless it is stated in your owners manual. Suspension enhancement will not give you a greater weight capacity for your trailer or a greater payload capacity, but it will help to level your truck if it is sagging with the trailer weight added. If this is the case, I recommend the Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System # TTORTUN4 which is a confirmed fit for your truck.

expert reply by: Jason S