Towing Capacity and Recommended Weight Distribution System for 2008 Toyota 4Runner
Question:
I am looking to purchase a hybrid trailer to pull with my 2008 Toyota 4Runner 6cyl and am looking for the max gross trailer weight I can pull, and the best weight distribution system to use with it. The tow limit on it according to the manufacturer is 5000lbs, but the hitch assembly is rated to 600lbs tongue weight and 6000lbs gross tow weight. It also says that with weight distribution the limits are 7300lbs max gross weight, 730lbs tongue wt. Can you help guide me on on which of your weight dist. packages to get, and how much I can realistically tow with it? THank you! :-
asked by: Steve R
Expert Reply:
Any towing system's capacity will be limited by the capacity of its lowest rated component, whether it be the hitch or the vehicle itself. Since Nissan states that the maximum towing capacity of the 4Runner is 5000 lbs, that's the maximum weight you'll be limited to, regardless of the hitch capacity or what the capacity of the hitch would be if you used weight distribution.
To choose a weight distribution system, you'll need to first determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the cargo area of the 4Runner behind the rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures comprise the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.
So for instance, if the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight (including the cooler in the cargo area of the 4Runner) of your trailer is about 450 lbs, I'd recommend going with the # RP66558 Reese Steadi-Flex weight distribution system. This weight distribution kit is rated for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 400-600 lbs, which should be perfect for any hybrid travel trailer your 4Runner is capable of towing. The system offers proven weight distribution performance, but also resists trailer sway caused by crosswinds and oncoming tractor trailers.
For severe sway, go with the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System, part # RP66082. Like the other system I mentioned, the Strait-Line provides proven weight distribution performance for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 200-600 lbs. However, instead of resisting trailer sway, the Strait-Line prevents sway from occurring in the first place.
Both systems include the weight distributing shank, but the properly sided trailer ball is sold separately. With the Steadi-Flex use part # 63845 for a 2 inch ball or part # 63847 for a 2-5/16 inch. For the Strait-Line use part # A-90 for a 2 inch ball or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 6K GTW, 600 TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Recommended Weight Distribution System for 3,000 Pound Trailer with 400 Pound Tongue Weight
- Shop: Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Shop: Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Kenda ST225/75D15 Bias Trailer Tire - Load Range E
- Shop: Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Article: Which Sway Control Hitch is Right For Your Trailer?
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Q&A: Recommended Weight Distribution and Sway Control System to Use When Hauling an R-POD
- Q&A: Difference Between Weight Carrying and Weight Distribution Ratings on a Titan Hitch Extender
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2003 Toyota 4Runner that Can Be Used with Weight Distribution
- Search Results: off road trailer tires
- Shop: TorkLift PowerArmor Solar Single Locking Battery Box
- Video: Review of etrailer - Brake Controller - ETBC7
- Shop: RV Interior Lighting
- Q&A: How to Tell if a Vehicle has a Tow Package or Not
- Q&A: How to Determine if my Trailer Has Electric or Hydraulic Brakes
- Search Results: cooper
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
on Weight Distribution Hitch
