Hitch, Weight Distribution, and Brake Controller Recommendations for a 2003 Toyota Tundra

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Question:

I have a 2003 Toyota Tundra V8, 4x4 Acess cab with factory trailer package rated to pull 7100 lbs. I plan to purchase my first trailer, a 2010 Cougar 25RLSWE,dry weight 6170, hitch weight 480, length 296. What tow hitch do you recommend? I like your videos, good for us novices. thanks

asked by: Rick H

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Expert Reply:

To tow your 2010 Cougar trailer with your 2003 Toyota Tundra, I recommend the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, # 75105. This is a Class III, 2 inch hitch with 5,000 pounds gross trailer weight capacity (8,000 with weight distribution) and a tongue weight capacity of 500 pounds. To pull the Cougar trailer, you will need weight distribution. I have included a link to the installation instructions for this hitch below.

You might also be interested in a ball mount to pull other trailers, that do not require weight distribution, and ball if you do not already have one. I recommend Curt Ball Mount, # C45010. For a ball, I would use either, # A-90 (2 inch), or # 63853 (2-5/16 inch) depending on the coupler size on the trailer. And a pin and clip like # C21500 to finish the collection.

For weight distribution, I recommend a system that comes with dual-cam sway control, like the Reese Strait-Line, # 66073. This system requires a shank, part # 63970, has a max tongue weight of 800 pounds, max trailer weight of 12,000 pounds. The dual-cam sway control is a pro-active design that stops trailer sway before it starts.

If the dry weight of your trailer is 6,170 pounds that will leave you with only 930 pounds that you will be able to load in the trailer, so you will have to be very aware of your gross trailer weight so you do not exceed the 7,100 pounds your vehicle is rated to pull.

For a trailer this heavy, I recommend using a brake controller if the trailer has electric brakes. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller # 90885. It is one of our most popular and highly rated brake controllers. If you have factory 7-Way wiring installed on your truck, all you will need is part # 90885, 3040-P which is the brake controller and the harness that plugs into the truck.

If you do not have factory installed 7-Way, you will need to add a few things in addition to the brake controller. First, you will need a 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. And you will also need a 4 pole connector (119176KIT for no tow package, 43385 with tow package). Installation is fairly straight forward. I have included a link to installing a brake controller from scratch as well as two videos that show the installation of an ETBC7 kit.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 2

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 3

The 40 amp fuse for your 2006 Chevrolet Silverado tow package is used for the 12 volt battery charge circuit. This fuse is located toward the front of the underhood fuse box closest to the front auxiliary positive post (see photo). There may be a…

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Answer 4

From what I could find it looks like your 122R (red) and 122Y (amber) lights measure 3.75" x 1.70" x .81". We don't have any replacement lense directly for the GLO-BRITE lights but we do have some similar lights…

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Answer 5

On a 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500, If you are facing the front of the truck looking at the power distribution box, there will be a post at the back left side and a fuse slot near it. It is that fuse slot that you will install a 30 amp fuse. I have…

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Answer 6

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you…

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Answer 7

I agree it is the right time to upgrade to a Lithium charger/converter as not all are Lithium compatible. I recommend using the Progressive Dynamics Mighty Mini AC/DC Panel and Converter/Smart Charger - 60 Amp #PD4060K which is a replacement for…

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Answer 8

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and…

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Answer 9

If your current springs have 5 leaves then going to a 7 leaf spring will increase the height of the trailer a little and make the trailer more susceptible to sway. Regarding capacity if you go with springs rated higher than what is required it will…

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Answer 10

The correct replacement for a Demco Master Cylinder 05680-C is the Replacement Master Cylinder part #5650. I spoke with Demco to confirm this for you.

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Answer 11

For your enclosed trailer application I have several suggestions for adding interior lighting that you can control directly via a switch. Since your current 4-pole trailer wiring does NOT include a 12V auxiliary power feed that could power inside…

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Answer 12

The only way you could power interior dome lights on a trailer without it being connected to a tow vehicle would be to power the lights with a battery like a breakaway battery. How you choose to wire up the batteries will in the end be up to you,…

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Hitch, Weight Distribution, and Brake Controller Recommendations for a 2003 Toyota Tundra

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