Weight Distribution System Recommendation for a 2008 Toyota 4Runner Towing a 3,500 lb Trailer
Question:
We have a 2008 4runner V6 2wd and recently purchased a 21foot single axle camper with a dry weight of ~2800 and GVWR of 3500. I was pleased to find the 4runner had more than enough power to pull the camper but found it somewhat squirly at highway speeds due to passing vehicles, curves in the road, and surface inconsistencies. The experience was anything but relaxing. Been doing a fair bit of reading this morning and everything Ive read suggests a WDH with sway is the way to go.....but the problem is the factory receiver isnt rated for weight distribution. A new receiver plus a good WDH is going to set me back $700-800 so Im trying to find a more cost effective option. I was thinking about the Timbren or the Firestone air helpers paired with some kind of sway control option. Suggestions and advice? Thanks much!
asked by: Brian C
Expert Reply:
With as much as your trailer weighs and the fact that you are experiencing sway your only real option will be to go with a hitch rated for a WD system and a WD system with sway control.
First let's start with a hitch, the Hidden Hitch part # 70779 would be a great hitch to use and is rated for a weight distribution system. I attached an install video.
The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.
Typically tongue weight is 10-15 percent of the total trailer weight. So if your trailer weighs 3,500 lbs when loaded your tongue weight will most likely be between 350 lbs and 525 lbs. For a system rated for that I would recommend the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System # RP66082. This system has a tongue weight range of 200-600 lbs and features the only sway control on the market that works to prevent sway before it starts. I highly recommend it.
