Weight Distribution for a 2001 Toyota 4Runner and 3500 Pound Travel Trailer
Question:
I have a Curt class III receiver and the 4Runner has a 5000/500 tow rating tow/tongue according to Toyota. I read that with the right WDH that can increase to 6000/600 which it looks like the Curt 17300 will do. What I need to know is does that mean the 4Runner can handle up to a 600 lb tongue weight or not? I have read through many of your answers but that was never clear to me. The reason I am asking is I am shopping for a travel trailer and even though the weights are in the 3500# range the tongue weight tend to fall into the 450# dry weight range which makes me uncomfortable. I would like to know what the WDH will allow me to tow safely so I can buy the right trailer.
asked by: Shawn L
Expert Reply:
Weight distribution maximizes the amount of tongue weight and gross trailer weight that a hitch can carry if that hitch is rated for use with weight distribution. Also, some vehicles will list separate capacities for weight carrying and for weight distribution in the owners manual. The first thing you will want to check is the vehicle owners manual to determine what the capacity is. Then check the hitch for a sticker to see if it lists separate capacities with and without weight distribution.
Whatever ends up being the lowest capacity, the hitch or the vehicle, is the capacity you need to go by. I managed to find a copy of the owner's manual online and it states the maximum capacity of the vehicle is 5,000 pounds so you would not be able to tow any more than that.
You will want to look at trailers that have a tongue weight that does not exceed 500 pounds. To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
Given that you cannot go over 500 pounds tongue weight going with a system rated up to 600 pounds would work fine, you are just limited to 500 pounds tongue weight. However, according to the instructions for Curt system # 17300 the tongue weight capacity is 500 to 600 pounds so if you fell outside of that range the system would not be effective.
What I recommend is Pro Series system # PS49901 which is rated up to 550 pounds tongue weight with a minimum of 200 pounds tongue weight. It also comes with friction sway control and a 2-5/16 inch ball. You wouldn't need to add anything else unless the trailer you choose requires a 2 inch ball, then you would need # A-90.
I have included some helpful links on determining tongue weight and on weight distribution for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 >
