Recommended Weight Distribution Hitch with Sway Control for a Lexus GX460 Towing Aluminum Trailer
Question:
Im interested in a weight distributing hitch with sway control for a 2015 lexus gx 460. The gross trailer weight is 6,500 pounds and has a tounge weight of 250 pounds. It is an aluminum I-beam, double axle boat trailer. What do you recommend? Do the hitches you recommended allow back-up while hooked up?
asked by: Matt O
Expert Reply:
To choose a properly tuned weight distribution system for your boat trailer you will need to go by the total effective tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the measured 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.
Most boat trailer manufacturers state that a weight distribution system cannot be used with aluminum trailers, so I recommend contacting your boat dealer or the boat/trailer manufacturer to see if it is okay to use weight distribution on your trailer. You also need to make sure the hitch on your 2014 Lexus GX 460 is rated for weight distribution as well. There should be a tag or stick on the hitch itself that shows a weight distribution weight rating. If there isn't one then the hitch is not rated for weight distribution use.
If you determine you can use a weight distribution system with your aluminum trailer, the system I recommend is the Reese Steadi-Flex, part # RP66558, because it has trunnion spring bars. Trunnion bars will provide you higher ground clearance. This is a great system for tongue weights between 200-600 pounds and allows backing up when hooked up to your Lexus.
The Steadi-Flex will include an adjustable shank, head, sway control brackets and springs bars.
Boat trailers typically have a pole tongue, so you most likely will need a pole tongue adapter like the Reese # RP58393. It provides an installation point for the springs bars on a straight tongue trailer.
If you happen to need a hitch ball, go with the 2-inch ball # 63845 or 2-5/16 inch ball # 63847.
I included a informative article about weight distribution for you too.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 >
Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter for Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Adapters
- Pole Tongue Adapters
- Reese
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 >
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