Does Using a Weight Distribution System Increase the Towing Capacity of a 2009 Toyota Venza

Question:

Question: Adding a weight equalizing system allows vehicle’s gvwr of 3500 pounds to go up to 4000 pounds? Preface this by saying I’ve towed a Boles Aero Non-Pareile, 35 foot TT for years with an IH 3/4 ton Travel All. Weight equalizing system and friction bar. Also a 19.5 foot Nomad with Toyota Previa AWD, and weight equalizing system and friction bar. The Nomad had tandem axles, and weighed just under 4000 punds. Towing capacity of the Preva was 3500 pounds. Now, today, I have the Toyota Venza 2009, v6 AWD with trailer towing package…..did not come with a hitch. Toyota reads 3500 pound GVW towing capacity. Here is my confusion. Quoting from an essay on the web: “adding a weight distribution system can increase the GTW by up to 50”. Huh? What? True? Now, I don’t know if this means I purchase and tow a TT with GVWR of 4000 maximum, or still limit my self to 3500 pounds. I prefer a TT with random axles for the braking benefit. However the TT I have been interested in has a single axle….single axle bothers me….less braking surface on the pavement. ZK 200S is the TT I have been interested in. It’s GVW is 3500, leaving about 500 pounds leeway for cargo. I will not be installing hitch and braking components. Let someone else do it. etrailer.com/hitch has other hitch brands with the same capacities as this one, so I did not copy the rest. Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Round Tube Receiver Hitch - 2009 Toyota Venza IDraw-Tite 2009 Toyota Venza Trailer Hitch Draw-Tite Code: 75663

asked by: David M

Expert Reply:

Any vehicle's towing capacity is set in stone. If the maximum for your 2009 Toyota Venza is 3,500 pounds then it cannot tow more than that whether you are using weight distribution or not and regardless of what the hitches are rated for.

Check the vehicle owner's manual because sometimes vehicles can have a weight carrying capacity (not using weight distribution) and a separate capacity listed when using weight distribution. But I am fairly certain that your Venza is limited to 3,500 pounds and no more. You also have to make sure that the vehicle itself is rated for use with weight distribution. Many uni-body frame vehicles are not rated for it.

Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 75663 is a great choice for the Venza. I have linked a video that shows an example installation for you. To add a trailer connector and electric brake controller you will start by adding a 4-Way, # 118482.

Then you will need installation kit # ETBC7 to add a 7-Way and provide the wiring for a brake controller. For a controller I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it is easy to set up and use and is reliable. I have included some links that show and explain the ETBC7 installation for you.

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.

Since the maximum the vehicle can tow is 3,500 pounds and likely 350 pounds tongue weight, that is the maximum you can go. A system rated for 250 to 400 pounds tongue weight would be ideal, # 66557, with 2 inch ball # A-90 or 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.