Differences Between Class II and III Trailer Hitches Available For 2007 Toyota Sienna  

Question:

Expert Reply:

According to my research, the 2007 Toyota Sienna LE is capable of towing up to 3500 lbs, but you'll want to confirm this for yourself by checking your owner's manual.

A Class III hitch uses a 2 inch by 2 inch receiver opening, while a Class II has a 1-1/4 by 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The Class II hitches available for your Sienna have a tongue weight capacity of 300 lbs, and a towing capacity of 3500 lbs. The Class III hitch has a slightly higher tongue weight capacity of 350 lbs and the same towing capacity of 3500 lbs. The tongue weight capacity is the maximum amount of weight that can be suspended from the receiver. For instance, if you were to use a hitch mounted bike rack or a cargo carrier, the weight of the hitch accessory plus what's loaded on it couldn't exceed the tongue weight capacity of the hitch.

Many Class III hitches will also list a higher weight distribution capacity. If the towing capacity of the hitch is less than the towing capacity of the vehicle, using a weight distribution hitch can increase the capacity of the hitch. However, since the towing capacity of your Sienna is 3500 lbs, the same as that of the hitch, you would be limited by the capacity of the vehicle. However, if the tongue weight of the trailer makes the rear end of the van squat more than a couple of inches, a weight distributing hitch would be beneficial for leveling the ride height between the front and rear vehicle axles. I'll link you to an FAQ article that explains in full how weight distribution works. I'll also link you to some articles that further explain the differences in the various hitch classes.

So which hitch would be best for you? It'll depend on what you're using the hitch for. If you'll be using a bike rack or cargo carrier, either class of hitch would work fine. A Class II hitch like the Draw-Tite Class II # 36513 is quite a bit less expensive than the # 75237 Class III model, so that's what I'd personally go with.

If you'll be towing, I'd recommend you go with the Class III, because you can use weight distribution if you need to. You'll also need the following items to complete your towing system:

Trailer wiring harness, part # 118304

The ball mount you need is dependent on whether you go with a Class II or a Class III.

Class II, use part # 36051 and # 19256 for a 1-7/8 inch trailer ball or # 19258 for a 2 inch ball.
Class III, use part # 2753 and # 19260 for a 1-7/8 ball or # 63845 for a 2 inch ball.

expert reply by: Mike L

0