Recommended Equipment Needed for Towing 3200lb Boat With a 2014 Toyota Sienna
Question:
I want to tow a 3,200 lb boat with a 2014 Sienna, 2wd. What equipment do I need? Will I need weight distribution or sway bars? Thanks.
asked by: Tom B
Helpful Expert Reply:
As a first step, I'd recommend confirming the weight of the boat and the trailer, as well as the fully loaded and ready to tow trailer tongue weight (see linked article.)
Your Sienna is capable of towing 3500lbs, so you'll want to be sure the combined weight of the boat and trailer doesn't exceed that amount. The Curt Class III hitch you looked at, part # C13105 would be an excellent choice.
Any time the weight of the trailer is greater than half the weight of the vehicle, using weight distribution is a recommended. Weight distribution will level out the ride height of the vehicle, and prevent the rear of the Sienna from sagging. To choose a weight distribution system, you'll need to first determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the cargo area of the Sienna behind the rear axle. These combined figures represent the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.
Since the trailer tongue weight is typically between 10-15 percent of the weight of the trailer, I'll guesstimate that that your tongue weight is between 320 and 500lbs. Given this, I'd recommend the Reese SC weight distribution with sway control, part # RP66558. This system provides proven weight distribution performance for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 200-600lbs, it also adds a sway control component to prevent trailer sway caused by cross winds or oncoming traffic. The weight distributing shank is included, but you'll need the properly sized trailer ball. For a 2 inch ball, use part # 63845 or for a 2-5/16 inch ball, use part # 63847.
Assuming that your boat trailer has a pole tongue rather than an A-frame tongue, you'll also need a pole tongue adapter, part # RP58393.
At the minimum, you'll need a 4-pole trailer connector to activate the taillights on the trailer. Use part # 118498. If your trailer has a surge coupler that activates the hydraulic trailer brakes when the coupler compresses and the trailer has a 5-pole trailer connector, you'll also need a 4 to 5-pole adapter, part # 20036. If the trailer has electric brakes, you'll need to add a brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885 and our brake controller installation kit, part # ETBC7.
Finally, given that the weight of the trailer is very slightly less than the towing capacity of the vehicle, I'd urge you go install a transmission cooler like the Derale # D13503. A transmission cooler is an inexpensive insurance policy for your transmission.
I'll link you to some install videos, as well as instruction links and several FAQ articles that I hope you'll find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tow Ready 4 Pole to 5 Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Single-Function Adapter
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- 5 Flat
- Tow Ready
more information >
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 >
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Mid-Size Truck
- SUV
- Van
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 8-3/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
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 >
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Comparing Curt and etrailer Hitch for 2023 Toyota Sienna
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Q&A: Dimensions of C-Channel for Enclosed Trailer # 362213-955
- Q&A: Differences Between Curt, Draw-Tite, and etrailer.com Trailer Hitches for 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver For 2013 Toyota Sienna SE
- Q&A: Best Trailer Hitch Receiver for Ground Clearance to Fit a 2013 Toyota Sienna
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Article: Rust Prevention
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Article: Ball Mount Basics: Weight Capacity, Class, and Size
- Article: How to Correct Noise from Exhaust Rattling Against a Trailer Hitch