Weight Distribution/Sway Control for 2008 Toyota Tundra Towing 2016 Grand Design 308BHTS

Question:

I am trying to properly size a WD hitch for my new trailer. I drive a 2008 Toyota Tundra 4x4 Double Cab. I am purchasing a 2016 Grand Design 308BHTS. The tongue weight on the paperwork is 940lbs and the GVW is about 9950 lbs. The dealer tried to sell me on the E2 10,000 lb but that doesnt seem like enough so Im going to purchase the correct one from you guys. Ive been looking at the Equalizer 4 point 14k but Im open to suggestion. Im interested in the best sway controls as well as quick easy connections. Thank you for your help!

asked by: Brian M

Expert Reply:

The key to selecting a weight distribution (WD) and sway control (SC) system is to know the trailer's actual fully-loaded tongue weight (TW) when it is carrying all your usual supplies and equipment, with its water tank filled, etc. We offer a handy scale # e99044 to simplify measuring TW but the linked article offers other methods as well.

To this figure you will add the weight of anything in the truck bed that sits behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler or generator. With this total effective TW known you can select a system. Ideally your total TW will fall right into the middle of the system's operating range.

If your dry hitch weight is 940-lbs, then your loaded TW will likely be in the range of 1200 to 1300-lbs. You can click on this TW figure on the linked page to see suitably-rated systems that include sway prevention.

The system our installers consider to be the premier option is the Reese Strait-Line # RP66130. This system prevents sway from starting and it is fully compatible with your electric drum brakes. You can back up the trailer without disconnecting this system, which is handy too. All you need to add is a shank with the correct rise or drop to keep the trailer level and a hitch ball with a 1-1/4-inch diameter shank. I have linked our page for shanks like # RP3215. For a 2-5/16-inch hitch ball use part # C40086.

expert reply by: Adam R