Weight Distribution System Recommendation for 2008 Toyota Tacoma Towing Trailer

Question:

I pull a Rockwood Roo 19 travel trailer, loaded weight approx. 4400 lbs, with a 2008 V6 Tacoma with air bag assist suspension on the rear. It rides level with 15 to 20 psi in the air bags. I wonder if I should use a sway bar. It seems to tow straight with no sway but if I have to make a quick maneuver to avoid something in the road I am not totally comfortable with the response of the trailer and truck. Would a sway bar help this situation and, if so, what do you recommend?

asked by: Dan B

Expert Reply:

Friction sway control like part # 83660 might help a little bit of the trailer ends up wanting to sway when you make quick turns, but the ideal solution would be a weight distribution system as that will distribute some of the tongue weight up to the front axle of the tow vehicle. Overall your vehicle and trailer will handle and track MUCH better with a WD system. Be sure to set up the air bag air pressure first before setting up the WD system.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

The weight distribution system part # RP66540 would be a great choice that has a tongue weight range of 200-600 lbs.

For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.

expert reply by: Jameson C