Weight Distribution System for 3500 GVWR Pop-Up Camper Towed by Toyota Tundra

Question

Question:

I am buying a pop up camper which has: GVWR of 3,500 UVW of 2,175 UTW of 195 I am pulling it with a new model Toyota Tundra. My question is do I really need a weight distribution hitch for a trailer this light and if so what do you recommend? Also, is it detrimental to use a WDH that is rated much higher than the specs of the trailer? thanks

asked by: Eric

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Expert Reply:

Anytime the fully loaded and ready to tow trailer weight is greater than 50 percent of the weight of the tow vehicle, using weight distribution should be considered.

When you get the pop-up, hitch it to the vehicle and pay special attention to the front and rear ride height of the truck. If the rear end sags more than a few inches when the camper's hitched up, your headlights will be aimed incorrectly and braking and steering response can be negatively affected because of the sag at the back of the truck. If that's the case, using weight distribution would be a good idea.

To choose the correct system, the first thing you'll need to determine is the tongue weight of the camper when its fully loaded and ready to tow. I'll link you to an FAQ article that explains how this is done. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the truck bed 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.

Given the numbers you provided, your camper's fully loaded tongue weight likely ranges between 250-500 lbs. If you can confirm that your tongue weight is in that range, the Fastway E2 system, part # FA92-00-0600 would be an excellent choice. The system offers proven weight distribution performance with the added benefit of sway control to help keep the camper in line behind the tow vehicle. The weight distributing shank is included, but the properly sized trailer ball, part # EQ91-00-6080 for a 2 inch ball or # C48810 for a 1-7/8 inch ball.

If you choose a system that's rated too highly for your trailer's tongue weight, it will be ineffective. The spring bars won't have enough give in them, so the trailer will have a very rough ride.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

You will need to use a standard weight distribution kit like the Heavy Duty Trunnion Weight Distribution System #RP66131 for your I-beam trailer. This system would be rated perfectly for your 10k trailer if it was going to be loaded near…

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Answer 2

You are correct that the welded plate on your trailer frame will obstruct the installation of most weight distribution brackets. The best solution for your case is to use these Chain Hangers #RP58305. These bolt on to the side of your trailer frame…

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Answer 3

Yes, you can absolutely drill holes in your trailer tongue to install the 10,000 lb capacity Buyers Products Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler #3370091560. This is a pretty common occurrence due to the various bolt hole patterns of straight tongue…

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Answer 4

Yes, you can drill holes to add an A-frame jack to your pop-up camper if your current jack is getting in the way of your anti-sway bars. You will need to have a mounting plate to of some sort to drill into as opposed to drilling into the frame of…

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Answer 5

The best way to get a 7-way trailer connector on your 2017 Sienna is by first installing a 4-way connector like part #118498 if it is an SLE model or part #118648 for NON-SLE models. You will then need to install a 7-way trailer harness like #ETBC7.…

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Answer 6

So the easiest to install brake controller that also works really well is the Curt Echo Mobile part #C51180. Basically this just plugs into an active 7-way and once you sync it to your phone it's ready to go. This brake controller is proportional…

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Answer 7

To power the brakes on your trailer you're going to need the 7-way trailer connector and an electric brake controller. To install a 7-way on your 2016 Kia Sedona you'll first need a 4-way. If you don't already have one use the Curt…

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Answer 8

I spoke with my contact at Reese and since the Friction Sway Control Kit, #83660, has not been tested on a Rockwood Freedom Pop-Up Camper trailer, we can not guarantee that the support mount on your trailer would not interfere with the operation of…

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Answer 9

The complete installation instructions for the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution Hitch #RP66074 are attached for your reference. While these do provide complete adjustment instructions for the hitch head angle the chart you referred to (from page…

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Answer 10

We don't have a 12" pre-mounted tire and wheel combo with the load and sizes you are looking for, but you can buy item separately and have them mounted at a local shop upon arrival. For this, you can use the Aluminum Lynx Trailer Wheel -…

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Answer 11

Your math is correct in your trailer weight load example. If a fully-loaded tandem axle trailer weighs 4000-lbs then each of the 4 tires will bear 1/4th of that load, or 1000-lbs. In this case a tire rated for 1300-lbs would provide a good safety…

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Answer 12

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Weight Distribution System for 3500 GVWR Pop-Up Camper Towed by Toyota Tundra

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