Weight Distribution and Sway Control Recommendation for a 1999 Toyota Tacoma
Question:
I want to pull a car hauler trailer. Trailer and cargo will weigh just under 5,000#. Towing vehicle is a 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4WD xtra cab pickup with a class III receiver hitch. Max towing limit on this truck is 5,000#. What weight distribution hitch do you recommend, if any. Maximum tongue weight for this truck is 350#. How can I tell if my hitch is rated for weight distribution? It has no stickers or labels that I can see. Thanks.
asked by: Joe L
Expert Reply:
If the trailer hitch on your 1999 Toyota Tacoma is from the factory, the towing specifications, including whether or not it can be used with weight distribution, should be located in the owners manual. If it is not from the factory, you will need to call the hitch manufacturer.
If you find that your trailer hitch is rated for use with a weight distribution system, you will need one with a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses the trailer tongue weight with the trailer loaded and ready to tow. Tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. If the trailer weighs 5,000 pounds, the tongue weight should be 500 to 750 pounds. If your trailer hitch is only rated at 350 pounds tongue weight capacity, you will not be able to tow the trailer with that hitch. Usually a trailer hitches tongue weight capacity is 10 percent of the gross trailer weight. I would contact the hitch manufacturer to be certain.
We do carry numerous trailer hitches for your truck that are rated for that much weight and weight distribution. I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch, # 13013. It is rated at 5,000 pounds, 500 tongue weight, with weight distribution added it is capable of 6,000 pounds. I have included a link to the installation details below. Be sure to always stay within the towing limits specified by the owners manual.
With the right hitch installed, I would recommend Strait-Line Weight Distribution System with Sway Control - Round Bar, # RP66087. This system comes with built-in dual-cam sway control that stops trailer sway before it starts. It also includes the required shank. I have included links to the installation details below. Remember that adding weight distribution does not increase the towing capacity of the truck. I have included a link to an FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control below.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 500 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 6000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 600 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Round Bar - 10,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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