Recommended Weight Distribution System For Trailer Towed With 2015 Toyota Tacoma

Question:

I am looking for a Weight Distribution Hitch. My vehicle is a 2015 Toyota Tacoma with a 650lb tongue capacity. I will be towing a camper that is 3650 dry weight I know not to use that weight with a hitch weight of 430. I assume I may get close to the 650 lb tongue weight so I am looking for a WDH with sway control for safety to begin and to ease the struggle for the Tacoma. 2 questions: 1 Should I then go with a WDH with a higher weight rating, like 700-800 lbs? 2 Is it suggested to not use rear air bags with the WDH system?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

The first thing you want to check out is the weight capacity of your trailer hitch with a weight distribution system. The capacity of a hitch can change when you use a WD system.

You will want to know the gross tongue weight to find the right system. The weight you need to know is the tongue weight of your trailer when it is fully loaded and ready to tow added to the weight of any cargo you place in the truck bed behind the rear axle. This can include water, coolers, or any other gear.

You want your gross tongue weight to fall as near the middle of the tongue weight range of the weight distribution system as you can. We will use the 650-lbs you mentioned.

I recommend a system like the Strait-Line Weight Distribution with Sway Control, part # RP66073. This system has a tongue weight capacity between 400 lbs - 800 lbs. This system also features dual-cam sway control that helps keep the trailer on the road when traveling in high winds or passing large trucks on the highway.

The system does not include a hitch ball or an adjustable shank. For a 2 inch ball I recommend part # A-90. for a 2-5/16 inch ball I recommend part # 19286.

For an adjustable shank I recommend part # RP54970. This shank has a drop up to 2-inches and a rise up to 6-1/2 inches.

It is okay to use suspension enhancement with a weight distribution system. You will want to install the suspension system before installing the weight distribution system. If you have a 2-wheel drive truck I recommend the Timbren system, part # TTORXR. This is a no-drill system and simply replaces the bump stops you have on your Tacoma. If you have a 4-wheel drive truck I recommend part # TTORTUN4