Recommended Weight Distribution for 2016 Toyota 4Runner and Flagstaff Travel Trailer

Question:

First time towing a travel trailer. So what would be the best Sway/weight distributing hitch for a Flagstaff 23FBKS Travel trailer . 4189 lbs unloaded. Load max 5350lbs. Base dry hitch weight 576. Would like one that is easy to put on and take off and does not make a lot of noise. Also an adjustable hitch 7 hole. Thanks

asked by: Buddy K

Expert Reply:

I can help you get a easy to use weight distribution for your 2016 Toyota 4Runner and Flagstaff Travel Trailer.

To choose the right weight distribution it will be based on loaded tongue weight which is typically between 10-15% of the trailer gross weight and anything in addition to that loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. With a weight of 5,350lbs max this can be anywhere from 418-802lbs of tongue weight. I have linked a Help Article on how to determine your loaded tongue weight. In my research I found that your 4Runner is capable of up to 5,000lbs of trailer weight, you will want to check the placard on the inside of your driver's door to confirm this. This vehicle restriction would put your TW limit at 418-750lbs max.

I recommend the Blue Ox Sway Pro System like # BXW0756, because of it's tongue weight range from 550lbs - 750lbs. I also highly recommend using the clamp-on brackets, this will allow you to make no modifications to the trailers you will be transporting. The # BXW0756 I recommended has these clamp-on brackets already. The clamp-on brackets will easily be installed and removed from around the frame of your trailer without modification.

You will also need a few different sized hitch balls for the different sized couplers that have a 1-1/4 inch diameter shank like # A-90 for 2 inch or # 19286 for 2-5/16. Some people also find that they need the 1-7/8 sized socket for installation of the ball, if you don't already have one we offer one # EQ70-00-4800.

It's important to note that your 4Runner has very specific instructions about towing that can be found on pages 174-190 of your owner's manual.

If you have a trailer with brakes you will need a brake controller to control the brakes. For a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha P3 # 90195, because of its easy user interface. The P3 is a proportional brake controller which means it senses how the tow vehicle is slowing or stopping and applies the trailer's brakes with the same intensity. It also has a full display screen instead of codes that need deciphering. The Tekonsha P2 # 90885 is like the P3's little brother, it has all the great qualities but doesn't have the display of the P3.

If you have a factory 7-way on your vehicle you will need the # 3041-P brake controller adapter to plug into your vehicle and complete your wiring.

I have linked all the above mentioned products to this page as well as a few videos and Help Articles for your viewing and purchasing convenience.