Weight Distribution Recommendation for a Toyota 4Runner and a 4,100 Pound Trailer and Horse
Question:
Looking to safely tow a trailer that weighs about 2900 lbs with one 1200lb horse... the GVWR of the trailer is about 5900lbs. total weight towed: 4100 horse and trailer my tougue and ball are rated to 600lb. Standard manufacturer hitch from owners manual of the truck, truck can tow: 5000lbs trailer and load in trailer. and 9200lbs total in car and trailer. Need advice on which weight distribution hitch to buy. and will I need a new standard hitch assembly? Thank you! will be going across country and want to be as safe as possible.
asked by: Janice
Expert Reply:
When choosing a weight distribution system for your Toyota 4Runner and trailer, you will want one that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses your trailer tongue weight, loaded and ready to tow. At a total of 4,100 pounds, your trailer tongue weight should be between 410 and 615 pounds (10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight). You should not need to add a new trailer hitch as long as your current hitch has a 2 inch receiver and it and the vehicle are rated for use with a weight distribution system. I recommend a system rated for 400 to 800 pounds tongue weight, like the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System with Sway Control, # RP66087.
This system includes dual-cam sway control that stops trailer sway before it starts. It is rated at 10,000 pounds gross trailer weight which is more than enough to handle your trailer and horse. It comes with the necessary shank so all you will need is a properly sized ball if you do not already have one. You can use # 19286 (2-5/16 inch diameter) or # A-90 (2 inch diameter). I have included a link to the installation details below.
If you just want weight distribution and no sway control, you can use the Reese Round Bar Weight Distribution Kit with Shank, # RP67509. This kit has the same tongue and gross trailer weight capacities but does not include sway control. It does come with a shank and you could use either of the above listed balls. I have included a link to our weight distribution and sway control FAQ article for reference.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- 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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