Weight Distribution, Rear Suspension, and Brakes for Towing Pop-Up Camper with 2013 Toyota Sienna  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The specific products you need are primarily going to be determined by the weight of your pop-up camper.

Weight distribution is needed (or at least strongly recommended) in some cases, usually when towing a particularly heavy trailer. You would likely benefit from a weight distribution system if:

-Your loaded trailer weight is more than 50% of your vehicle's weight
-The rear of your tow vehicle sags when the trailer is hooked up, or if the tow vehicle's headlights point upward
-You experience trailer sway, or it's difficult to steer or stop
-You want to tow the highest capacity allowed by your vehicle's trailer hitch. Note that any hitch you use must be rated for weight distribution if you decide to use one of these systems.

Depending which pop-up camper you have and how much it weighs, it may not be necessary to use a weight distribution system. Often loading a little more weight on the tongue can reduce sway. You'll also want to check with your trailer manufacturer to see if a weight distribution system can be used with your camper. A weight distribution system would be a better option than rear suspension air lifts, so I recommend using the former, if you use anything at all. I'm also attaching an article on weight distribution systems for you to check out.

If you do decide to go with a weight distribution system, the best way to choose one is based off the tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

If, however, you'd rather install suspension enhancement rather than deal with a weight distribution system, you might try something like the kit # AL60732, which upgrades your vehicle's rear coil spring suspension and improves handling, braking, and overall ride. A weight distribution system would be more effective, but you won't have to deal with suspension enhancement each time you hook up or unhook your camper. I'm including a video review of this kit as well as an installation video on a 2013 Toyota Sienna.

Whether or not brakes are required depends on your state laws. Most states require brakes if trailers exceed a certain weight, or if they are a certain percentage heavier than the tow vehicle. If your pop-up camper is large/heavy enough to require brakes, they are likely already set up on the trailer. From there, you'll just need to connect your trailer to your vehicle and use a brake controller such as the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885. If your vehicle does not currently have any wiring, you'll also need a 4-pole trailer connector like # 118498 (confirmed to fit your 2013 Toyota Sienna) and the 7-way installation kit # ETBC7. I am attaching an article on installing a brake controller from scratch. I'm also including review videos of each of the wiring kits as well as installation videos on the Toyota Sienna for you to check out.

Also, try not to feel too intimidated! There's always help available if you need it.

expert reply by: Amber S

0