Recommended Weight Distribution to Pull a GVWR 9,250-lb Trailer with a 2016 Toyota Tundra
Question:
Hello, I am in the process of purchasing a tow behind camper. I was looking to purchase a Jayco Jay Flight 28BHBE it says that the weight of the camper is 6515 lbs unloaded and the gross vehicle weight rating is 9250 lbs. I currently have a 2016 Toyota Tundra crew max with a 5.7 liter. It says in my manual that the trailer weight rating is 9400 lbs and my gross combination weight rating is 15,690 with a vehicle weight capacity of 1360 lbs. my question is can I tow this thing with my truck safely? I will be traveling with my wife and two children so altogether we weigh about 450 lbs. what weight distribution system with sway control would be ideal for my application? The dealership said I could tow it with no problem. I live in NJ and wanted to go to all states with this setup... is it too much? Thank you for your help.
asked by: Jimmy C
Expert Reply:
If your trailer GVWR is 9,250 lbs and your 2016 Toyota Tundra is equipped and has a trailer hitch that can tow up to 9,400 lbs then you should be just fine with that setup. I do recommend trying to keep from loading your trailer to the GVWR though because that means that your Tundra would be 150 lbs away from the total weight capacity which will most likely put strain on your Tundra.
You are doing the right thing by comparing the weight capacities of your trailer and your Tundra to make sure you can tow safely, but to determine which Weight Distribution (WD) system that is best for your towing setup you will first need to determine what your Total Tongue Weight (TTW) is. You can find your TTW by adding the Tongue Weight (TW) of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer along with any weight that would be behind the rear axle of your Tundra. You will then want to choose a WD system that has a TW range which your TTW falls in the middle of. Keep in mind that a properly loaded trailer will have a TW that is 10-15% of the weight of the loaded trailer.
A great option that I recommend looking into is the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution system. The Strait-Line is one of the few WD systems on the market that actually work to prevent trailer sway instead of correct it after it starts. If you look at part # RP66084 it might be the correct system for you as it has a TW range of 600 - 1,200 lbs although you will want to know your TTW before choosing it. I have attached a review video for you to check out for more info on this system.
This system comes with a 2 inch shank but does not include a hitch ball. for that you could use the 2 inch diameter # A-90 or the 2-5/16 inch diameter # 19286.
Since you could possibly be putting a bit of stress on your engine I also recommend looking at installing a transmission cooler. The Derale part # D13503 is one of our most popular coolers that we have to offer that fits most Toyota Tundra's with 5/16 inch transmission lines. In some cases, additional fittings or alteration of the OEM lines or hoses may be required for installation.
To install a transmission cooler you will just need to make sure that you have enough room for it. The best place to install a cooler is in front of the AC condenser or between it and the radiator where it will get the most airflow. i have attached a demonstration photo that has the dimensions of this Derale cooler for you to 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 >
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Mid-Size Truck
- SUV
- Van
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 8-3/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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