Weight Distribution for 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser

Question:

I have a boat trailer that has surge brakes and I want to tow with a 2013 Land Cruiser. The boat and trailer are approx 7000 lbs and the Land Cruiser has a rating to 8500 lbs. I would like to use weight distribution and Im looking at the Reese Steady Flex RP66559. It looks like all the dimensions will fit the trailer, but wanted to make sure it is surge brake compatible. The write up says it is, but do the sway bars float fairly easy on the friction material so the tongue can actuate the brakes when compressed? Thanks

asked by: James S

Expert Reply:

The Reese Steadi-Flex # RP66559 is indeed surge brake compatible; the bars do allow enough movement within the clamps so the tongue can actuate the brakes. This is why weight distribution systems with brackets are compatible with surge brakes but Reese systems that use chains hangers are not. There is not adequate horizontal movement in those systems to activate surge brake systems.

The Steadi-Flex # RP66559 has a total tongue weight range of between 500 lbs and 1,000 lbs and is likely a great choice for you based on the numbers you provided. The ideal system would be one in which your total tongue weight - which is the tongue weight of your loaded trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser - would fall somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity.

Please keep in mind this weight distribution system will require a hitch ball, either # A-90 for a 2" ball or # 19286 for a 2-5/16" ball. I've added links to video reviews of this system for you to take a look at as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S