Recommendation for Fighting Sway When Towing with a 2008 Toyota Highlander

Question:

I have a Toyota Highlander w/ a towing package. Good to 5000 lb GVWR. Im pulling a 3250 GVWR camper w/o any problem but can get some swaying. Id like to get an anti sway package for it - any suggestions Tx

asked by: Harry K

Expert Reply:

Any time that the loaded trailer weighs at least half of the tow vehicle weight a Weight Distribution (WD) system is recommended. Since this is the case with your 2008 Toyota Highlander a WD system is the best way to go. It will help to evenly distribute weight among all of the axles in the towing setup (tow vehicle and trailer) plus many of them incorporate a built-in anti-sway feature.

You want to choose a WD system with a Tongue Weight (TW) range that the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your towing setup falls in the middle of. To find the TTW of your towing setup you will need to add the TW of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer along with the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. Keep in mind that a properly loaded trailer will have a TW that is 10-15% of the loaded weight of your trailer.

Since the GVWR of your trailer is 3,250 lbs that means we can estimate a TW in the range of 325 lbs - 487 lbs. A great option for you is the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37060ET which has a TW range of 200 lbs - 600 lbs and comes with a built-in 4-point sway system. It comes with everything that you need although a 1-7/8" thin-walled socket, like part # EQ70-00-4800, is recommended to install the included 2" hitch ball.

If your TTW falls outside of the 200 lbs - 600 lbs range of this WD system just let me know what your TTW is and I can make another recommendation.

I have also included some links that you may find helpful.

expert reply by: Jon G