Best Weight Distribution System to Tow a 2015 Forest River Wolf Pup 16BHS with a 2013 Toyota 4Runner
Question:
I am buying a 2015 Forest River Wolf Pup 16BHS. Dry weight is 2,900 lbs. Tongue weight is 417 lbs. I am pulling it with a 2013 Toyota 4Runner. Towiing capacity is 5,000 lbs. I am getting conflicting information about needing a weight distribution hitch with sway control. Do I need one? If so, what models would you recommend? Thank you. Its all confusing........
asked by: Jared
Expert Reply:
A weight distribution (WD) system with sway control (SC) is always recommended when the gross weight of the loaded trailer is at least half of the weight of the tow vehicle. Since this is the case with your 2015 Forest River Wolf Pup 16BHS and 2013 Toyota 4Runner I highly recommend using a WD/SC system to keep the trailer's tongue weight (TW) from negatively affecting your front axle steering and braking performance.
To determine the best WD/SC for your towing setup you first need to find the loaded TW of your trailer. I looked up the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of your Wolf Pup and it was 3,905 lbs. Since a properly loaded trailer should have a TW that is 10-15% of the loaded weight of the trailer, this should put the range of your TW between 390 lbs - 585 lbs. Once you know the TW of your loaded trailer you will need to add to that the weight of any cargo that will be sitting behind the rear axle of your 4Runner, this is known as total tongue weight (TTW). Ideally your TTW will fall in the middle of the operating range of the WD/SC system. The best and easiest way to find your loaded TW is to use a scale like part # e99044. Over time the scale will help you learn how to best load your trailer to achieve the proper TW for your supplies and gear.
Based on your probable TW of about 500 lbs I recommend using the Curt TruTrack # C17499 WD/SC which has a TW range of 500 lbs - 800 lbs. This has smaller brackets that make it easier to mount to your frame and comes with everything you need aside from a hitch ball. If you have a 2" coupler use part # A-90 but if you have a 2-5/16" coupler use part # 19286.
I have attached a review video of this Curt system along with some helpful articles that you can check out.
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 >
Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
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