Compatibility of Weight Distribution System or Sway Control on 2004 Toyota Tacoma

Question:

I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma with no factory tow package. I do have a Reese Class III hitch installed. On page 240 of the owners manual it states Toyota does not recommend using a weight distribution hitch. It doesnt say why and the dealer doesnt know either. Any ideas? The truck has a tow limit of only 3500 lbs, so it probably doesnt need one anyway, but Id like to know anyway.

asked by: John H

Expert Reply:

I have no idea why Toyota would put that in their owners manual unless their factory hitch option is not able to use weight distribution. There are some hitches that are not rated for using a WD system.

When you say you have a reese hitch, I imagine it is the same as the Draw-Tite Class III hitch # 75078 because all their hitches went under that brand name a few years ago. That hitch is rated for 550 lbs tongue weight with weight distribution and 500 lbs without which is not a significant difference, so it most likely is due to the frame design of your truck. If you have your hitch number and can try to verify if it is rated for weight distribution.

Using weight distribution won't help much with the weight, but I still recommend it for sway control. Even light trailers benefit a lot from a system like the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-0600. That will provide some stability, but more than anything will help control sway with a trailer that is within the 3,500 lbs your truck is rated to tow.

Another option for sway control if the trailer has brakes is the Curt Electronic Sway Control System - 1 to 4 Axles # C94VV. This will avoid using the weight distribution and still give you the sway control if the trailer has electric brakes.

expert reply by: Jason S