Troubleshooting Rear Sag When Towing with a 2018 Toyota Highlander Using Weight Distribution

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Question:

I have a 2018 Highlander, towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and hitch weight max of 500. I two a trailer with a tongue weight of 350 lbs. I have a weight distribution hitch that helps level the rear end up with the trailer attached. I have tried to beef up the rear end suspension but have been told by everyone, including Toyota dealers, that suspension modifications are not possible. No air bags, nothing that can be done to level up the rear end when I put a 400 lb tongue weight trailer on. That produces too much dropping of the rear end to tow safely. I am dismayed that a vehicle advertised with 500 lbs hitch weigh capacity is actually not safe to use with anywhere near that max. Any Ideas?

asked by: Arnold B

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

That is a very interesting situation that you're in. I do have some things for you to check to help make sure you are able to safely tow your trailer, but unfortunately there are no aftermarket suspension enhancement options to help level out your 2018 Toyota Highlander.

From what you stated it sounds like you are pretty mindful of the tongue weight (TW) of your trailer but it still doesn't hurt to go back and double check what your TW is when the trailer is fully loaded. A portable TW scale like part # e99044 is a great way to be able to quickly check your TW without having to locate an industrial-type scale. Keep in mind that a properly loaded trailer will have a TW that is 10-15% of the loaded weight of the trailer.

The next thing to check is the weight distribution (WD) system that you're using. Make sure that you have it set up correctly and that your total tongue weight (TTW) falls in the middle of the TW range of your WD system. You can find your TTW by adding the loaded TW of your trailer with the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your Highlander. For your application something like the Equal-i-zer # EQ37060ET which has a TW range of 200 lbs - 600 lbs would be perfect.

If you have everything set up properly and your WD system is not overloaded then you should be able to get the rear of your Highlander to within 1" of the factory height.

Attached is a link to some of our FAQs on trailer hitch towing that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Jon G

1

Answer 1

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 2

I wish I could say yes, but as of right now they are not a fit for the 2016 models and we do not have any other suspension enhancement options. If you are trying to fight suspension sag from the tongue weight of a trailer there is a better option. A…

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Answer 3

That's an excellent question, and the answer is there isn't a hard-and-fast number that means a weight distribution hitch is required. The best way to assess this is if the sag is noticeable, either visually or when towing. You really want to…

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Answer 4

I have a solution for you, but the Curt MV Weight Distribution Hitch #C17062 is not going to be a good fit for you because it's rated for a much higher weight at 1000-lbs tongue weight and 10,000-lbs towing weight, than is required for your Jayco…

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Answer 5

The #CSS-1145R Coil Sumo Springs you'd looked at would be an economical solution that would improve the rear end suspension sag you're experiencing, but might not remove all the sag depending on the trailer's tongue weight. Since you…

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Answer 6

It sounds to me like the hinge pin on your trailer's tailgate is worn and is causing excessive movement which will result in a noisy ride. In order to secure the tailgate to the trailer while driving down the road I recommend using a set of…

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Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 9

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 10

It sounds like the purpose of getting the air helper spring would be to counteract the 1 inch compression you're getting in your rear suspension caused by the pin weight of your 5th wheel. If that's the case, I believe that the AirLift 5000…

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Answer 11

An underslung trailer coupler is one that attaches to the bottom of the trailer frame and an overslung one is one that attaches to the top of the frame. The Replacement Head for Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution Systems part #BXW4011 is for…

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Answer 12

If you are considering Timbrens like the #TDR1500DQ and the SumoSprings like the #SSR-307-47 for your 2022 Ram 1500 4x4, I recommend the SumoSprings #SSR-307-47. The SumoSprings will offer the same quality as the Timbrens in terms of suspension…

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Troubleshooting Rear Sag When Towing with a 2018 Toyota Highlander Using Weight Distribution

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