Can Weight Distribution System be Rated Too High
Question:
i have a 2016 4runner that has a 5000 lb tow weight with a 500 lb tongue weight. i bought a camper weighing about 3500 lbs it came with a weight distribution hitch that has 2 slots 1 for 1000 lb tongue weight and 1 for 1200 lb tongue weight. is it ok to use this weight distribution hitch with this vehicle having 500 lb tongue weight?
asked by: Matt
Expert Reply:
A weight distribution system's rating isn't directly related to the capacities of the tow vehicle. If you make sure the system is appropriate for the loaded trailer's weight and the loaded trailer is within the capacities of the vehicle then you'll be just fine. So your concern here isn't the 500 pounds tongue weight rating of your 2016 Toyota 4Runner.
Instead you need to make sure the system is appropriate for the new trailer. The best way to do this is to find its loaded tongue weight. There's a few ways to do this and I've linked a help article going over them. The easiest is with a tongue weight scale like part # e99044.
You want the trailer's tongue weight while it's loaded. Not the dry weight or its max weight. A trailer's tongue weight should fall within 10 to 15 percent of its total weight. You also need to add the amount of weight you're going to add to the 4Runner behind its rear axle. This counts as tongue weight when it comes to weight distribution.
If your trailer's maximum weight is 3,500 pounds then its tongue weight sholdn't be anymore than about 525 pounds. With that being the case a 1,000 pound system is going to be too high for your trailer and I recommend an 800 pound system like the Fastway e2 # FA94-00-0800.
The Fastway doesn't come with a hitch ball though. Use part # EQ91-00-6100 for a 2-5/16 inch or part # EQ91-00-6080 for a 2 inch. The ball requires a 1-7/8 inch thin walled socket to install which is part # ALL643216.
Products Referenced in This Question
1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel
- Hand Tools
- Ratchets and Sockets
- Sockets
- SAE
- 3/4 Inch Drive
- 1-7/8 Inch
- Alloy Steel
- Powerbuilt
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 >
2" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 8,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 8000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 10,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 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
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Shop: Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Shop: Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Video: etrailer Campers and Utility Trailers Tongue Weight Scale Review
- Q&A: Fastway Weight Distribution-Amount of Washers, How to Remove Spring Bars and Torque Figure Question
- Q&A: Replacement Spring Bars For Fastway E2 Weight Distribution Hitches 6,000 to 12,000lbs
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Timbren Suspension Enhancement System - Severe Service - Rear Axle
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Q&A: Recommended Weight Distribution for Forest River Salem FSX 178BHSK With 4870 lb GVWR
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Q&A: Comparing Bar Versus Chain Weight Distribution Hitches For a 3,600LB Trailer
- Video: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution EQ95-01-6050 Review
- Video: Fastway Weight Distribution FA92-00-6000 Review
- Q&A: Recommended Weight Distribution System For Springdale 179QBWE Trailer
- Shop: K-Source Snap & Zap Custom Towing Mirrors - Snap On - Driver and Passenger Side
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control - No Shank - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Q&A: How to Remove Round Spring Bars Stuck on Head of Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Q&A: Will 1,000 lb Spring Bars Work on Fastway e2 Weight Distribution With 800 lb Bars
- Search Results: tongue weight scale
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: equalizer weight distribution hitch
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Search Results: husky hitch
- Search Results: equalizer
- Article: 5 Tips to Confidently Choose Your Weight Distribution Hitch
- Article: 2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size
- Video: Best 2014 Ford Explorer Trailer Hitch Options
on Weight Distribution Hitch
