Eliminating Rear End Squat in 2016 Toyota Highlander When Towing Camper
Question:
We have a 2016 Highlander and have installed an aftermarket hitch. Towing a 2165 lb dry weight camper with two adults and a toddler, the car sags quite a bit. Overall, we don’t have 3,000 lbs in cargo/passengers/camper. Is this normal? If not, what’s the solution?
asked by: Jason A
Expert Reply:
What you're describing is pretty common. Judging by the fact that you've already looked at the # FA94-00-0600 Fastway e2 weight distribution system, you seem to already have a good handle on what you're needing to do. We typically recommend weight distribution systems for trailers that weigh 50% or more of the vehicle weight. Once loaded, you trailer weight will surpass that benchmark so I'd certainly recommend getting a system.
A weight distribution hitch will transfer a portion of the trailer's tongue weight from the rear to the front vehicle axle, which levels out the ride height, and will allow the headlights to once again point in the correct direction (not up in the air). This will also improve your braking and steering response as well.
In order to choose the correctly rated system, you'll need to determine as-towed trailer tongue weight. If the dry weight is 2165, the as-loaded tongue weight will likely be in the neighborhood of 350-500 lbs, but it's best to conclusively confirm that for yourself, you can use a tongue weight scale like # e99044 or one of the methods mentioned in the article I'll link for you. If you find the tongue weight to be under 600 lbs, the # FA92-00-0600 would be perfect for you. In the unlikely event that the fully loaded tongue weight is greater than 600 lbs, use # FA92-00-0800. The trailer ball is sold separately, for a 2 inch ball use # A-90 or a 2-5/16 inch ball, use # 19286.
I'll also link you to an installation video for the Fastway e2.
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 >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point 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
- Fastway
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 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
- Fastway
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: Determining Which Coil SumoSprings For Rear Of 2016 Toyota Highlander FWD
- Shop: Coil SumoSprings Custom Helper Springs for Coil Spring Suspension - Front or Rear Axle
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: 4 pin to 7 pin adapter
- Video: Review of Dometic RV Air Conditioner Parts - Mechanical Furnace Thermostat - DMC54FR
- Shop: Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole
- Shop: Dometic Mechanical Thermostat - Furnace Control Only - White
- Shop: Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs - Rear
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Search Results: brake controller
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: air bags
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: My Vehicle has a 4-Pin Trailer Plug, but Trailer has 7-Pin Trailer Plug
- Search Results: etbc7
- Video: Coil SumoSprings Rear Axle Helper Springs Review
- Search Results: air suspension compressor kit
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
on Weight Distribution Hitch
