Recommended Weight Distribution System for 2012 Toyota Highlander Towing Takena 1865 Travel Trailer

Question

Question:

we have a 2012 Toyota Highlander v6 with tow package rated at 5,000 lb towing capacity. We will soon take delivery of a 2013 Takena 1865 travel trailer with a dry weight of 2,720, a hitch weight of 250, and a rating of 4,500lbs. It is just my wife and I, so my estimate is that the trailer weight will never exceed 3,500 on the road, and 400 on the tongue. Still, a lightweight distribution system will be better for our Highlander in the long run. Will the 66557 fit the bill, or do you have a better alternative. Someone from camping world was directing us to a EZ hitch with a 800lb tongue and 10,000lb trailer rating. This seemed lilke overkill, and the sucker weighed 80 lbs to boot. Please help.

asked by: Michael T

0

Expert Reply:

The first step in choosing the correct weight distribution system for your needs is to determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight (TW) of the travel trailer. The weight of anything stored behind the rear axle of your Highlander needs to added to your tongue weight figure. I will link you to an FAQ article that shows a few methods for determining your tongue weight.

You will want your TW to fall as close as possible to middle of the effective range of the system you choose. If the max TW is 400 lbs, you would be at the edge of the capacity of the # 66557, which has an effective range of 100-400 lbs of TW.

To find the correct system, you will also need to add the weight of anything stored behind the rear axle of your Highlander. This can easily add up to several hundred pounds to your TW, which could actually end up to be 500, 600 or 700 lbs, which is why we recommend you verify the tongue weight before choosing a system.

If your TW actually ends up being above 400 lbs, the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System, part # RP66559 would be a great choice for tongue weights between 400-600 lbs. This system offers effective weight distribution, along with sway control, which I would recommend for smaller wheelbase SUVs like your Highlander.

To view some FAQ articles about Weight Distribution, click on the provided links.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

I would be happy to help! Starting with the trailer brake controller you will need to first have a 7-way trailer connector installed on your 2017 Toyota Highlander XLE. If you do not you can add one using the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring…

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Answer 2

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I…

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Answer 3

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 4

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 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 6

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 7

Hey Travis, congrats on the new 2024 Jayco Flight 284BHS! Your travel trailer looks to have a GVWR of 7,950 lbs so I recommend going with the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control #EQ37121ET and pairing it with the Shank…

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Answer 8

Weight distribution works to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer up to the front axle of the tow vehicle so that it will sit more level and handle/brake better. That being said the systems do not "reduce" tongue weight or allow you to…

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Answer 9

Hi Rene; I'm sure it's frustrating to have the mirror fall off, and while there are only universal towing mirrors for your 2016 Nissan Frontier, there are better ones than the clamp-on (which I also do not like). I would definitely go with…

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Answer 10

Hey Donald, the best Blue Ox weight distribution would be the pat #BXW0550 as it has a perfect tongue weight range for your 450 lb tongue weight trailer.

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Answer 11

The correct Roadactive kit that fits your 2023 Ford F-150 is the part #RAS3611-YHD. I really like the RAS kits as they basically don't have any downsides. You get the adjustable support, an easy install, no maintenance, and actually improves…

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Answer 12

Hi Bruce, To lift your trailer we'll first need to check of the suspension and see if you have torsion axles or a leaf spring suspension. If you have torsion axles then I'll need to see the axle tag in order to determine what you have so I…

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