Recommended Weight Distribution/Sway Control Hitch Setup for 4000 lb Camper

Question

Question:

I just bought a 2020 4x4 off road Toyota Tacoma with tow package. It has a factory class iv hitch I believe and I’m looking at a small travel trailer like a Epro or tab400 Something no more than 4000lbs I keep getting different advice on hitch set up. Should I get a weight distribution hitch with sway control or should I just get a sway bar? With basic hitch set up? This will be my first time towing anything. I know I need to properly load the trailer and keep tongue weight in mind. And is it possible to get a hitch set up and rent little trailers to test, knowing that the one we buy might be different style but same weight class? The photos I added are several various types I’ve been researching and recommended...

asked by: Melody

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Any time the trailer weighs more than half the weight of the vehicle, weight distribution is recommended.

Since the Tacoma weighs around 4500 lbs, I'd highly recommend getting a weight distribution system with an integrated sway control component. If it were a flat bed utility trailer, you might get by without the sway control but the tall sides of a travel trailer act like a sail on a boat which makes them pretty susceptible to trailer sway.

Using a friction sway only such as the # 83660 would lead to the rear of your truck sagging from the trailer's tongue weight which would be counteracted by a properly set up weight distribution system.

The system needed would depend on the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of the camper. If you're looking at a maximum GVWR of 4000 lbs, then 600 lbs is the maximum tongue weight you'd be looking at. Given that, I'd recommend the Fastway # FA94-00-0600 which is designed for trailers with tongue weights up to 600 lbs. The system offers proven weight distribution performance plus moderate protection against sway which would be appropriate for that sized trailer. This system would allow you to back the trailer without being disengaged (unless you're backing at a sharp angle) as opposed to a friction unit which would need to be removed before backing the trailer. The 2 inch trailer ball, part # A-90 is sold separately.

If you click the provided link, you can see my buddy Rob explaining how the system works and how it's set up.

expert reply by: Mike L

1

Answer 1

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Answer 2

According to my Fastway representative, backing in s straight line or anything up to a moderate angle is just fine with the Fastway e2 systems. This being said, unless you are backing almost in a straight line in familiar surroundings, I would…

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Answer 3

Since you have an a-frame, you're all ready to add a sway control system to your trailer. If you're wanting to just add a simple system to help control sway, I recommend the Reese Friction kit, part #83660. You'll need an…

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Answer 4

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Answer 5

For your Cobalt boat and trailer, I recommend you go with the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion #FA92-00-0800. This system will give you a stronger system that will also allow you greater ground clearance. This…

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

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Answer 8

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Answer 9

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Answer 10

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Answer 11

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Answer 12

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