Best Weight Distribution System For 2009 Casita Spirit Travel Trailer Towed By Lifted Toyota 4Runner

Question:

I want to tow a Casita @~3000# with my 4Runner which is rated for 5000#. My 4Runner has a 2 1/2 - 3inch levelling lift on it. Would this levelling/sway bar be the better option for towing or would I be better off with something like the Firestone air suspension kit to firm up the rear sag when towing? Thank you!

asked by: Michelle R

Expert Reply:

A weight distribution system would help out tremendously with leveling the load and preventing sway when using your Toyota 4runner to pull your 2009 Casita Spirit Travel Trailer, resulting in a much safer and stable towing experience.
The Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control # RP66087 that you mentioned would possibly work, but it is rated for 10,000lbs and has a tongue weight range of 400-800lbs. Your travel trailer will likely have a tongue weight of 300-450lbs, making this weight distribution system a bit over-rated.

I recommend the Blue Ox TrackPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control # BLU36FR, as this would better suit your travel trailer. This is also a more affordable system than the Straight-Line # RP66087. It has a max weight capacity of 6,000lbs and tongue weight range of 200-600lbs; this setup includes the shank and 2" ball that would be necessary for towing. The shank that connects to your hitch receiver has 7 holes that allows for 8-3/4" of vertical adjustment. That should be plenty for your 2-1/2"-3" level, but you could upgrade your shank to the Blue Ox 9 Hole Shank # BXW4002 which allows for 11-1/4" vertical adjustment.

As for the air suspension kit, that will likely not be necessary since the weight distribution system will take care of the level and sway situation. However, if you want to add suspension enhancement to absorb some of the shock and save your current suspension from excess wear and tear, feel free to provide your year, make, and model so we can find a suspension enhancement system well-suited for you.

I have attached a demonstration video of the Blue Ox 9 Hole Shank # BXW4002