Should I Add Weight Distribution with Sway Control When Upgrading Pop-Up to Small Travel Trailer

Question

Question:

I am currently using a 2013 Toyota Sienna to tow a Rockwood 2560G pop up camper. I’m looking to upgrade to a Palomino Solaire 147X Hybrid travel trailer. The Hybrid weighs in around 3,100 lbs DW and around 315 TW. My question is should I look at adding a WDH for towing and to assist with sway control? I am using a friction sway control for towing the pop up. However I realize there will be quite a bit more wind or pushing the Hybrid higher profile than the pup. Looking for some solid advice. I realize the Sienna isn’t the “ideal” tow vehicle but it has served me well with the pup. Thanks in advance for your help

asked by: Bob B

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Expert Reply:

I checked out the specs on your old Rockwood 2560G and the two aren't really too different in terms of weight, but typically we do recommend using a weight distribution hitch any time the GVWR of the trailer is more than 50% of the tow vehicle. Taking this into consideration and the added likelihood of wind becoming more of a factor, a good weight distributing hitch with sway control would be a good addition to your towing setup.

You'll want to choose your weight distribution hitch based off the loaded tongue weight of the trailer, which should be 10-15% of the GVWR (3815-lbs for the Solaire 147x). Considering that, your tongue weight should be no more than about 570-lbs, so a great weight distribution hitch for your setup would be the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW # EQ37060ET, which is ideal for tongue weights 200-lbs to 600-lbs, so your trailer should fall right in the middle of that when properly loaded. This weight distribution system provides 4 point sway control compared to some other systems that only provide 2, so you're going to get a lot of help preventing sway before it starts as opposed to just controlling it. You may also need a thin walled 1-7/8" socket to install the hitch ball, which is available with part # EQ70-00-4800. This system does come with a shank included though, so you aren't required to purchase any additional parts if you've already got a socket that might work.

I've linked a review video of this system for you to check out, but it'll provide great weight distribution and sway control for your new trailer.

expert reply by: Erik B

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Answer 1

I added a cut out for you showing the distance needed from the hitch ball to the brackets for the Reese Weight Distribution System #RE94FR. As you can see, that distance needs to be between 24-1/2" and 27-1/2" for this system. It has an…

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Answer 2

The Reese Pro Round Bar WD system part #RE94FR that you referenced weighs right at 100 lbs, but you should note that the weight of a WD system does not count against the tongue weight of the hitch it is used on according to Reese and other WD…

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Answer 3

With most weight distribution systems (including this Reese kit part #RE94FR), you can back up with the spring bars connected as long as you are backing up mostly straight, but if you are going to angle the trailer and tow vehicle sharply you need to…

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Answer 4

I would love to help you upgrade the suspension on your Twilight 2800 travel trailer. The MORryde Rubber Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers #MR87ZR that you referenced are a great solution but we do need to double check a few things. First is that…

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Answer 5

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 6

Assuming your Sprinter has the factory tow package with the 7-way at the rear bumper, in addition to the #RED24FR Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller, you'll also need the #3063-P wiring harness and the #331-TPH-017. The connector to install…

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Answer 7

Hey Mark, so the correct Blue Ox base plate kit to use with the Blue Ox Ascent tow bar part #BX4375. is the part #BLU53FR. For lighting you can use #C96JR, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing as this plugs inline with the…

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Answer 8

If your current springs have 5 leaves then going to a 7 leaf spring will increase the height of the trailer a little and make the trailer more susceptible to sway. Regarding capacity if you go with springs rated higher than what is required it will…

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Answer 9

My contact at Yates Rubber advises that a nominal 8-inch keel roller does not measure exactly 8 inches; typically they are slightly smaller than the specified size, much the way a piece of 2 x 4 lumber is not exactly 2-inches by 4-inches. I took…

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Answer 10

Hey Bob, Roof rack systems are typically only rated up to 165lbs because that's typically above the capacity of the vehicle's roof. More recently all manufacturers are switching to removing the capacity from the listing and telling consumers…

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Answer 11

We do offer the Trailer Connector Adapter, #HM47425, which converts a 7-pole round connector to a 7-pole flat connector. This adapter works for tow vehicles with combined taillight wiring, meaning that the turn signals and brake lights run on the…

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Answer 12

I looked up pictures of the taillights that are on the 3110 Featherlite trailers and for the LED version of them you would want the part #STL36RB and #STL37RB. It looks like the spare tire mounts for your trailer are something you would have to get…

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