Weight Distribution and Sway Control for a 2011 Toyota Sequoia and Rockwood 233s Travel Trailer

Question:

I am looking for for a weight distribution and sway control. Dry weight of camper is 4372 with dry tw 585. I noticed many different options of the same sort of unit. I was looking at the Reese strait-line with the dual cam. I am not sure if that is what you would recommend? Also how does the anti sway work with backing?

asked by: Sean C

Expert Reply:

The first thing you are going to need to determine is the total tongue weight. This is the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I have included a link to an FAQ article explaining how to measure tongue weight.

With a dry tongue weight of 585 pounds, you will most likely end up over 600 pounds when loaded and ready to tow. If your total tongue weight ends up being in the 400 to 800 pound range then I do recommend a Strait-Line system like # RP66087 that you have referenced. With this system you will just need to add a properly sized ball: # A-90 for a 2 inch diameter or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch diameter.

The dual-cam sway control is the way to go because it proactively and aggressively stop sway before it begins by forcing the tow vehicle and trailer to continuously ride in a straight line. Friction style sway control on the other hand will not engage until sway starts. Also, backing up is not an issue with dual-cam systems like it is with some friction systems. I have included a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control and a video showing a typical Strait-Line installation.

expert reply by: Michael H