Recommended Trailer Brake Controller and Weight Distribution Hitch For 2017 Toyota Highlander

Question

Question:

Hi - I just purchased a 2017 KZ Sportsmen Classic 191BH trailer Dry Hitch Weight*: 370 Dry Axle Weight*: 2,470 GVWR: 3,500 I am in need of a weight distribution hitch and brake controller. I am towing with a 2017 Toyota Highlander XLE. What would you recommend?

asked by: Randy

0

Expert Reply:

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 Harness w Brake Controller Adapter - 7 Way Trailer Connector # 22119. When we did this install we use no-drill mounting bracket # 18136 to mount the 7-way to the trailer hitch receiver.

For a trailer brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 as it is an extremely reliable controller with great features like an easy to read LCD screen and built in diagnostics that are easy to read and understand. If you installed the # 22119 you will not need anything else, but if you have the factory 7-way you will need the # 7865 to complete the installation.

Now moving on to a weight distribution hitch you will want to confirm the total tongue weight of your 2017 KZ Sportmen Classic 191BH which is the tongue weight of the trailer fully loaded and ready to tow, plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your Highlander.

The easiest way to get an accurate tongue weight measurement is with a tongue weight scale like the # e99044 but there are other methods outlined in the included help article.

The Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10K GTW, 1K TW # RP66559 you were looking at is designed to work with total tongue weights ranging from 500-1000lbs so while this system may work, it will likely put you at the lower end of the rating causing a stiffer ride.

More than likely your total tongue weight will be in the 500-600lb range which would be perfect for theFastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW # FA94-00-0800 which works with total tongue weights ranging from 400-800lbs. Ideally you want your total tongue weight to be in the middle of the range of the system you choose. This system does not include a hitch ball so you will need 2" hitch ball # A-90 or 2-5/16" hitch ball # 19286 to match the coupler of your trailer.

I included videos for the products mentioned for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

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Answer 1

The Reese weight distribution system part #RE94FR is the best value for your Rockwood Geo 19FD and would be what I would go with if I were you. It's just as effective as the Fastway e2 part #FA94-00-0600 but at a much better price.

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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 attached…

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Answer 3

Adding Item #LC429756 would not change anything except provide you with extra clearance for a taller jack.

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Answer 4

The Jack-It 2 Bike Rack for A-Frame Trailers #LC429756 that you referenced is designed to fit over standard A-frame jacks and be high enough to fit over propane tanks as well. Since it's hard to know for certain how well it would fit your trailer…

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Answer 5

It's very easy to install the Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution part #RE94FR, it just takes a bit of time to go through the initial setup but then it will be much easier each time after. The hitch ball is already torqued down so all you…

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Answer 6

For the weight capacity, you do not technically need a weight distribution system. However, due to the design of the trailer, I do recommend using a weight distribution system for the sway control features as the crosswinds or passing vehicles may…

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Answer 7

One easy solution is the Lippert Jack-It part #LC429756 which is a bike rack that attaches to the jack mounting flange and allows you to carry 2 bikes above the trailer jack. I attached a picture that shows it installed on a similar camper as well as…

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Answer 8

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 9

There's a couple issues with what you are wanting to do but I can help with a compromise of sorts. One issue is that there just isn't room between a tow vehicle and a camper for a 6 bike rack as the area is just limited. Also using a hitch…

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Answer 10

It looks like the Aliner Scout has a dry weight of around 1350-lbs and a tongue weight of around 135-lbs when unloaded. Since you need a side-wind jack, I recommend using the etrailer.com Round, A-Frame Trailer Jack #TJA-5000S-B which will easily…

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Answer 11

We do not carry the camco 48388, but from what I can find online they don't perfectly match the Replacement Ball and Plate Assembly for Curt Friction Sway Control System #C17201 mounting holes. The hitch ball is the same size, and users have…

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Answer 12

The Fastway #FA92-00-0800 is designed for vehicles with tongue weights ranging from 400-800 lbs, so it's perfect for your Geo Pro 16BH. The hitch doesn't include the trailer ball, for a 2 inch ball you'll need part #A-90 or #19286 for a…

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