Recommended Weight Distribution System for a 2008 Toyota Highlander

Question:

I have read and reread many of these replies but I find it to be very confusing when the weight distribution, anti-sway, hitch is added instead of using the standard ball hitch. The covid nightmare has the situation all messed up and some sales peopleseem to know less than me.. There motto appears to be sell it and move on. * My vehicle is a 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport with the factory tow package. I installed a Draw-Tite Max-E-Loader Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2inch hitch. * Both the vehicle and the hitch are limited to a 5000 pound tow. The Tongue weight of the hitch is limited to 750 pounds. * The TBD trailer will have a GVWR of 5000 pounds or less. The tongue weight of the trailer is an unknown depending on the number of axles on the future trailer and the trailers weight.. I suspect 325 to 485 pounds range of trailer tongue weight. * The normal Highlander load willbe two adults 320 pounds total plus two dogs 100 pounds total. * My Highlander: GVWR is 5800 lbs, GAWR Front is 2955 lbs, GAWR Rear is 3375 lbs and the vehicle Occupants and Cargo is 1200lbs. Can you identify a ion of WDH with anti-sway capability that will work with this vehicle and trailer combination. Also, is there any difference if the trailer has one or tow axles that I need to consider. Thanks in Advance for your response

asked by: Robert A

Expert Reply:

Weight Distribution can be one of the more complicated aspects of towing. There are a lot of different options and designs and can get very overwhelming, but we are here to help.

What you want to do to get the correct system is try to get as close to the middle of the system's capacity for the tongue weight as possible. If you are looking at a trailer with a tongue weight somewhere between 300 to 500 pounds, the Equal-i-zer # EQ37060ET would be a good option. This system has a minimum tongue weight of 200 pounds and a maximum tongue weight of 600 pounds, putting you right where you need to be.

When loading the Highlander, anything above and behind the rear axle will play into the tongue weight, but is usually pretty negligible. This can also be negated by loading the trailer with the items instead of the towing vehicle. This should not include people or animals, however.

The number of axles should not affect the weight distribution system you are looking for. These are dependent on the weight ratings and not the number of axles.

expert reply by: Lazer S