Weight Distribution Recommendation for KZ Escape Hatch E17 with 550 lbs Tongue Weight

Question:

Aloha, I have a gen 2 TAco - 2008, 4wd, double cab, long bed. v6 with tow package. I am purchasing a KZ Escape hatch E17 - 3200 dry and 4oo0 max loaded and tongue weight I think is around 550. My taco is roughly 4000 empty and max is 5600 loaded. My dealer is telling me they do not recommend a wdh and will not install one for me - just sway bars. Should I pull a few times first to see how it feels? I want anything that make towing safer, but I am confused since they are telling me I should not use a wdh???? ANd we do not live in flat lands - we live in the Rocky Mts so lots of steep climbing and descending to do. I want SAFETY. thanks

asked by: Wendy

Expert Reply:

For a trailer that has a tongue weight of 550 lbs and weighs 4,000 lb with your 2008 Toyota Tacoma I would recommend a weight distribution system with sway control like the Reese Strait Line # RP66083 which has a tongue weight range of 400 to 800 lbs and has best sway control at preventing sway before it starts.

You should find out why the dealer recommended against the WD system. Maybe the trailer frame isn't rated for use with a WD system or maybe they just don't care for them. You might try driving the setup and see if you think a WD would be needed.

expert reply by: Jameson C