Weight Distribution, Sway Control, and Brake Controller for a 2013 Toyota 4Runner

Question:

Hi. I have a 2013 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition, and Im planning a cross-country move from NC to WA this December into January yeah, I know, its a horrible time to do it, but such is my work. Im looking at a 5x10 or 6x12 trailer with about 1500lb of cargo, which would put me at a total trailer weight of around 2500-2800lb. At this size/weight of trailer, would you recommend trailer brakes or a weight distribution/sway control system? Im not going to be towing a lot out in WA, but mountains are a concern so I was considering an electronic brake system, and with the sometimes extreme winds on the Great plains I was considering sway control/weight distribution. If its overkill, though, Id just as soon save the money. Thanks for the advice.

asked by: Pete K

Helpful Expert Reply:

Any time the loaded trailer weighs at least 50 percent of the tow vehicles weight, weight distribution and a brake controller are good idea. And since you are going cross country there will be a lot of highway driving which means winds and large passing vehicles that can easily lead to trailer sway so sway control is also a good idea.

First, make sure that the trailer you use has electric brakes. Otherwise there is no need for a controller. Or if you rent a trailer, get one with a hydraulic coupler and that will save you some money because you will not need a brake controller.

For weight distribution and sway control you will want to look at the total tongue weight to choose the best system. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

Tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. So for a trailer weighing 2500 to 2800 pounds and nothing behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle the tongue weight would be between 250 and 420 pounds. A system rated for 200 to 600 pounds like # RP66086 that you have referenced would be a great choice.

This system also comes with dual-cam sway control which is absolutely the way to go considering where you are going to be and the time of year it will be (up North, winter). With the other type of sway control (friction style) you would have to disengage the sway control in bad weather which you are likely to run into.

You will just need to add a properly sized ball to this system. use # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch.

For a trailer with electric brakes you will need a brake controller to activate them. A proportional controller is the way to go because it applies the trailers brakes in proportion to how much the vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

Our most popular proportional controller is the P2, # 90885. It is reliable, easy to set up, and easy to use. If your 4Runner came with a factory installed 7-Way you will also need wiring harness # 3040-P. If the vehicle only has a 4-Way flat connector then you will need 4 and 7-Way installation kit # ETBC7 and will hardwire in the controller (so 3040-P will not be used). I have included some links that explain the ETBC7 installation for you.

I have also included some instruction links, a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control, and a link to our FAQ article on brake controllers for you.