What Weight Distribution System Is Right for My 2011 Toyota Tundra?

Question:

Can I get the measurements in the position for the Curt shank 17100 from bottom of shaft to bottom of Hitch and from top of shaft to top of hitch please. I ask because I have a Curt shank 17120 and in the lower position it hits the ground going in and out of driveways was hoping the 17100 will be short enough not to drag. Secondly I need a weight distribution hitch for the new truck, and was looking at the Blue Ox SwayPro system. Will the Blue Ox head mount to the Curt 17100 Hitch. Lastly the trailer has a GVWR of 4000 lbs. Will the BXW0550 work or is it the wrong size. I will be towing it with a 2011 Toyota Tundra Limited unmodified. Thank you for your help PS: If you were wondering I got the Curt Shank 17120, with the Convert-A-Ball Adapters BA-1, CA-1, PA-1 and the 3 Ball Set many year ago for E-Trailer and they are all in great working shape and have saved me money and time.

asked by: Harry

Expert Reply:

The spacing from the the center of the top hole to the top of the shank is 1-1/4", and the measurement from the center of the third hole to the bottom of the shank is 8-1/4".

The other measurements for the Curt Adjustable Weight Distribution Shank # C17100 are 9-1/2" for an overall length, 3" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the edge of the shank, 9" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outside edge of the shank, and the adjustment holes are spaced 1-1/4" center to center.

To get a new WDS for your truck, you're going to need to find out what the fully loaded, ready to roll, tongue weight of your trailer is. For instance, since you mentioned your trailer has a GVWR of 4,000 lbs something like the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control # BXW0553 could work.

We can make this educated guess based on the fact that the tongue weight can be determined by taking 10-15% of your GVWR; so if we assume it is 10% of 4,000, that makes your tongue weight at 400 lbs, putting your tongue weight right in the middle of the range, which is what you want.

On the other hand, if you used 15% of 4,000 you'd then get 600 which would mean # BXW0750 would be better suited.

But like I said, you're going to need to officially get that figure first before you do anything because these are all hypothetical guides.