Parts Needed To Tow a 4,800LB Travel Trailer With a 2002 Lexus LX470
Question:
Im new to travel trailers and working on ing a travel trailer and a tow vehicle. Currently looking at restoring a vintage airstream with a GVW of 5800 lbs and according to the manufacturers original flyer the hitch-weight is 580 lbs. I am not sure what the final restored weight of the trailer will be, but based off of my research I am guesstimating the final weight will be about 4,800 lbs dry. Not sure what the hitch weight will be but if Im following the 10-15 rule it will be between 480-720 lbs which I understand is a huge variation. Im considering getting a 2002 LX470 which according to the manual has a 6500-lb towing capacity and a 650-lb tongue weight. The one Im looking at currently does not have a hitch so Id need to install one. I just want to make sure Im understanding this properly. If I buy something like Item # 75095 which is rated up to 5,000-lb tow capacity and 500-lbs tongue weight, AND use a WD hitch, I can increase the tow capacity to 6,500-lb and tongue weight to 750-lb? I understand that I cant exceed the manufacturers 650-lb limit on the tongue weight or overall tow capacity, but Im looking for clarification that if I am to use a WDH on the trailer that I would get some more out of the tow vehicle itself. Im still doing research on the trailer and tow vehicle before purchasing but wanted to get some clarification. Thanks for your help!
asked by: Matt
Expert Reply:
It sounds like you are on the correct page with the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75095 on your 2002 Lexus LX470. You are correct that even with the receiver being rated for more than your vehicle you are going to be limited to the weights your Lexus is capable of towing. When using a weight distribution hitch like the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-0800 you are still limited to the maximum towing weight rating of your Lexus which is still more than the Draw-Tite # 75095 without a weight distribution. Using this weight distribution does make your drive much safer as it helps to reduce rear end sag on your Lexus as well as reducing violent trailer sway which can be very dangerous.
You will also need to add the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter # C59236 with the 7-Way # ETBC7 and a Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED52VR. This will give you the lighting and ability to control the electric trailer brakes on your trailer.
Please let me know if you have any other questions regarding being able to safely tow your travel trailer.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Redarc
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 500 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 6000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 750 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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