Weight Distribution Recommendation For Toyota Tundra Towing A Horse Trailer

Question:

I was looking for a weight distribution hitch made of aluminum. I have a Toyota tundra that can pull up to 10300 pounds but the manual says to use a weight distribution system for over 5000 pounds. The trailer is a horse trailer with gvw of 7000 lbs. The tongue weight is 760 lbs. I expect for the most part I will be pulling about 6000 lbs. I was looking for aluminum because I am getting old and want a lighter weight hitch.

asked by: Edwin K

Expert Reply:

To take some stress off of the trailer and your Toyota Tundra suspension, a weight distribution system is recommended. You will want to make sure your trailer is compatible with a weight distribution system. Due to the material of the trailer, you may find it is not able to use a weight distribution system.

Weight distribution systems use two weight ratings; the Gross Trailer Weight, (GTW) which is the weight of the fully loaded ready-to-tow trailer, and the Tongue Weight, (TW) which is the tongue weight of your trailer added to the weight of any cargo placed behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle. None of the weight distribution systems we offer have aluminum components. You do not handle the entire system at one time, so the weight may be something you are able to more reasonably handle.

I also recommend a system that includes sway-control like the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control, part # RP66074. This system is designed to be able to handle up to 12,000 GTW and 1,200 TW. An adjustable shank and trailer hitch ball is sold separately.

The trailer ball I recommend is the Tow Ready Hitch Ball, part # 19286.

When choosing a shank you want to make sure you want to make sure you have a smooth, level ride, so I recommend an adjustable shank like part # RP54970. This shank adjusts from a 2 inch drop to 6-1/2 inch rise. Another shank I recommend is part # RP3215, which features 6-3/4 inch drop to 11-1/2 inch rise.

Another weight distribution system I recommend is part # RP66084. This system includes a shank that has a 1-1/4 inch drop to 6-1/2 inch rise. The hitch ball is sold separately.

I have included a link to a helpful article about weight distribution and also a link to a video you can check out.