Weight Distribution And Sway Control Recommendations For 2014 Toyota Tacoma Towing A Trailer  

I will be pulling an “off road” style toy hauler popup 2005 Fleetwood Offroadwith a 2014 Toyota Tacoma with a Class IV hitch. Im not certain how to attach a picture, but the trailer tongue is not a “normal” configuration. The V tongue has the standard 3inch x 2inch rectangle tube connected underneath the trailer frame rails - 5inch x 2inch rectangular tube. Can you help with the proper towing set up? The trailer GVWR will range from 2200-3800 lbs. depending on configuration and it is riding on 15inch rims with 28inch tall tires - tongue height level is at about 20. The trailer has electric brakes and the Toyota has the factory towing package with 6400lbs. towing and 640lbs. tongue capacity with a Primus IQ brake controller. With a previous vehicle, this trailer was prone to sway if loaded incorrectly and appears to need near the 13-14tongue weight ratio. Should I consider a weight distribution and or sway control system or ? When purchasing the trailer, I towed it home “empty” without the air conditioner installed with a tongue weight of around 280 lbs. and didn't have a problem – just hooked it up and went. With front bike only – I am getting right at 505 lbs tongue weight with a total trailer weight of 2960 lbs. With 2nd motorcycle added to the back (as shown in picture) the tongue weight lessens to around 300 lbs (total trailer weight 2960 + 420 motorcycle = 3380lbs). This is where I had bad sway problems. The problem I am having is getting proper tongue weight – too light or too heavy and the weight I can move around is in 400 lb chunks – the motorcycles. Couple questions: With one bike in front (illustration above) should I try to lessen the tongue weight with a weight distribution hitch? What should I target for tongue weight? With the new tow vehicle noted below, should I just tow like this or is the extra tongue weight just extra wear and tear on tow vehicle? With both bikes (illustration above) should I add tongue weight via steel plates or ?? so I can to get heavier tongue to prevent swaying? I changed tow vehicles now to a 2014 Toyota Tacoma with factory tow package – Class IV receiver; GCWR – 11,180lbs and TWR – 6,500 lbs. The camper/trailer itself has ratings marked at GVWR - 3,500 lbs and GAWR – 2,000 lbs. I also have a Primus IQ brake controller, and the Toyota aides sway control through the traction control system. Thanks,

asked by: Brian K