Weight Distribution System for 2003 Coleman Fleetwood Camper Towed by 2005 Toyota Sienna

Question:

I am looking for a weight distribution hitch that works with a side mount swivel jack. This is key as the swivel jack is welded to the trailer and cannot be moved. I will be towing a 2003 Coleman Fleetwood camper with a 2005 Toyota sienna minivan and need up to 350 TW and 3500 GTW capacity. I was interested in either a Reese Model 66041 351 mini WDH for Coleman trailers or 66069 however, I understand both of these are discontinued. What other WDH options do I have?

asked by: Daniel M

Expert Reply:

First, you will want to ensure your Sienna's hitch is a 2-inch Class III type that is rated for use with weight distribution; this will be indicated on the hitch safety/warning sticker. For example, Curt hitch # C13105 has this capability.

Next you will want to measure your camper's fully-loaded tongue weight when it is stocked with all gear and supplies and ready to tow. To this you will add the weight of anything in the tow vehicle placed behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler. It is important to select a system tuned to your actual measured tongue weight; a too-soft system will not give you the weight correction you want and a too-stiff system can result in jumpy and erratic handling. The linked articles explain methods to determine tongue weight, such as a scale like # e99044, and answer many common questions about weight distribution.

You will also need to select a system whose frame brackets will not interfere with your trailer's welded-on jacks. We do offer systems with different types of frame brackets, some smaller than others, and chances are one of these may fit better than others, depending on the positions of the jacks.

A link is provided to take you to our main page for weight distribution. You can use the filters in the left margin to narrow down to systems suited to your camper: you can select weight distribution with or without sway control (I suggest it in your case); click on your actual tongue weight, and on the type of brakes you have; and whether you want a system that allows you to reverse the camper.

Let's say your measured fully-loaded tongue weight is around 500-lbs and you are looking at the Reese Trunnion system # RP66082. This system's brackets require 5-1/2-inches of space on your frame and need to sit about 30-inches back from hitch ball. Alternate bolt-on brackets are also available, part # RP58305, as well as small clamp-on brackets, part # RP58306, one of which may provide a better fit and avoid interference with your jacks.