Weight Distribution System Recommendation for a 2011 Toyota 4Runner

Question:

We currently tow a Little Guy trailer very small tear trailer GVRW is about 1000 lbs. with a 2inch ball hitch. Tow Vehicle is a 2011 Toyota 4 Runner with a tow capacity of 5000 lbs and tongue weight of 500 lbs. Were considering buying a bigger T@B trailer with a GVWR of about 2800 lbs. T@B dry weight will be about 1700 lbs. Do you think we will need a load distributing/sway hitch? Toyota owners manual states to use one if trailer exceeds 2000 lbs. If you recommend one which hitch would you recommend

asked by: Steve A

Expert Reply:

As close as you are to the 2,000 lb rating that Toyota states you would need a WD system for I would recommend you go ahead and get one.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached an FAQ on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well.

Typically tongue weight is 10-15 percent of the total trailer weight. Let's say your trailer will weigh right at 2,000 lbs when loaded. That would mean you would tongue weight would be between 200 and 300 lbs conservatively.

A good system for that tongue weight range would be the Blue Ox System part # BXW0350.

I also attached an FAQ on weight distribution systems for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jameson C