Hitch, Weight Distribution System, Sway Control, Brake Controller, Wiring for 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Question:

The owners manual of my 2007 FJ Cruiser states that the trailer cargo load should be distributed so that the tongue load is 9 to 11 of the total trailer weight, not exceeding the maximum load of the following: Weight carrying hitch 500 lb. The owners manual does not mention a weight distributing hitch, but it does require sway control if GTW exceeds 2,000 lb. I do not have a hitch on the vehicle. I plan to tow a boat with a GTW between 4,000 and 4,500 lb. depending on gas and gear. I may have between 50 to 100 lb. of luggage behind the rear axle. Would you recommend a weight distributing hitch? Would the Reese Straight Line 66072 rated 100 to 600 lb. be preferred over the 66073 rated 400 to 800? Why? What trailer hitch for the vehicle? What else would I need?

asked by: Don H

Expert Reply:

Weight Distribution is a good idea if you are pulling at least 50 percent of your vehicles weight. Many good WD systems come with sway control, too, so we will look at those. First, you will need a hitch.

I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch, # 13367, which is a custom fit item for your 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser, unless your FJ is equipped with the auxiliary fuel tank. The hitch will bolt to the frame and this one will install in about 30 minutes. I have included a link to the instructions below. You will also need wiring for the trailer. Use the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector, # 118405. I have included a link to the installation instructions for this as well.

You are also going to need a brake controller if your trailer has electric brakes. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, # 90885. To complete installation you will need Brake Controller 7 and 4-Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. I have included a helpful FAQ on brake controller wiring.

The Reese Strait-Line, # RP66072 will work with the vehicle and trailer you currently have. But I recommend the Reese Strait-Line Hitch, # RP66073. It comes with dual-cam, pro-active sway control that stops trailer sway before it starts. You will need to add Reese Weight Distributing Shank, # RP54970. I recommend this larger system because if you ever get a vehicle with more towing capacity and/or a larger trailer, you will be ready with the larger system.