Weight Distribution and Sway Control Recommendation for a 2010 Toyota Tundra and Car Trailer

Question:

I have a 2010 Toyota Tundra and want to pull a 8 1/2 X20 trailer with car loaded. Total trailer and car weight is 5200 lbs and Tongue weight is 580 lbs. Which weight distribution hitch with sway control do you recommend?

asked by: Robert L

Expert Reply:

Thank you for providing all of this information, it makes it much easier to make a recommendation. When choosing a weight distribution system, you will want one that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses the trailer tongue weight when loaded and ready to tow. But, you also have to factor in the weight of any gear loaded behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle.

So if your tongue weight is 580 pounds, I would go with a system rated for 400 to 800 pounds tongue weight. For sway control, there are basically 2 types, friction and dual-cam. Friction sway control is a reactive system that tries to stop trailer sway after it has already started. Dual-cam is a pro-active system that stops sway before it starts. A pro-active system is definitely the way to go.

Based on this information, I recommend the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System, # RP66083. It comes with the adjustable shank so you would just need a properly sized ball like # 19286 (2-5/16 inch diameter) or # A-90 (2 inch diameter). I have included a link to the installation details for this system for you. I have also included a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control.

If you decide you would rather go with friction style sway control, then the # RP66153 system that you have referenced would be a good choice. It also comes with the adjustable shank so you would just need one of the balls listed above to complete the set up.

expert reply by: Michael H