Weight Distribution System for 2011 Toyota Highlander Towing 17 FT Casita Travel Trailer

Updated 03/30/2015 | Published 03/27/2015

Products Featured in This Question

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2593)

$18.45

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3784)

$16.19

Question:

A WD with sway control hitch recommendation that I can back up WITHOUT have to take off the bars. 2011 Toyota Highlander w/tow package. 17foot Casita trailer, 465 Lb tongue weight, 2480 Lbs trailer unloaded. I know it needs to be loaded and weighed out for a more accurate determination but please help me get started. Thanks

asked by: Charles H

Expert Reply:

As you all ready mentioned, knowing the tongue weight of your trailer, loaded and ready to go, is going to be the most important factor in determining which size weight-distribution system you should use. If the bars of the system you choose are rated too high for your setup, they will create a rigid ride and this can result in a bouncing trailer. On the other hand, if the bars are not rated high enough the system will be unable to properly distribute the weight and it will be virtually useless.

When it comes to a weight distribution system, my favorite is the Reese Strait-Line System with Sway Control. This system is very easy to use, allows for backing up, and offers top of the line sway control which works to prevent sway before it even starts.

Once you determine the total tongue weight of your trailer (I have included an article that will help with this) you will want this total to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range for the system you plan you use. For example, if you find the total tongue weight of your trailer to be 600 lbs, part # RP66083 would be the correct system for you. I have included a link to our Strait-Line systems for you.

To complete the set-up you will just need a hitch ball, # A-90 for 2 inch or # 19286 for 2-5/16 inch.

expert reply by: Leah S