Weight Distribution Recommendation for a 2010 Toyota Tundra Towing a Car Hauler

Updated 10/22/2010 | Published 10/21/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Weight Distribution System w/ Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

(50)

$654.11

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

(3775)

$17.00

Question:

I have a 2010 Double Cab 5.7L V8 4x4 Tundra with the Tow Package, Tow mirrors, etc. It came with a Hitch already on there and I bought the ball and receiver already. I am getting a Car hauler that is 7x18 with 700lb Max Hitch weight 1940lb unloaded weight and the trailer has a 5060lb payload rating. I would be putting a Midsize truck to a Toyota Corolla type Sedan on the trailer. My truck also has a trailer brake controller installed. Do you guys think I need a Weight Distributing Hitch?

asked by: Devon F

Expert Reply:

A good rule to follow when deciding whether or not to use weight distribution is to remember that weight distributing systems should be used any time the trailer weighs more than 50 percent of the tow vehicles weight. So with the trailer at almost 2,000 pounds, and a vehicle of at least 2,000 pounds loaded on it, you are looking at about 4,000 pounds. Since the 2010 Toyota Tundra can weigh as much as 5,660 pounds, I would say that weight distribution would be a good idea for your application.

When choosing a weight distribution system, you will need one that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses your trailer tongue weight (loaded and ready to tow). I will go by the max hitch weight you have referenced, 700 pounds. For weight distribution only, I recommend a system rated at 400 to 800 pounds like Reese Weight Distribution Kit with Shank, # RP67509 . This system comes with the required shank so you will just need a properly sized ball like # A-90.

For a system that comes with sway control, I recommend the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System with Sway Control, # RP66087. This system comes with dual-cam sway control that stops trailer sway before it starts and comes with the required shank. I have included a link to an FAQ article below on weight distribution and sway control along with links to the installation details for the Strait-Line system mentioned above.

expert reply by: Michael H