Can 2015 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Tow Jayco 24-Foot X213 Travel Trailer with GVWR 5500-lbs  

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The Jayco Jay Feather X213's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), the most it can weigh when loaded, is indeed 5500-lbs. According to the online owner's manual for the 2015 4Runner the vehicle's maximum allowable trailer weight is 5000-lbs when the trailer has its own electric brakes (as the X213 does) or only 1655-lbs if the trailer does not have brakes. I recommend you check with your local dealership using the 4Runner's VIN to confirm its towing capacity as equipped from the factory. Even if your 4Runner can indeed tow 5000-lbs of trailer weight it is still a bit under-rated for the trailer's maximum possible weight.

Weight distribution systems, brake controllers and transmission coolers will not void your warranty unless their installation was the direct cause for a malfunction. You are protected by the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act. This act states, in part, that unless the installation and the part caused a problem then the warranty cannot be voided. I recommend looking it up online.

In order to use weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) the hitch on the 4Runner must explicitly state that it has this capability, and the resulting weight capacities will be indicated on the hitch's safety sticker IF it can indeed be used with WD/SC. If you can use WD/SC you will want to measure the trailer's actual tongue weight (TW) when you have it all loaded up with your supplies, with water and propane tanks filled, etc. Use scale # e99044 to measure the loaded trailer TW.

To this add the weight of any cargo in the 4Runner that sits behind the rear axle, such as a generator. Once you know this total weight figure you can select a system that will even out the trailer's weight across both of the 4Runner's axles and also help prevent trailer sway from passing trucks and wind gusts. Please refer to the linked video and article for more on how to pick out a system. Select a WD/SC system using the linked page. Click on your total TW figure to see suitable options. With a dry hitch weight of 415-lbs, your loaded TW will be in the range of 600-lbs, so a setup like Reese Strait-Line # RP66083 would be a good choice since it works over a TW range of 400- to 800-lbs. All you need to add is a hitch ball, either 2-inch # A-90 or 2-5/16-inch # 19286.

A supplementary transmission cooler like the efficient Class III Derale # D13503 will do a lot to reduce thermal stress on your transmission and help to keep it in good shape when towing.

For a trailer brake controller I suggest the easy-to-setup Prodigy P2 # 90885. To install this you will use wiring adapter # 3041-P which allows for simple plug-in installation. A video is included for this item.

expert reply by: Adam R

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