Recommendation for Weight Distribution on 2004 Toyota 4Runner Towing a Jayco 3,500-lb Trailer  

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You will want to first check your factory hitch on your 2004 Toyota 4Runner to see if it is able to accept weight distribution. It should be marked on the hitch with a WD maximum gross towing weight (GTW) and a WD maximum tongue weight (TW). You can also check in your owners manual.

To choose a weight distribution system you will need a system that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses the trailer tongue weight loaded and ready to tow, plus the weight of any gear in the truck bed behind the rear axle. It is very important to get your exact trailer tongue weight to be able to choose the correct weight distribution setup for your application.

For an example, if we use the GVWR of your Jayco trailer, which is about 3,500 lbs and 10 to 15 percent of this as tongue weight, you are looking at 350 lbs to 525 lbs tongue weight range.

I would recommend the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System with Sway Control, part # RP66083. This weight distribution system has a tongue weight range of 400 lbs to 800 lbs and includes the dual-cam sway control. The dual-cam sway control is the newest version of sway control that will stop trailer sway before it begins. I am including a link to the installation instructions on the # RP66083 system.

This system will include all the parts you will need, except for a hitch ball. The recommended hitch ball is the CURT 2 Inch Hitch Ball, part # A-90.

The Reese # RP66082 system is also only rated for a tongue weight range of 200 to 600 lbs.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on weight distribution.

expert reply by: Jeff D

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