Choosing a Weight Distribution System for a 2006 Toyota Sequoia

Updated 01/07/2019 | Published 01/05/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(26)

$301.16

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

(3913)

$20.94

Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs - Rear

(1221)

$118.94

Question:

First, I checked out your recommended WD Hitches for a 2006 Toyota Sequoia. Why are most of them 10,000 lbs or over when the Sequoia is only rated at a max towing capacity of 6,500 lbs? This brings up my principle question. What happens if your hitch is rated for a tongue weight significantly higher than your actual tongue weight. The trailer that my Sequoia will be pulling is 3,200 lbs empty with a tongue weight of 336 lbs. I am looking at a Curt WD hitch that has tongue rating of 600 lbs and a friend of mine gave me a band new sway bar kit. I can correct any sagging with the air bag suspension but I understand that the air bags cannot help in distributing the weight. Can I, or do I need to, purchase a WD Hitch and is it a problem if it is higher rated than my tongue weight?

asked by: Todd

Expert Reply:

In regards to selecting the correct weight distribution system, the loaded tongue weight of the trailer is not the only figure that goes into this. The weight of any cargo stored behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle needs to be added in as well. Also, the systems are for a range of total tongue weights with the first number you see usually being the max. Therefore, the 10,000 lb systems you are seeing most likely have a weight range of 6,000 to 10,000 lbs which is suitable for your Sequoia. We always recommend going a bit over what you think your total tongue weight is to allow for some room for error.

In regards to the diffrence between your trailer hitch and tow vehicle, the tongue/trailer weight rating of a trailer hitch and the tongue/trailer weight rating of a vehicle are tested separately of one another which is why you see two different figures. The towing capacity of your setup is always going to be limited by its weakest component. The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 13440 which is a fit for your 2006 Toyota Sequoia has a 6,500 lb max gross trailer weight rating and a 650 lb max tongue weight rating (when used with a weight distribution system) whereas your Sequoia has a 6,200-6,500 lb max gross trailer weight rating and a 620-650 lb max tongue weight rating.

In regards to selecting the correct suspension enhancements, a weight distribution system is going to be your best option. For this, I recommend the Curt Short-Arm Weight Distribution System part # C17341 with the Curt 2" Hitch Ball part # A-90 which will be perfect for your trailer as it has some room for error. It will also work with the friction sway control bar you got from your friend. When using this system with airbags like the Air Lift AirLift 1000 Air Helper Springs part # AL60812 you will want to set the airbags first and then engage the spring bars.

I have attached review/install videos for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L