Correcting Sag For A 2012 Toyota Rav4 V6 With Tow Package Pulling A 2,600lb Trailer

Question:

I have a 2012 Toyota RAV4 V6 with the towing package and 3500 pound towing capacity. We recently purchased a Rockwood 2014 pop-up camper which is 2600 lb. When we hook it up to the RAV4 it actually pulls down the back of the car and the front of the camper. It is also pretty bouncy when we hit bumps. What do I need to stabilize my Springs or the camper so it doesnt pull at the hitch? Im sorry if Im not explaining myself very well all this is very new to me

asked by: Kim

Expert Reply:

What your describing is very common in towing because the tongue weight of your trailer is transferred to the rear axle. As a result the back end can slump and the nose of your vehicle point up, causing reduced traction and sometimes sway. To address this, weight distribution hitches help spread that load over the axles of both the tow vehicle and the trailer.

The first thing you need to know to select a weight distribution hitch is to know your total tongue weight. To determine your trailer tongue weight, you can use a scale like the etrailer # e99044 or at a commercial scale, making sure your trailer is full loaded. Your trailer tongue weight plus weight added to your vehicle behind your axle will give you your total tongue weight.

One point about your Rav4 is that hitches approved for that vehicle here have a maximum tongue weight of 525lbs when used with a weight distribution hitch so that gives you an idea of a top end for hitches you can use.

Depending on what your total tongue weight is, I recommend a 400 to 600lb tongue weight distribution system. A great provider of these systems is Equal-i-zer. The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 4,000 lbs GTW, 400 lbs TW # EQ37040ET or Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW # EQ37060ET both provide excellent stability through both rear mounted brackets and spring loaded Trunnion bars to maintain tension that keeps your trailer in line.

Another potential enhancement to consider that would help tow vehicle sag is the Coil SumoSprings Custom Helper Springs for Coil Spring Suspension # CSS-1125R.

I've included a Help Article and video resources for additional information to get you started.