Recommended Weight Distribution System for 2011 Toyota Highlander

Updated 04/10/2025 | Published 04/27/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-E-Loader Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(246)

$229.78

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(107)

$218.94

Question:

Hi There. I have a 2011 Highlander with a E-Trailer brand hitch rated for 5000lb gtw/500lb tw. Im looking at renting a Wolf Pup camp trailer with a single axle and a 3000lb dry weight. I am wondering if the Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Round Bar - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW would be a good choice for my setup. Ive read that I should avoid too heavy a weight distribution bar because it causes stiffness and bounce in the trailer. However, I havent found many options for this lite of a trailer. If there is a better product to fit my needs that would be great. . Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks,

asked by: Dillon B

Expert Reply:

I do have an option for you but not all trailer hitches are designed for use with a weight distribution system. The only two that are for a 2011 Toyota Highlander are the Draw-Tite Max-E-Loader part # 75726 and Max-Frame part # 75586. Furthermore, the weight distribution system will need to have trunnion spring bars as the round ones sit too low to the ground. A good system for this vehicle will be Reese Weight Distribution System part # RP66540. Unfortunately, the trunnion bars systems are a bit more expensive than the round bar ones.

expert reply by: Conner L

Steve

3/17/2025

I have the same vehicle with same camper trailer weight and using the Curt 17063. Will I do any damage using this heavy of a WDH. I bought a heavier one because we are going to eventually move up to be a bigger camper/trailer

Kate F.

3/17/2025

@Steve Hey there Steve. Using a weight distribution hitch that’s too heavy for your trailer might seem like a good idea, but it can actually cause more harm than good. When the hitch is too stiff, it puts extra strain on your trailer’s frame, possibly bending or even cracking it over time. The hitch and coupler also take on unnecessary stress, which can lead to premature wear or failure. Another issue is how it affects your ride. Your trailer’s suspension is designed to flex and absorb bumps, but if the weight is distributed too aggressively, it can make the ride rougher and put extra stress on your axles and tires. This can also lead to uneven tire wear, making your tires wear out faster than they should. It doesn’t just affect your trailer, either! If too much weight shifts to the front of your tow vehicle, it can actually hurt your steering and braking performance, making your drive feel less stable. Instead of improving safety, an overly heavy WDH could make things worse. The best way to avoid these problems is to make sure your weight distribution hitch is properly matched to your trailer’s actual loaded tongue weight. If you already have a heavy-duty system, you might not need to replace the whole thing. Sometimes, simply switching to lower-rated spring bars does the trick. To get the most accurate reading, I recommend using something like the Big Truck Big RV Tongue Weight Scale w/ Storage Bag for Trailers - 2,000 lbs # BTBRV44FR to find out your true loaded tongue weight. Your loaded tongue weight is usually 10-15% of your GVWR, so if your camper is 3,000 pounds, then 15% would be 450 lbs. If your current bars are too heavy, swapping them for the Replacement Spring Bar for Curt MV Weight Distribution System - 600 lbs TW # C17071 would be a better match. Please let me know your thoughts!

Helpful Links

tv-demo-curt-replacement-600-lbs-mv-spring-bar-c17071.aspx

tv-review-big-truck-big-rv-trailer-tongue-weight-scale-ncfr-btbrv44fr.aspx

Steve

3/20/2025

@KateF Thanks for the information. What WDH would you recommend I use for my set up? My vehicles tow capacity is 5k and max tongue weight is 500lbs. My trailer empty is 3100 and max load is 4100 with a 310lbs tongue weight. Should I use the Reese 66540 as mentioned above? Thanks again for your help

Kate F.

3/20/2025

@Steve Hey Steve, I'm always happy to help =) Knowing that you have a tongue weight of 310, I would go with the Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW # RE34FR. The Curt bars I mentioned above would still be a little too stiff, plus I really like how the # RE34FR doesn't have the chains as it will help with sway a little more than the ones that do have the chains, and it works with a tongue weight from 300 pounds to 600 pounds making it perfect for your set-up. I attached a review video where my buddy Mike will go over all the features for you.

Helpful Links

tv-demo-reese-weight-distribution-hitch-6k-wd-with-sway-control-re34fr.aspx