Weight Distribution System Recommendation for a 2008 Toyota 4Runner Towing a 3,500 lb Trailer

Question

Question:

We have a 2008 4runner V6 2wd and recently purchased a 21foot single axle camper with a dry weight of ~2800 and GVWR of 3500. I was pleased to find the 4runner had more than enough power to pull the camper but found it somewhat squirly at highway speeds due to passing vehicles, curves in the road, and surface inconsistencies. The experience was anything but relaxing. Been doing a fair bit of reading this morning and everything Ive read suggests a WDH with sway is the way to go.....but the problem is the factory receiver isnt rated for weight distribution. A new receiver plus a good WDH is going to set me back $700-800 so Im trying to find a more cost effective option. I was thinking about the Timbren or the Firestone air helpers paired with some kind of sway control option. Suggestions and advice? Thanks much!

asked by: Brian C

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Expert Reply:

With as much as your trailer weighs and the fact that you are experiencing sway your only real option will be to go with a hitch rated for a WD system and a WD system with sway control.

First let's start with a hitch, the Hidden Hitch part # 70779 would be a great hitch to use and is rated for a weight distribution system. I attached an install video.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

Typically tongue weight is 10-15 percent of the total trailer weight. So if your trailer weighs 3,500 lbs when loaded your tongue weight will most likely be between 350 lbs and 525 lbs. For a system rated for that I would recommend the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System # RP66082. This system has a tongue weight range of 200-600 lbs and features the only sway control on the market that works to prevent sway before it starts. I highly recommend it.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 2

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 3

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 4

The main difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13416 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #EH97FR is that the EcoHitch has a completely hidden cross tube whereas the Curt cross tube will be visible from the rear of…

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Answer 5

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 6

Hi David! There are quite a few hitches offered for your 2026 Honda Odyssey, so I definitely understand wanting to know the differences. There are basically three styles available for you and I have them broken out below: Exposed Crosstube: etrailer…

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Answer 7

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 8

Yes, it will work. You'll just need to cut the Lance 6-pin connector out and rewire it into the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector item #e99011. Here are the individual functions of that Lance 6-pin:…

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Answer 9

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Answer 10

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 11

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 12

Since wire color codes are NOT universal, we always recommend wiring by function, rather than wire color. If you look at the Trailer Wiring FAQ article I have linked you to, you can see some diagrams showing the proper way to wire a vehicle and…

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Weight Distribution System Recommendation for a 2008 Toyota 4Runner Towing a 3,500 lb Trailer

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