Weight Distribution for a 2011 Toyota Sienna and Jayco 154bh Trailer

Published 03/24/2015

Question:

I have confirmed real real tongue weight as 390lbs before gear in the van on myn2014 Jayco Swift slx 154bh travel trailer and therefore am aiming for a 600lbs weight dist hitch. Considered the Curt 500lbs 17345 due to its 50 lbs weight want as light as possible hitch, but may not be enough when loaded up?? Seems the Curt short arm 17330 is a fair bit lighter than the 17300 both 600lbs tongue weight. Will it work for my 154 bh trailer? How do I know if a short arm version is what I need? Will be using a Curt 2inch receiver hitch 13105 on the Sienna Canadian model with tow package. Also saw the Reese RP66540 but seems still rather heavy and expensive. Ideally Id prefer the 17345 but is it too light duty? Am I on the right track looking at a 600 lbs tongue weight WD hitch? Thanks in advance. Will send pics of trailer and front frame area and provide measurements if needed.

asked by: Mike K

Expert Reply:

First, make sure that you can use weight distribution with your Toyota Sienna by consulting the owners manual. Also, you will need to determine the maximum tongue weight capacity of the van. If the van maximum tongue weight capacity is 500 pounds then there is no reason to go with a 600 pound system.

To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

With that said if the tongue weight of the trailer is 390 pounds then I tend to agree that going with a 600 pound system would be a good choice. I have included some links on weight distribution and determining tongue weight for you.

expert reply by: Michael H