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Weight Distribution for a 2015 Toyota Tundra and 5,000 Pound Utility Trailer  

Updated 05/11/2015 | Published 05/09/2015

Question:

I have a 2015 Toyota Tundra that I pull a 5,000 lb utility trailer with daily. The truck squatted about two inches with the trailer on fully loaded so I put airbags on to eliminate the sag. Would a weight distribution hitch enhance the ride factor of the vehicle an trailer or is the trailer to small for a distribution hitch.

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Expert Reply:

Weight distribution should be used if the trailer weighs at least 50 percent of the vehicle's gross weight or if the coupled trailer causes the vehicle to sag at the back. Also, the best solution for sag caused by a coupled trailer is weight distribution and not air bags. Air bags and other helper springs are designed for loads carried in the truck bed. You will not get the full benefits of either system if you used both at the same time.

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.

Trailer tongue weight is usually 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. On a trailer weighing 5,000 pounds that would be 500 to 750 pounds. If you are not carrying anything in the bed of the truck then a system rated for up to 800 pounds, such as # FA92-00-0800, would be ideal. But if the frame is covered by a jack or a box then you would also need hangers # C17005 to bolt to the sides of the frame.

And you would need a ball such as # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch. I have included some helpful links on weight distribution for you.

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Michael H

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