Recommended Weight Distribution System for 4500 lb Boat Trailer Towed By 2010 Toyota Highlander
Published 08/08/2015
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Question:
Hi, I would like a recommendation for a weight distribution system for my boat trailer. Below are my specs: Vehicle: 2010 Toyota Highlander, 4,500 lbs GTW: 4,400 to 4,800 pounds, depending on gear loaded TW: 250 to 450 pounds, depending on gear loaded Please let me know if you need more information. Thank you.
asked by: Kimball
Expert Reply:
To choose a weight distribution system, you'll need to first determine the actual fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the cargo area of the SUV behind the rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures equal the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.
So, as a worst case scenario, we'll use the 450 lb tongue weight figure you provided, assuming that includes the weight of any gear stowed behind the rear axle of your Highlander. Does your Boat trailer have a braking (surge) coupler that actuates the trailer brakes when you apply the brakes on your Highlander? If so, a standard chain-suspended system will interfere with the operation of the trailer brakes.
The Reese Steadi-Flex system part # RP66558 would be effective on trailers with or without brakes, and is rated for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 400-600 lbs. In addition to proven weight distribution, the system also offers sway control. Because boat trailers typically have all the weight in the back, they're usually pretty susceptible to trailer sway especially when towed by a vehicle with a relatively short wheelbase like your Highlander. Since your boat trailer has a pole tongue as opposed to an A-frame tongue, you'll also need a pole tongue adapter, part # RP58393. The system I recommended includes the weight distributing shank, but the 2 inch # A-90 or 2-5/16 inch # 19286 trailer ball is sold separately.
If the trailer doesn't have a hydraulic brake coupler, and you wanted to eliminate the sway control component, you could use a standard round bar system like part # C17051 which is rated for trailer tongue weights up to 800 lbs. You would still need the adapter mentioned above, as well as the trailer ball.
The # BLU45FR you had looked at is rated for up to 600 lbs of tongue weight, which would only provide about 150 lbs of cushion, plus it woudn't work well if your trailer has a surge coupler.
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