Weight Distribution with Sway Control for a Toyota Sienna and 2013 Jayco 17Z Trailer

Updated 08/11/2015 | Published 08/09/2015

Products Featured in This Question

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2620)

$24.09

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3870)

$21.41

Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control for 2" Hitch - 5.5K GTW, 550 lbs TW

(473)

$809.31

Question:

I recently purchased a 2013 Jayco 17Z and know that I will be required to use a weight distribution system to install on the Jayco 17Z for it to be towed by my Toyota Sienna. I also believe but may be wrong that adding a sway bar would also be advantageous. I have been doing some research online and have to admit that I am starting to suffer from information overload to the point where I am simply lost in the terminology and their meaning. Some sites will say that this kind of weight is important where others say a different weight is the one to consider. So I am basically feeling helpless and confused. What would you recommend be the proper WD system with or without sway bar which is confusing to use? Thanks for your assistance.

asked by: Denis D

Expert Reply:

I will be happy to help you out with choosing a weight distribution 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.

Your trailer has a dry weight of 2,900 pounds with a 600 pound carrying capacity for a total gross capacity of 3,500 pounds. The tongue weight is listed at 405 pounds. You will need to check both the trailer hitch you are using and the owner's manual for the Sienna to make sure that both can handle this amount of tongue weight.

Having sway control is absolutely a good idea. For a system that is going to be easy to use and has built in sway control I recommend Blue Ox Sway Pro system # BXW0550. I have linked a couple of videos showing how this system works.

You will just need to add a ball. For a 2 inch ball use # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball use # 19286. I have also included some helpful links on weight distribution and determining tongue weight for you.

expert reply by: Michael H