Recommended Equipment Needed for Towing 3200lb Boat With a 2014 Toyota Sienna  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

As a first step, I'd recommend confirming the weight of the boat and the trailer, as well as the fully loaded and ready to tow trailer tongue weight (see linked article.)

Your Sienna is capable of towing 3500lbs, so you'll want to be sure the combined weight of the boat and trailer doesn't exceed that amount. The Curt Class III hitch you looked at, part # C13105 would be an excellent choice.

Any time the weight of the trailer is greater than half the weight of the vehicle, using weight distribution is a recommended. Weight distribution will level out the ride height of the vehicle, and prevent the rear of the Sienna from sagging. To choose a weight distribution system, you'll need to first determine the 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 Sienna behind the rear axle. These combined figures represent 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.

Since the trailer tongue weight is typically between 10-15 percent of the weight of the trailer, I'll guesstimate that that your tongue weight is between 320 and 500lbs. Given this, I'd recommend the Reese SC weight distribution with sway control, part # RP66558. This system provides proven weight distribution performance for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 200-600lbs, it also adds a sway control component to prevent trailer sway caused by cross winds or oncoming traffic. The weight distributing shank is included, but you'll need the properly sized trailer ball. For a 2 inch ball, use part # 63845 or for a 2-5/16 inch ball, use part # 63847.

Assuming that your boat trailer has a pole tongue rather than an A-frame tongue, you'll also need a pole tongue adapter, part # RP58393.

At the minimum, you'll need a 4-pole trailer connector to activate the taillights on the trailer. Use part # 118498. If your trailer has a surge coupler that activates the hydraulic trailer brakes when the coupler compresses and the trailer has a 5-pole trailer connector, you'll also need a 4 to 5-pole adapter, part # 20036. If the trailer has electric brakes, you'll need to add a brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885 and our brake controller installation kit, part # ETBC7.

Finally, given that the weight of the trailer is very slightly less than the towing capacity of the vehicle, I'd urge you go install a transmission cooler like the Derale # D13503. A transmission cooler is an inexpensive insurance policy for your transmission.

I'll link you to some install videos, as well as instruction links and several FAQ articles that I hope you'll find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

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