Weight Distribution System for 3500 GVWR Pop-Up Camper Towed by Toyota Tundra

Updated 05/04/2016 | Published 05/03/2016

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Question:

I am buying a pop up camper which has: GVWR of 3,500 UVW of 2,175 UTW of 195 I am pulling it with a new model Toyota Tundra. My question is do I really need a weight distribution hitch for a trailer this light and if so what do you recommend? Also, is it detrimental to use a WDH that is rated much higher than the specs of the trailer? thanks

asked by: Eric

Expert Reply:

Anytime the fully loaded and ready to tow trailer weight is greater than 50 percent of the weight of the tow vehicle, using weight distribution should be considered.

When you get the pop-up, hitch it to the vehicle and pay special attention to the front and rear ride height of the truck. If the rear end sags more than a few inches when the camper's hitched up, your headlights will be aimed incorrectly and braking and steering response can be negatively affected because of the sag at the back of the truck. If that's the case, using weight distribution would be a good idea.

To choose the correct system, the first thing you'll need to determine is the tongue weight of the camper when its fully loaded and ready to tow. I'll link you to an FAQ article that explains how this is done. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the truck bed 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.

Given the numbers you provided, your camper's fully loaded tongue weight likely ranges between 250-500 lbs. If you can confirm that your tongue weight is in that range, the Fastway E2 system, part # FA92-00-0600 would be an excellent choice. The system offers proven weight distribution performance with the added benefit of sway control to help keep the camper in line behind the tow vehicle. The weight distributing shank is included, but the properly sized trailer ball, part # EQ91-00-6080 for a 2 inch ball or # C48810 for a 1-7/8 inch ball.

If you choose a system that's rated too highly for your trailer's tongue weight, it will be ineffective. The spring bars won't have enough give in them, so the trailer will have a very rough ride.