How to Get a 2015 Toyota Highlander to Sit Level While Towing

Updated 12/13/2016 | Published 12/12/2016

Products Featured in This Question

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

(3995)

$22.64

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

(3995)

$20.94

2" Hitch Ball - w/ 1" Rise - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-1/2" Long Shank - Zinc - 6K

(234)

$41.05

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 4,500 lbs GTW, 450 lbs TW

(121)

$625.00

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Round - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(182)

$550.00

Question:

I pull a 3000 lb camper with my 2015 Toyota Highlander with a 5000 lb max tow rating. Im not sure what the tongue weight is but the trailer and vehicle sit low at the hitch and high at the front of vehicle. Will using a rise hitch so that the trailer sits level raise the back end of my vehicle and lower the tongue weight?

asked by: Mike S

Expert Reply:

Right off the bat it sounds like you will be needing a weight distribution system for your 2015 Toyota Highlander to ensure level towing. You can get a ball mount with a larger rise to level out the trailer, but that won't help level your Highlander.

What a weight distribution (WD) system does is help to keep all of the weight of the trailer from forcing the rear end of your car down. This can be very dangerous because it can raise the front end of your vehicle, like you mentioned, which can cause you to lose traction and stopping power. I have attached a help article for this that answers other questions about this that you might have.

To choose the correct WD system for your towing setup you will need to know your Total Tongue Weight and your Gross Trailer Weight. Keep in mind that your Total Tongue Weight for your towing system will include the Tongue Weight from your trailer plus any cargo you have behind the rear axle of your Highlander.

You can actually use a bathroom scale to help you figure out what your Tongue Weight is. There is a help article I will attach that shows how to properly determine your Tongue Weight using a bathroom scale. To find out the Gross Trailer Weight you will need to measure the weight of your trailer when you have everything loaded in it that you will be hauling.

Please note: you will not be able to use this and the Weight Distribution System together.

After you know what your Total Tongue Weight and what your Gross Trailer Weight is, you can find a WD system that best suits your towing situation. With the WD installed, it will help level out your towing system and lower the front end of your Toyota Highlander. We do offer some WD systems that have Sway Control added as well. Your Total Tongue Weight, remember this includes any weight behind the rear axle, is generally between 10-15 percent of your Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). If your GTW is 3,000 lbs, then that would put your TW at anywhere between 300 lbs-450 lbs. The Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control # FA92-00-0450 is what I recommend using if that is the case. If your TW is more than 450 lbs but less than 600 lbs then I recommend getting the Fastway e2 # FA94-00-0600.

Since neither of these WD systems comes with a hitch ball, I have some recommendations for you. If you go with the # FA92-00-0450, then the Curt Hitch Ball # 40038 is what I recommend using. If you are needing to use the WD system # FA94-00-0600 then I recommend the Curt Hitch Ball # A-90.