Weight Distribution Recommendation for Toyota Tundra Towing Trailer with 550 lb Tongue Weight

Published 08/16/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Curt MV Weight Distribution System - Round Bar - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(363)

$396.85

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

(2635)

$24.28

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

(3940)

$20.94

Question:

I will be using a Toyota Tundra 2WD 4.6L V-8 with the factory tow package. The trailer is an Airstream 27foot tandem axle that weighs 4525 lbs and a tongue weight of 490 lbs. With maybe 500 lbs of gear, water, propane etc I estimate the tongue weight could be 550-600 lbs. What is your recommendation? Also what is the difference/advantages between round and trunnion arms?

asked by: Todd C

Expert Reply:

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

For a tongue weight of 550 to 600 lbs the Reese Straitline kit part # RP66083 would be your best option as it has a tongue weight range of 400-600 lbs and features only sway control designed to fight sway before it starts.

For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.

Both round and trunnion bar systems are equally as effective, but a round bar system won't have as much ground clearance under it as a trunnion bar system. This is because the bars attach to the weight distribution head from underneath. If your tow vehicle is a full sized pick-up or SUV, a round bar system would work just fine. If you're towing with a small crossover or a minivan (anything with little ground clearance) you'd definitely want to go with a trunnion bar system.

expert reply by: Jameson C