Recommended Weight Distribution System for a Casita Travel Trailer

Published 02/14/2018

Question:

Hi, Im considering buying a 17foot Casita trailer, and am trying to figure out what kind of hitch setup I would need. The Casita in question is a single axel trailer, with the 25 gallon fresh water tank at the very rear of the trailer, and the black/grey tanks forwards of the axel. I think that means that the tongue weight of the trailer will vary by quite a bit, since the water weight of about 200 lbs will transfer from behind the trailer axel to in front of it during the course of a trip. The vehicle Im planning to tow with is a 2018 Toyota Highlander. Any advice for what kind of hitch setup I should have to cope with the shifting weight balance? Or is this much weight transfer considered normal and not needing any special attention?

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

If the gross trailer weight (GTW) of your trailer is more than 50% of your gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), the use of a weight distribution system is recommended. In order to use a weight distribution system you will first need a trailer hitch that is rated for use with one and for that I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-E-Loader Trailer Hitch Receiver part # DT65MR.

In order to choose the correct weight distribution system, you will need to find the total tongue weight (TTW) of your towing setup by adding the tongue weight (TW) of both your loaded ready to tow trailer and any cargo stored behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

An easy way to find this would involve using a tongue weight scale like the etrailer Trailer Tongue Weight Scale part # e99044. When choosing a weight distribution system, you will want your TTW to fall in the middle of the weight distributions weight capacity. For example, the ideal weight distribution system for a total tongue weight of 600 lbs. is one that is rated for 400-800 lbs. of tongue weight.

Depending on how far forward your black and gray tanks are, the weight of the trailer may or may not change enough to cause a substantial shift in tongue weight. However, it will be in your best interest to choose a system that is rated for the TTW at its heaviest point or in your case while the black/gray tanks are full. Once you can provide me with your trailer's TTW, I would be happy to recommend a system for you.

expert reply by: Conner L