How to Correct Vehicle Sag & Trailer Sway in 2014 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner Towing 4K Camping Trailer

Updated 07/18/2018 | Published 07/17/2018

Products Featured in This Question

RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit

(520)

$539.00

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

(2634)

$19.00

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

(3909)

$20.94

Question:

Hi I am trying to figure out what will be the best upgrade for my Tacoma. We are regularly towing a ~4000lb camping trailer with it and the truck sags quite a bit and I believe for not a whole lot of money we can improve this and also improve our safety in the process, possibly eliminating sway as well.

asked by: Evan G

Expert Reply:

To both correct vehicle rear-end sag and also control or prevent trailer sway the best solution is a properly-rated weight distribution system, one that includes built-in sway prevention. These setups can do both of these things at once, both leveling of the tow vehicle and prevention of sway in the trailer. You can refer to the linked article and video for more information.

The way to choose the right one is to know your fully-loaded road-ready trailer's tongue weight (TW), with water and propane tanks filled and all supplies and recreational gear in place. The simplest way to measure is with Tongue Weight Scale # e99044. This handy tool also makes it easy to know you have your trailer properly loaded, with the idea TW of 12 to 14-percent of the gross weight. To what you measure at the trailer tongue you'll add the weight of any cargo in the truck that sits behind the rear axle, say a generator or loaded cooler. This total TW will let you pick out the right system. A properly-loaded 4000-lb trailer will usually have TW in the range of 500 to 600-lbs.

For a 600-lb TW I suggest the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System # RP66083. This will level the vehicle and actually prevent sway from starting in the first place thanks to its locking cam mechanism that holds the trailer in line with the vehicle until you turn, when the cams unlock. Please refer to the linked video on this particular system.

All you need to add is a hitch ball to match your coupler size, either # A-90 for a 2-inch ball or # 19286 for a 2-5/16-inch ball. If you ever change to a heavier trailer all you need to do is swap out the bars to a new set and you can keep using the rest of the system.

expert reply by: Adam R