How to Select Weight Distribution System for Horse Trailer
Published 01/30/2019
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Question:
First, thanks so much for responding. You guys are awesome. My Highlander is a 2018 Limited with a tow package (engine only). It is not a hybrid. It has a 5000 lb towing capacity. I had a Curt tow hitch installed (the dealership did it). I don't know much about inertia brakes, but what I have read indicates you do not need a brake controller with it if you are hauling less than 7700 lbs., which I definitely will be. The total trailer weight for the Brenderup Imperial that I am looking at is 1950 lbs., and the horse is 1100, so I would be well within the 5000 lb. limit. The Highlander has a Safety Sense feature. It keeps you from running over pedestrians, slows you if you are on cruise so you don't run up behind a slower driver, and helps keeps you in your own lane unless you indicate you are changing. I understand how interfering with the electronics might interfere with this feature. I am thinking that the trailer with a weight distribution system may be enough. I think there is an adapter that runs from a 4 prong to a 7 prong, but I don't know if you have to add the brake controller to use that.
asked by: Donna H
Expert Reply:
For your 2018 Toyota Highlander, the Curt hitch that fits is # C13200 and this hitch is compatible with weight distribution systems. It has an 8,000 lb towing capacity and 900 lb tongue weight capacity when used with a weight distribution system, which gives us a good idea of the system you need.
In order to choose the best weight distribution system you will first need to know your total tongue weight (TTW), which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your 2018 Toyota Highlander.
The tongue weight is typically between 10% and 15% of your trailer's GVWR but you'll want to verify it by using a scale such as the etrailer Tongue Weight Scale # e99044 or by using one of the methods outlined in the help article on determining tongue weight I've linked for you. From there, simply add on the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle and you'll have your TTW. The ideal system would be one in which your TTW would fall somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity.
For example, if your TTW was 1,200 lbs you would want the Equal-i-zer # EQ37120ET, which is for TTW between 800 lbs and 1,200 lbs. If you let me know what your TTW is I would be happy to make a recommendation for you so you can get the correct system.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- For Towing
- Class III
- 900 lbs TW
- 6000 lbs GTW
- 8000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 900 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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on Trailer Hitch
Donna H.
1/30/2019
First, thanks so much for responding. You guys are awesome. My Highlander is a 2018 Limited with a tow package (engine only). It is not a hybrid. It has a 5000 lb towing capacity. I had a Curt tow hitch installed (the dealership did it). I don't know much about inertia brakes, but what I have read indicates you do not need a brake controller with it if you are hauling less than 7700 lbs., which I definitely will be. The total trailer weight for the Brenderup Imperial that I am looking at is 1950 lbs., and the horse is 1100, so I would be well within the 5000 lb. limit. The Highlander has a Safety Sense feature. It keeps you from running over pedestrians, slows you if you are on cruise so you don't run up behind a slower driver, and helps keeps you in your own lane unless you indicate you are changing. I understand how interfering with the electronics might interfere with this feature. I am thinking that the trailer with a weight distribution system may be enough. I think there is an adapter that runs from a 4 prong to a 7 prong, but I don't know if you have to add the brake controller to use that.