Recommended Towing Equipment for towing a 8,800 lb Dry Trailer with a 2014 Toyota Tundra

Question:

I’m looking at a keystone Travel Yrailer that weighs 8800 lbs dry weight. The Max tow is 9800 lbs. with the proper weight distribution hitch and sway would my 2014 Toyota Tundra crew max 5.7. With 6” lift pull and stop this TT safely. Not pulling any trips over 150 miles. Thanks!

asked by: Perry J

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since your 2014 Toyota Tundra has a towing capacity that is 1,000 lbs over the 8,800 lb dry weight of your trailer you will need to be pretty cautious. If you don't plan on loading anything up in the trailer then the 1,000 lb of cushion is great but if you will be loading the trailer up to the max towing capacity of your Tundra you will need to be very careful.

If you don't already have towing equipment (or a brake controller) then I have some recommendations for you. The Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 41935 is the best trailer hitch for your application because it is the easiest to install that also provides enough weight capacity to handle your trailer (14,000 lbs towing with weight distribution and 1,400 lbs tongue weight with weight distribution). Please note that this will not increase the weight rating of the Tundra itself.

When it comes to the wiring/brake controller if you already have the factory 7-Way then you will just need a brake controller, I recommend the Prodigy P3 # 90195, and the wiring adapter for it, which in this case is part # 3040-P.

If you have a factory 4-Way with the tow package then you just need the Hopkins Adapter # 37185 for the rear of your Tundra as well as the controller and adapter mentioned above. If you don't have the tow package then you need the parts # HM11141835 and # ETBC7 for your wiring and then you just hardwire the brake controller in. Attached are some installation videos and articles for you to reference.

A good option for a weight distribution (WD) system is the Reese Steadi-Flex # RP66561 because it has a tongue weight range of 700 lbs - 1,400 lbs. Since the tongue weight rating of a WD system includes the tongue weight of the loaded trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle though you will want to verify that this is the best option for you. Just use a hitch ball like the Curt # C40030 to complete the setup.

You may need a longer shank since for the WD system since you have a 6" lift on your Tundra. Attached is a link to our selection of WD shanks that you can check out. If you need help choosing the correct one just let me know and I'd be happy to help!

Installing an aftermarket transmission cooler is also a good idea in your situation. I have attached some helpful articles and a link to our selection for you to filter through.