Weight Distribution Recommendation for 2017 Toyota Tacoma Towing 3,000 lb Camper

Updated 03/25/2019 | Published 03/22/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(866)

$746.12

Thin Walled Socket for Equal-i-zer Hitches

(102)

$74.06

Question:

I am buying a small camper that has a dry hitch weight of 150lbs, and a GVWR of 3000lbs. My tow vehicle can handle 6400 lbs. The RV dealer is recommending a weight distribution hitch but I am not sure if I need one. Even at the 3000 lb GVWR that is less than half of my trucks towing capacity? What do you recommend? Thanks

asked by: Dan

Expert Reply:

A weight distribution system is always recommended if the weight of your trailer is more than 50 percent of your tow vehicle's weight. Since the small camper you are towing has a GVWR of 3,000 lbs and a 2017 Toyota Tacoma weighs around 4,000 lbs, even if your camper isn't fully loaded it will almost certainly still be more than 50 percent of your Tacoma's weight.

Based on your camper's 3,000 lb GVWR your total tongue weight (the tongue weight of your fully loaded trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind your Tacoma's rear axle) is likely in the 450 lb to 500 lb range. For that I strongly recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37060ET because it will not only prevent sway but is easier to install than most weight distribution systems because it uses clamp-on brackets.

The Equal-i-zer uses 4 points of sway control to keep your camper in line, with friction at the ends of the spring bars as well as the head unit. Our customers who have used this system regard it very highly, with over 350 reviews as of this writing it has averaged nearly 5 out of 5 stars, as you can see on the product page.

This system comes with everything you need for installation though it is recommended you use thin-walled socket # EQ70-00-4800 to help install the hitch ball.

I have added links to reviews of the Equal-i-zer # EQ37060ET as well as a link to a help article on weight distribution which I recommend checking out.