Why Cant Weight Distribution System Be Used with Curt # C13406 on Toyota RAV4

Published 08/23/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(124)

$235.93

Curt Friction Sway Control for Weight Distribution Systems

(339)

$73.84

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2639)

$13.86

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

(4012)

$23.09

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(1547)

$195.03

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 4,500 lbs GTW, 450 lbs TW

(122)

$602.95

Question:

According to the specifications of this hitch, we cannot use WDS. I wondering why. I would like to use a small weight WDS for a pop-up tent trailer TW=150 lbs.

asked by: Pierre-Luc B

Expert Reply:

A complete weight distribution system applies an awful lot of torque to the hitch and tow vehicle it's being used on so some hitches simply aren't rated to handle this kind of stress. As you mentioned in your question this is the case for the Curt Trailer Hitch # C13409.

I'm not sure if you already have this hitch installed on your RAV4 but there are hitches available for this vehicle that are rated for weight distribution, such as the etrailer.com # e98864. I also recommend checking your copy of the vehicle's owner's manual to make sure the vehicle itself is rated for a weight distribution system.

If you decide to go with this hitch and would like to add a weight distribution system I recommend the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-0450. This is an excellent system that features integrated 2-point sway control to keep your pop-up camper in line during travel and it will do a great job of re-distributing weight over the axles of the trailer and RAV4 to maintain a level setup. The only thing you will need to add is a compatible hitch ball like the 1-7/8" # 19260 or the 2" # 40038.

I have attached a video demonstration on this system that you can check out as well.

Now if you do already have the Curt # C13406 installed and would rather not replace it with a different hitch (which I completely understand) you do still have an option to add sway control. For this I recommend the Curt Friction Sway Bar # 17200. This will mount to the trailer frame and ball mount to create tension that reduces any side-to-side movement on the trailer when you're on the road.

I have included a short video review on this system as well.