How to use Sway Control Weight Distribution System With 3,500 lb Straight Tongue Boat Trailer

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Question:

Hi, I recently purchased a 2017 Toyota Highlander Limited which has a towing capacity of 5000 lbs. I have an 18 foot boat and it weighs in around 3500 lbs when loaded up. When I hooked up the boat, there is a very noticeable sag from the rear though. I have been researching various fixes over the last couple of days and it appears a weight distribution hitch may be the solution. It looks like most all of them are not made for boat trailers with a straight tongue trailer. What is the recommendation for this? I also saw options for air bags in the rear suspension to help with sag. Thanks!

asked by: Justin C

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Expert Reply:

So you can absolutely use a weight distribution system with sway control for your boat trailer that that has a straight tongue - so long as it is not a swing-away tongue. All you need is an adapter and the ability to position the adapter 27" - 32" from the hitch ball. If so you will need the Pole-Tongue Adapter for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems # EQ95-01-5950.

You will then be able to use this adapter with either a Fastway or Equal-i-zer weight distribution system. The more economical choice is the Fastway because it has just two points of sway control, so for the best in control I definitely recommend the 4-point Equal-i-zer.

For your loaded 3,500 lb trailer you will need either:

- Fastway e2 Weight Distribution with 2-Point Sway Control # FA92-00-0600

- Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System with 4-Point Sway Control # EQ37060ET

The Equal-i-zer system comes with a 2" hitch ball but that is something you need to purchase separately with the Fastway system, the 2" Hitch Ball # EQ91-00-6080.

I have added links to video reviews of the adapter as well as both systems for you to check out.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Answer 1

Typically you will experience sway from your trailer when the trailer isn't loaded properly. It is encouraging that your engine is mainly over the axle, but it would be best to verify that the tongue weight (TW) of your trailer is 10-15% of the…

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Answer 2

There are several issues with what you are wanting, Dreu. First, the folding tongue is going to severely limit what you can use. Something like the Curt Friction Sway Control #17200 needs to be installed at an angle (like on an A-Frame style…

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Answer 3

One of the major differences between a round bar system and a Trunnion bar system is if ground clearance is an issue, you may be better off choosing a Trunnion-bar system simply because these bars slide into the weight distribution head instead of…

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Answer 4

You are correct. The Pro Series Weight Distribution System, part #49570 has the brackets and chains that would work with an actuating surge coupler, but we do have systems that would work better for you. You are correct that surge brake actuating…

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Answer 5

Hey Stan, I have a similar weight distribution system to the #RE34FR that is surge brake compatible but this one is not as it doesn't allow enough front to back movement for the surge system to work. Instead the #FA92-00-0600 would work great and…

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Answer 6

Any time you are towing a trailer that has a fully loaded weigh that is over 50 percent of the vehicle's gross weight, a weight distribution system is recommended. If your vehicle weighs less than 6,000 lbs, a weight distribution system and…

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Answer 7

In general, weight distribution systems that utilize chains on the end of the spring bars that attach to the frame brackets are not suited for use with surge brake couplers as they will reduce the force applied to the hitch ball. The reduced force…

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Answer 8

The Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution part #RE34FR only comes with a 2-5/16" hitch ball but you can purchase a 2" and swap it out yourself using the 2" Hitch Ball part #A-90. If you don't have the tools to swap it out just…

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Answer 9

The distance from the hitch pin hole to the beginning of the reinforcing gusset of the shank provided with the #RE34FR Reese Weight Distribution Kit is 3-7/8 inches, as shown in the provided photo.

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Answer 10

The only thing I do not like about the Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution 49911 #RE34FR is it uses the curved round bar. This bend placed in the bar creates a weak point. It also relies on retainer pins which when they fail allow the bar to…

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Answer 11

It is not a good idea to use weight distribution with a folding tongue due to the amount of force applied by the spring bars to the trailer. If you were to do it you would need to have a pole tongue adapter such as #RP58393 since the trailer does not…

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Answer 12

For the most price-conscious weight distribution system, the Curt MV Weight Distribution System #C17050 can be used with the Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter #RP3280 on your Chaos boat trailer. This will take care of the weight distribution that Ford…

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How to use Sway Control Weight Distribution System With 3,500 lb Straight Tongue Boat Trailer

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