Recommended Weight Distribution and Sway Control System for 3100 lb Dry Weight Camper

Updated 02/19/2021 | Published 02/18/2021

Products Featured in This Question

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2620)

$24.09

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3870)

$21.40

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

(169)

$567.04

Question:

Hi I had a question about a weight distribution hitch. I have a 2021 Tacoma, and Ill be towing a camper ~400lbs tongue weight, 3100lbs empty, with electric brakes. I was looking at a Fastway e2 6,000 lb round bar hitch. Is this a good match for my application? Sorry for the question, I have plenty of experience with towing heavier trailers mostly gooseneck and pintle hitch, and smaller bumper pull utility trailers etc. Ive never bought a weight distribution setup before, and figure itd be good with a lighter truck and relatively high profile not really heavy camper in the windy west! I appreciate your help!

asked by: Jonathan S

Expert Reply:

As a first step, you'll want to determine the tongue weight of the camper when it's fully loaded as you'd normally tow it. To that figure, add the weight of anything carried in the truck bed that's behind the rear axle. These combined figures will be your total tongue weight, which is the number used to determine the tongue weight rating of the system you need.

There are a few different ways to find the tongue weight as you'll see in the article I've liked for you, but the easiest way is to use a tongue weight scale like the etrailer, part # e99044.

We have 2 Fastway e2 systems that could possibly work for you. Part # FA92-00-0800 is rated for campers that have total tongue weights between 400-800 lbs, which is very likely going to be perfect for your small camper. The system includes everything you'll need except for the trailer ball. For a 2 inch ball, use # A-90 or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball. The 6000 lb system might be cutting it a little close, but if you find that your tongue weight is below 600 lbs, you could certainly use it. I'd recommend the trunnion system, part # FA92-00-0600 over a round bar system because a trunnion system offers better ground clearance.

I've linked to a video showing how to set up the Fastway e2 system, as well as to a video showing how to use the Better Weigh scale I mentioned above.

expert reply by: Mike L