Weight Distribution System for Use with Curt Class III Hitch # C13105 on 2006 Toyota Sienna

Updated 04/16/2014 | Published 04/15/2014

Products Featured in This Question

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

(847)

$200.27

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

Question:

Hi - I recently purchased a Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2 Curt Trailer Hitch Code: C13105. I am now in search of the appropriate weight distribution devices to go along with the hitch. Would you please help me discern between the multiple listed items. Our Sienna will be towing a boat and trailer with a relatively low tongue weight 350lbs and GTW of 3400. Thank You.

asked by: Keith H

Expert Reply:

Thank you for your recent purchases from etrailer.com. The hitch you chose for your 2006 Toyota Sienna, the 2-inch Curt Class III hitch # C13105 is suitable for use with weight distribution and it offers adequate tongue weight capacity (500-lbs when used with weight distribution) to handle your boat trailer's estimated 350-lb tongue weight.

Weight distribution systems are selected primarily based on your trailer's actual fully loaded as-towed tongue weight. For a boat trailer this means you want to measure its tongue weight with all gear, supplies, gas cans, etc in place just as they will be when you are hitting the road. You also need to account for the weight of anything in the tow vehicle that is placed behind the rear axle, such as a fully loaded cooler. I have linked you to an article that offers several ways to measure tongue weight, which include a convenient dedicated scale from etrailer, part # e99044. I also included an article on weight distribution in general that might be helpful to you as a starting point.

With your confirmed fully loaded tongue weight, you can use the link provided to select a system. You can choose weight distribution only, or combined with sway control, which I recommend. Boat trailers typically are heavy at the rear due to the placement of the motor; this can tend to cause more sway so a system with sway control is a good idea.

The other important factor for fitting a weight distribution system is the amount of frame space required to attach the spring bar brackets. Some trailers that have frame-mounted accessories such as a spare tire carrier installed near the nose of the trailer may complicate placement of the spring bar brackets. These brackets can be as large as 5 - 6 inches wide and they will mount to the frame roughly between 28 - 32 inches rear of the hitch ball.

Other important considerations are that if your trailer uses a pole tongue (straight rather than a A-frame) you will also need a pole tongue adapter such as Reese # RP3280 which bolts on to provide mounting points for the spring bar brackets. If your trailer uses a surge coupler for brakes you need to choose a system without lift chains as these will interfere with braking performance.

If your measured tongue weight should be 400-lbs you might consider the Reese System # RP66082. This trunnion bar system offers good ground clearance at the hitch head, works with surge brakes, includes everything but the hitch ball and features small brackets that will be easy to mount. If your trailer has a 2-inch coupler you can use ball # A-90, or ball # 19286 for a 2-5/16-inch coupler.