Weight Distribution for 1994 Toyota Landcruiser Towing 3,000 lb Trailer

Updated 08/11/2024 | Published 07/29/2024

Question:

I have a 1994 Toyota Landcruiser ( one owner, me for 30 years!). I'd like to tow a Norfolk 3000 lb trailer ( unloaded with water). It has an electric trailer hitch, that are run by two dedicated batteries. ( maybe I'll take one battery off!!). I understand that my vehicle is a bit light to pull this. ( it weighs 4800 lbs). My questions are: 1) is my truck too light? 2) What weight distribution hitch should I get ? I'd like to go off road a bit, camping, so concerned about tongue and trailer clearance. Its hard to tell what the clearance is as there seems to be some things hanging down off the chassis, but its between 12 and 16 inches- 20 at the wheels.. 3) I wonder whether the sound of metal on metal would be a good feedback mechanism for a newbie trailer puller like me, or whether it would be annoying? I have watched some of the e-trailer videos. I think my propane bottles may get in the way of where the various systems clamp on to the trailer. Do I take the propane bottles off and then will they go back on over the "attachers"? I've been looking at your Fastway ( FA92-600-0600 system that you recommended above, and the Straightline system, The BlueOX- (but not sure whether to get the 5500 lb model or the smaller one at 3500 lbs that may have a tongue weight that is too small at 250 lbs.. and the Reese base model ( currently $338)- why does no one like round bars? I live in Taos, NM, and there are mountain roads to contend with with my old car- it gets up them fine but doesn't go fast up the mountain, maybe 40 miles per hour. ) I am sure that I would not like to be blown off the road by an 18 wheeler. I have installed a Takonsha tow brake controller but haven't learned to use it yet- I think it is manual, not digital, and am not sure if it will be user friendly, as they installed it by my left hand :( So: 1) Off road clearance- do WD hitches lessen this? 2) Is my car able to pull 3000-3500 lbs? 3) Is grinding noise a good thing when it sways? 4) What's wrong with round bars? 5) Where do you measure the distance from to calculate where the WD has attachment points, as I may have things in the way? 6) Which hitch should I get? 7) Are chains, like in the straitline, gonna work well with sway? THANKS! Ben B

asked by: Benjamin T

Expert Reply:

Hey Benjamin, so I looked up the towing capacity of your 1994 Land Cruiser and it appears to have a 5k capacity so your 4,800 lb trailer would be fine.

When it comes to weight distribution and ground clearance there is a small reduction but the round bar systems are the ones that reduce ground clearance the most so for you that is not the route I would go. They all make noise though as there's a lot of tension in the metal components that have to move. You will measure from the center of your hitch ball on your coupler back 29 inches to make sure you have the needed clearance.

For best performance and ground clearance your best option is the Fastway e2 Trunnion system part # FA92-00-0450 as the bars are held up higher on the head and the spring bar hangers.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Ben

7/30/2024

The car is 4800 lbs, The trailer is 3531 dry weight ( I think). Is that the Fastway model I want? I'd give you the front axle and rear axle specifications but the car is in the shop right now. :)

Jameson C.

7/30/2024

@Ben With that info yeah that Fastway model is what you'd still want.

Ben

7/30/2024

@JamesonC What about 4 points versus two points of contact? Thanks!

Jameson C.

7/30/2024

@Ben That's a bit of marketing hype if you aske me. The Fastway does technically have 4 points of friction sway control if you count where the bars move in the head of the system but it's not listed as such like the Equal-i-zer. The Equalizer brand is widely considered to be the best but it does come at a premium price. If it were me though I would go with the Fastway which is actually made by same company.