Can 2024 Toyota Highlander Limited Use Weight Distribution Hitch

Updated 05/14/2025 | Published 10/26/2024

Products Featured in This Question

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

(174)

$253.89

Curt True Course Advanced Bluetooth Trailer Sway Control - 1 to 4 Axles

(16)

$399.95

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(840)

$783.75

SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs w/ Line Relocation Bracket - Single Axle - 3K to 5K - Underslung

(65)

$299.99

SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs w/ Line Relocation Bracket - Single Axle - 3K to 5K - Overslung

(304)

$267.99

Question:

I have a 2024 Highlander Liimited Turbo 4 cylinder AWD. I have a Rockwood Geo-Pro 15TB trailer with 407 tongue weight 4000 Gross Trailer weight loaded. Highlander is rated for 5000 lbs but is also unibody. Can I use a weight distribution hitch with the highlander. Which would you recommend?

asked by: Earle

Expert Reply:

Hi Earle; in general, a weight distribution hitch is a no go for unibody vehicles. However, that is not an absolute. I don't see anything specifically calling out weight distribution in the owner's manual so it is possible if the manufacturer says it is ok. I would reach out to a local dealer to see what they have to say about it.

Assuming it is allowed, you will need a hitch that is compatible with weight distribution which would be the Curt # C45CR. For the weight distribution hitch I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control # EQ37060ET. That 407 lbs is the dry tongue weight. If you figure 10-15% of the trailer weight for tongue weight you're topping out at 600 lbs. This Equal-i-zer system is rated for 200 lbs - 600 lbs of tongue weight which is perfect for your trailer.

If you can't use weight distribution there are some alternatives. It doesn't look like suspension enhancement is available for your vehicle but you could use the Curt True Course Advanced Bluetooth Trailer Sway Control # C94VV. This won't help with leveling out the tow vehicle and trailer but it will cut down on trailer sway.

You could also add SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs to your Rockwood Geo-Pro 15TB. These are designed for 3K - 5K axles which I'm sure covers what you have on there but you can check your axle tag to be sure. They will smooth out your ride and help prevent sway since they act independently.

If you have an overslung axle (leaf springs on top of axle) you need the # TSS-107-40 and for an underslung axle (leaf springs run under axle) # TSS-106-40. The required clearance between the top of the spring plate and bottom of the trailer frame is 5-5/16" - 6-1/2" for # TSS-107-40. The same required clearance for the # TSS-106-40 is 6" - 8-5/8".

expert reply by: Robin H

Earle

11/3/2024

Thank you for your answer. The Toyota owners manual talks about WDH but only for trailers over 5K. But then it says don’t tow over 5K. Go figure. The dealer thinks that is left over generic towing advice for all their vehicles. Unable to get a direct response through Toyota direct nor through my dealer. So I sold my Highlander and bought an F-150 3.5L Turbo with the towing package. I guess I will never know if that was necessary but I will sleep better at night. Using a standard hitch with a sway bar at first then will see if WDH is necessary. I am down for the season now so will test in the spring. I am interested if given my new tow vehicle you feel WDH is necessary.

Robin H.

11/3/2024

@Earle it would still be a good idea with the F-150 but you can certainly give it a shot without and see what you think before spending money on a new WDH. The same hitch from above will still apply since it is based on tongue weight and not vehicle.

Earle

11/3/2024

@RobinH Thank You.

Rafael

5/13/2025

I have a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas and my trailer is a 2022 Coleman Lanter 17 b, 21 feet. What do you recommend as an anti-sway?

Robin H.

5/14/2025

@Rafael it looks like the owner's manual says "Never install a weight-distributing or load-equalizing trailer hitch on your vehicle." so the only option would be the electronic sway control # C94VV.

Rafael

5/14/2025

@RobinH Can electronic sway control # C94VV work without downloading the app?