Weight Distribution Recommendation for Towing a Jayco 174BH Travel Trailer

Updated 01/27/2025 | Published 01/24/2025

Question:

Hello, I’m towing a Jayco 174BH travel trailer with a 300 lb tongue with a 2018 Toyota Highlander. Is there a weight distribution system with sway control that you would recommend? Thanks

asked by: James M

Expert Reply:

Hey James, thanks for reaching out!

I recommend picking up the Blue Ox TrackPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control # BLU36FR for your application because it's simple to set up after the initial installation, and it's right in the weight range wheelhouse of your trailer.

One thing I do want to note is that I believe your Highlander is built on a unibody frame. A number of years ago that used to be an issue with compatibility of a weight distribution system so you'll want to check your copy of the owner's manual and/or with your local Toyota dealer to make sure this is okay. I tried looking up this info in an online manual but it wasn't producing any results.

Are you planning a trip soon, or just prepping for the camping season?

expert reply by: Jon G

James

1/24/2025

Thanks, John - that was one of the options I was looking at, and I like that it has the trunnion bars that will give me some additional clearance. We have sway control already, but I feel like the truck is sitting too low in the back, which is why I want to add the WD. I'll check the manual/local dealer re: the unibody frame. I'm just prepping now for the the coming season. Thanks!

Jon G.

1/24/2025

@James Happy to help! If you have any other questions or need some help prepping for the upcoming season, feel free to reach back out!

James

1/24/2025

Hi Jon, I checked the manual and according to p. 205, "If the gross trailer weight is over 5000 lb. (2200 kg), a weight distributing hitch with sufficient capacity is required." So it looks like Toyota designed their unibody in a way that works with WD. Question about the WD you recommended: I see that it comes with a 2-5/16" Chrome Hitch Ball. Is it possible to have that replaced with a 2" ball, since that's what my trailer uses? thanks, James

Jon G.

1/27/2025

@James Thanks for getting back with me! Blue Ox doesn't offer any of these with a 2" hitch ball, for whatever reason, so we can either look into a different weight distribution system, or you can use the same Blue Ox system and swap out the hitch ball with something like the Stainless Stel Curt # 675806. For an all-inclusive alternative we have the Equal-i-zer # EQ37060ET which comes with a 2" hitch ball.