Weight Distribution With Sway Recommendation For 2008 Toyota RAV4 Towing A Small Trailer

Updated 09/02/2014 | Published 08/30/2014

Question:

Is their a weight distribution antisway hitch available for a small camper trailer gross 2700 lb towed with a 2008 RAV4 V6 that you can backup WITHOUT REMOVING THE SWAY BARS? Thanks!

asked by: Dennis C

Expert Reply:

When choosing a weight distribution system you will need to know 2 important items. You will need to know the gross trailer weight which is the trailer weight you are towing when it is in its fully loaded ready-to-tow condition.

You also need to know the tongue weight. This is the tongue weight of the trailer added to the weight of any cargo placed behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle.

The tongue weight of a trailer should be about 10 to 15 percent of the trailer weight, so in your case should be about 270 to 405 lbs.

The system, I recommend for your setup is the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control, part # BXW0550. This is a clamp-on installation and has a towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. Although Blue Ox says you can back up without removing the trunnion bars, anytime you are executing a sharp angle when backing your trailer, it is advised to remove the springs bars on any system to avoid putting them in a bind and risking damage.

I have attached a couple of helpful articles that explains weight distribution you can check out.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L