How to Pick Out a Weight Distribution System for Towing Trailer with Toyota Highlander

Updated 06/24/2015 | Published 06/23/2015

Question:

I have a 2013 Toyota highlander rated to tow 5000 pounds in the literature but the dealership said 3500 pounds. Whats with that? Anyway, I just purchased a used 2008 starcraft travel star XLT Sport 16FDB trailer. Dry weight 2123. Payload 1037. GVWR 3500. hitch weight 265. Has 2 propane tanks 2 batteries and a 36 gal capacity fresh water tank. I was told I needed a weight distribution anti sway system I am an older single gal with a travel bug. What do you recommend? Thank you so much

asked by: Margaret L

Expert Reply:

First thing I recommend is to determine the towing capacity of your vehicle. Certain models of a vehicle can have different towing capacities based on how it is equipped. The owners manual should provide you with the correct into.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

If your loaded tongue weight falls between 200 and 600 lbs the part # RP66082 would be an excellent choice as that is the range it has and it features the only sway control on the market that works to prevent sway before it starts.

expert reply by: Jameson C