Weight Distribution and Sway Control

[edekgb]

Do I need WD/Sway control for a new 19ft. 2800lb. single axel travel trailer with a 350 pound tongue weight? Im pulling with a 2014 Toyota 4runner with a 4700 pound capacity and a 500 pound tongue weight capacity? I have read somewhere that I can't use a W/D system on my 4runner, somehow because the way the receiver is mounted??

[edekgb]

I called a "hitch place" that has been around my neighborhood for years and he knew about the 5th gen 4runners not able to take a WDH so I was relieved that I wasn't gonna sound crazy to him but that I can go with a sway control system and that it would help but that he really thought that my tongue weight is gonna help keep it from swaying a lot. In the end we both agreed that sway bars couldn't hurt and im going to go in and have them put on. I hope im not making a mistake by not figuring out a way to go with WDH ie. reconfiguring my factory hitch.

[edekgb]

I thought that Toyota customer service call sounded kinda hokie - I guess I will go into a trailer hitch place and see what they tell me and with a little research hope I get something safer that won't mess up my truck. Im thinking just a sway control system but will worry if they say - WDH hitch is universal, sure you can put one on. Thank you for all the advice.

[Campfire_Time]

The trailer can sway for various reasons without the truck moving 10 mm. So no, just having traction control on will not in itself prevent sway. For less than $200 you can get a ball mount with a sway control mounting arm on it and a friction sway control bar. You've spent a lot of money on what you have, trailer, truck, other needed equipment. Don't cheap out now.

[edekgb]

So I called Toyota and they said: They can't tell me if I can add a Weight Distribution hitch because "it depends"! They told me to "take it in to a dealership service center or my trusted hitch outfitter and ask them". I would hate to have someone try to sell me something that could mess up my truck or lose my trailer or both.

On the sway control: Toyota said that I do not need any sort of sway control because the vehicle is equipped with sway control and if I have the 4runner set on traction control it will keep the trailer from swaying.

???? what do you guys think

[enblethen]

This is one style of sway control adapter for ball mount.
Sway control adapter

[campinia]

Yes you can get a friction type of sway control for your trailer. I used to own a Jayco 184BH that was similar in weight and length and width to yours. I did not need a WDH, but, I was able to buy a plate that attached under the ball and allowed me to mount the small ball that is needed for a friction type sway control. Do a search on amazon for the plate and the sway control unit as that is where I purchased mine.

[edekgb]

I do go 70 and maybe I shouldn't - I see what your saying about the tires heating up if they are not rated for 70. The speed limit is 75 here in Colorado and the first couple times out I was going 60 and it feels like im going to get run over going slower even in Colorado (pot smoking joke). But your right about safety and gas milage. I would rather get there in one piece then try to get there 10 mins earlier. I have to get use to - everybody behind me being patient or just going around

So do you guys think I can get some sort of sway control with this type of hitch set up? I think I would like to get sway control even if I can't get W/D.

[Campfire_Time]

If your manual says you can't use a WDH then don't. Correcting rear squat is not why you use/need it. Putting weight back on the front wheels to restore steering control is why you do need it. So the question is, do you have the same control over your steering when the trailer is connect as when there is no trailer? If not, then you need a WDH.

This might be the hitch you need. If nothing else, call them (Etrailer.com). They will know if the correct hitch is available for your truck.

The effect you feel when trucks pass is normal no matter what you tow, and in fact increases with larger trailers and tow vehicles. Watch the side view mirror for passing trucks and learn how to prepare for it. You really do get used to it.

You're running 70? The ST tires on your trailer are rated for 65. Faster speeds increase the heat on the tires, which increase your chance of tire failure. Most of us run at 62/63. Tires run cooler, the entire rig is easier to control, you give yourself more time in the event that there is something going on in front of you, and you increase your gas mileage.

A small trailer needs sway control as any other trailer does. Sway control is like your car insurance. You may go 20 years and never need it. Then one day something out of your control happens and it's all over. Sway control is cheap compared to dumping your trailer.

[enblethen]

This is a link to a Tacoma hitch, it does not fit 4Runner. It shows how the hitch extends out and attaches to the frame on each end. Your current hitch does not do this. The leverage from a WD hitch will twist the bumper or light weight metal causing the bolts to twist through the metal.
Toyota Tacoma hitch
I would contact Drawtite or other manufacturers to see if they are deigning an after market hitch or have one.
I do not feel you would be very well off without WD hitch.

[edekgb]

That's funny your right bee!

All the advice is a big help and this is a forum so I of course wouldn't hold anybody liable - nor could I. Im just trying to get a grasp on this and if I don't go and buy a 500+ plus thing and find out later I can't use it then all the better. I may have learned something pretty big today and maybe others with 4runners might also.

Can I buy some sort of sway control for this type of hitch set up? I was reading some forums that say to never pull a travel trailer with out WD/sway control - if your gonna buy a weight distribution then buy a sway control also and it makes sense but if you can't put W/D setup can I put some sort of sway control?

[Ivylog]

For your size trailer it's OK and with enough tongue weight a trailer will not sway where it gets worse on it's own.

[beemerphile1]

edekgb wrote:
beemerphile1

"What do you mean "considered". When it comes to reserving a camp site, you will have a hard time fitting 21' of trailer into a 19' site."

Just to know how to describe it and what to tell people.

Tell people whatever you want. :B

[beemerphile1]

Ignore the factory advertisement numbers.

The official GVWR of your trailer is on the sticker near the left front corner. It also has the VIN and tire information.

[edekgb]

beemerphile1

"What do you mean "considered". When it comes to reserving a camp site, you will have a hard time fitting 21' of trailer into a 19' site."

Just to know how to describe it and what to tell people.