2016 TSS.. RV Info Suggestions?

My wife wants a travel trailer. She's been begging for a few years and a recent trip made me realize the family time is worth it now that my son is 5.

Looking at the K-Z Sportsman Classic 181BH. 2470lb dry weight. 20'6" total length. Locally, they have one for $12490. Seems a decent price with a full bed and bunks.



So, I'll need a brake controller and weight distribution hitch. For the Tacoma, is there a huge difference for something like this

$59 Tekonsha Pro Series POD® Trailer Brake Controller, Timed, 1 to 2 Axles

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I9XYIE/ref=psdc_5743805011_t4_B00T36OC7O
or

$178 Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control , silver, Single

https://www.amazon.com/Tekonsha-90195-Electronic-Brake-Control/dp/B000P17NXQ

Also need the weight distribution hitch. The dealer wants $470 + tax for theirs. It looked basic. Any suggestions for either?

 

I just got an R-Pod 176 myself. It's slightly heavier.

Per the Tacoma owner's manual, sway control for trailers greater than 2000lb, but no need for WDH until you're above 5000lb.

I added air bags to my truck, though, since I usually travel with a couple hundred pounds of stuff in the bed.

The p3 is a good brake controller. Easy to set up and install. Works fine.

 

Hello. I have a Starcraft autumn ridge mini 18bh. The camper weight is around 4000lbs and useing a weight distribution hitch with the P3 brake controller.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...of-idiocy-journal.527020/page-6#post-17893122

Easier for me to link mine than retype...

 

I do recreational loans for a living. Always, always, always buy used. That way someone else is taking the instant 25%-30% depreciation as soon as they drive off the lot. A ton of people buy units, then figure out they are either too small or too big and trade them in after 1 year or even 1 use.

 

Which WDH did you go with?

 

My tent trailer is heavier, 3,400 lbs. I do not use a weight distribution, and have no issues. My tongue weight is a tad heavy, but the truck sits well with it on. I have not gone on a long trip fully loaded yet, so that may change. On my old CUV tow vehicle, (5k tow capacity) it compressed the rear suspension much worse, but never to the point of getting a WDH or anything. A wee bit of porpoising, but nothing scary.
If I find I want to beef it up a bit, I think i might go with some airbags.

As for the brake controller, i just went with a cheap time model. Single axle, low weight, you don't need a super fancy brake controller. I had an inertia model in my old vehicle, and I find their performance close enough that I don't regret saving the money this time around.

 

Hard to beat the P3 controller. Mine has just been added to the third tow rig. Worth every penny. Do some internet shopping for a good price on the wdh. Mine is a Nissan branded unit that I paid less than $200 for. Fully adjustable and has worked great.