weight distribution hitch for 17 tacoma

Hello! Couldn't find a thread specifically for this. First time on here. I'm using the

$79 Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ, Proportional Brake Controller for Trailers with 1-3 Axles, compatible with Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep. Wiring harness sold separately.

Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ Proportional brake controller on my 17 Tacoma Off Road with tow package and trailer sway control. I am renting a 27' Travel trailer weighing aprox 5,500lbs and tongue weight at 540lbs. the truck GVCWR is 11,340lbs and tongue weight is 640lbs. I'll be about 10,500lbs total. Would you recommend a weight distribution hitch with sway bars? I'm very familiar with towing trailers and have done so many times with many different size trailers from small utility trailers to 53' trailers. I've never used this hitch before. The rental place highly recommends it but not requiring it. Of course its an extra cost, but don't want to spend the extra money is it isn't necessary. Thanks!

 

If you ever start using one you will become a big fan. They put all the front end weight back down on the front brakes and help a lot with steering. I think (my opinion) if you go past 50 percent of the truck towing limits they are worth the expense. Brakes, antisway bar and weight distribution hitches are a great defense if you get in an accident. You will be heavier than I would want to tow but that's just my opinion! I tow a 3700lb camper and I think 4k to 4.5k would be the limit of an enjoyable trip for a long haul. What ever you decide, have fun and enjoy!

 

With that much weight in a high profile trailer, I absolutely recommend it. I'm using one with my 21' travel trailer that has sway control. Does great. But as mentioned, that's pretty dang heavy for me to be comfortable towing. I don't think it will enjoy pulling that much lol.

 

Thanks for the info. The 5,500lbs is an estimated max weight. The dry weight is 4749lbs. plus 40lbs of propane. I'll just rent the one that the dealer has for $60. Sounds like the best option.

 

Yeah I think you'll really want it, especially that much tongue weight it will bottom the hell out of your truck and could make driving dangerous. I think for your safety and others on the road the $60 is worth it.

 

Yes for sure, do your research on how to set it up they're worthless if not setup correctly!

 

I believe your rated tongue weight is 500lbs so I wouldn’t tow without a WDH.

 

Hi, just mean this in a friendly way as you mentioned you are well versed in towing, but IMHO, thats way too much trailer for the Tacoma- you have to add the weight of you and your passengers, your water and gear both in the trailer and truck. Should be pulling that with a Tundra, but OK, I have the same year and model Taco as you, including the sway control, but I also use a Husky WDH that combines weight distribution and sway control bars in one unit. That’s on a 20-foot long high profile Jayco. It is rock solid when passing semi’s and does great in crosswinds. All I can say is good luck with that heavy trailer, your Taco would be much happier with a lighter one.

What type of trip and where are you going? Can’t find a lighter unit? Sounds like you are renting a Streamline camping princess. I usually try to keep actual weight to less than 80% of GCWR.

 

It is 640 lbs. with the tow package.

 

My mistake you are correct for a v6 double cab off road. I just read it and the acesscab OR w/ tow pkg is 650lbs.

 

I’ll be traveling only about 350 miles. I wanted a lighter unit but I’d have to go really small. There’s not many places near me that actually rent units and they go from really small to 27’ and up. I’m keeping all the water tanks empty which is saving a lot of weight. Only additional weight I’m at for the trailer is propane. A full tank of gas on the truck is about 132lbs.
Everyone has been very helpful and I expect that with everything I hear using the WDH w/sway bars and a proportional brake controller it will be extremely helpful. Once the trip is over in August I will update on how it handled.
The trailer I believe is a 2019 Catalina w/out slideouts.
(Would have a Tundra if the pricing was better. There so expensive brand new)

 

Proportional brake controller is a huge plus when towing. With the better ones they actually feel / work like they are an extension of your hydraulic brakes on the truck. Now I am in the market for a WDH myself but I have never used one previously. The Tacoma is a much lighter truck than my previous Ram 2500 w/ Cummins. That said I have had a similarly equipped Ram at work in the past with a similar sized enclosed to what I currently tow. I had one trip where my weight in the trailer wasn’t where it needed to be and the was swinging the trailer around like a dogs tail. If it had been in the Tacoma I would be in the ditch. Point is you don’t need brakes or a WDH until you need them and usually it is too late and you have already crashed or are fighting to keep it from crashing.

I applaud you OP for being proactive and renting the right equipment. Sure you might be ok without it. Or you could ruin your whole vacation and possibly put your family into the hospital. I wish all TW members would err on the side of caution when towing. Far too often the reply ends up being “don’t worry you will be fine without it”. I wish you luck with your rental / vacation. Hope your towing experience is uneventful.

 

The thing that surprises me the most about TW is that everyone is respectful of each other and is helpful. I am a member of the Subaru blog as well and there its all bashing each other and no one seems to want to give any kind of helpful information.

"Safety is primary, whether it seems smart or not."

 

Is the 3700lbs you reference the dry weight, or all in? And do you consider the towing of it enjoyable on a long haul?
Great forum, I am in the same situation as the OP, but have not yet gotten to actually planning a trip. Still just day dreaming about renting/owning an RV soon.

 

This has been a really great read. I purchased the Jayco Hummingbird 17RK. The dry weight is 2,985 and an estimated loaded weight of 3,950. Tongue weight (dry) is 335 and estimated at 435 loaded. I feel like I'm well under the capacities of my Tacoma (6400 tow, 640 tongue). In your opinions, am I stupid (it's ok, I won't be offended) to not spend the $$ on a WDH/sway-control? The one I'm looking at is the Andersen hitch (

$750 ANDERSEN HITCHES | Weight Distribution Hitch | Tow Accessories | Universal Hitch Towing Kit | 4" Drop/Rise, 2" Ball, 10k lbs GTWR, 1400 lbs tongue weight| Grease free system | 3324

https://www.amazon.com/3324-Anderse...qid=1525200126&sr=1-8&keywords=andersen+hitch) for about $500.

Anyone already towing an RV of this same class and have some experience with towing it without a WDH/sway control?

PS - I'll be using the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller, should arrive in the mail any day now.

Thanks for any tips/advice/badgering.

 

I use one of these. I've had it for 3 trucks now, and get it re-set up for each one. We just downsized from a 6100lb 26' travel trailer to a 4100lb 19.8 with one slide out. Truck is scheduled to get matched up with the trailer upon pick up.

https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Reese/RP66084.html

 

I have a Jayco 174BH and got a Equalizer WDH. I love it and it tows very well. We can get wind here, plus mountain travel. Do you NEED it? Probably not. However, I recommend it because I think you will find that the sway control aspect is very nice and makes it a more comfortable towing experience.

 

I tow a 22ft TT that is 5000lbs when loaded up with our stuff. I started out with a WD hitch and friction sway bar which worked ok for sway control. I have since switched to a Hensley hitch which many will say is over kill and way to expensive but I now have absolutely no trailer sway and feel way more comfortable when towing on windy days or going by semi trucks. This comfort for me was worth every penny!

 

Getting ready to head out again this year with a travel trailer. Went last year with a 27' and pulled great didn't even feel it. Going to go with a 31' this year with the WDH and SB. Weight is about the same as last year. Using a 2017 Apex Coachman 288bhs. Weighs only 5200lbs.

 

This post has been really helpful. I have a 2017 Tacoma XP and was really getting concerned that I was not going to be able to tow anything without major issues. This thread had put my mind at ease for the most part. We are looking at the R-Pod series of travel trailers. What are the thoughts on towing this? The plans include the WDH with stabilizers and electronic brakes ( and air bags if needed). Thanks for any and all input


Specifications
Hitch Weight:
357 lb.
UVW
3578 lb.
CCC
1179 lb.
Exterior Length:
22' 2"
Exterior Height:
9' 8"
Exterior Width:
96"
Fresh Water:
36 gal.
Gray Water:
30 gal.
Black Water:
30 gal.
Awning Size:
11'