Towing problem

I would definitely do weight distribution first. That will lift your rear a good bit.

 

The manual actually states that over 2000# a sway control device is to be used.... over 5000# a WDH to be used... I tow approx 3000-3500 using the Andersen WDH for both sway and weight distribution... on my 2015 I also had sumosprings to help with sag... am getting similar for my 2021.

 

A WDH will help you out a fair bit. I have a similar trailer weight and the WDH not only helps even out the squat but also makes for a more pleasant ride when rolling over the pavement. Mine has sway control built in (trunion bars) and that also really reduces sway even when a large semi passes by.

After a year I upgraded the suspension to a stiffer overall set up that really made for a much nicer rider.

 

Are you factory 3 leaf rear springs or TSB springs in the back ?

 

What kind of cargo numbers are you hauling while you tow?

 

Yes, a WDH will help and set-up right you should not need heavy duty leafs and air bags. I started with air bags and it took 36 psi to level it out, but road like a rock. With the WDH I do not need air in the bags and the truck rides smooth.

 

That’s exactly the purpose of a WDH. You definitely need one.

 

I would use a bathroom scale or something similar, a piece of 4x4 wood and adjust the trailer tongue height to get the proper weight of the tongue on the scale (approx. 9-15% of total trailer weight). I would then measure from the ground to the top of the inside tongue hitch where the top of the ball sits. Use this measurement to decide what offset you need for the tow hitch. The picture shows that it looks like way too much tongue weight. All the other suggestions are great but you have to start off with the correct tongue weight first.

 

I had a similar issue towing a boat and I got a pair EZ-990 HELPER SPRING KIT for $200 (https://www.hellwigproducts.com/product-list/helper-springs/). Problem solved. Still need to ensure correct weight distribution though.

 

Something ain't right. With a trailer under 3000 lbs you don't need a WDH. My trailer is 3400 lbs dry and around 4000-4500 loaded. My Tacoma still sits level with it hitched and I have a 180 lb cap on my truck. The suspension is stock with normal factory rake. The fenders drop 1" with the trailer hitched up, but is still not squatting. No WDH needed for my setup, nor yours if everything else is right. I just use a friction sway control bar.

 

Ackshuyally.... Your trailer is not empty. These two little guys do a surprising number to your tongue weight:





I agree with everyone else, a WDH will be both the safest way to correct and also your biggest bang for the buck. By your squatty photo, I'd call it a requirement for that trailer/truck combo.


If you ever find yourself with 1000 bucks to burn and if you ever plan on boondocking it, I would eventually consider switching to lithium iron phosphate and then relocating the battery inside. You would be surprised by the towing difference when you delete 50 pounds off the tongue.

 

This ^^ makes my truck ride better even empty.

 

I have been towing an rPod 180 through out the rocky mountain west for three years with a '18 TRD Off Road. I added 500# sumo springs and use an anti sway bar with complete satisfaction. I have experience with WD hitches on my previous Tundras, where they were required for the 7,500# TT that we towed, but do not see the need with the current combination.

 

Yep, WDH is a godsend. Go that route first. It'll probably fix your problem, and worst case scenario if it doesn't, it'll make it tow nicer. Next step for me would be add a leaf.

 

You need a WDH. I use a Fastway E2, a top rated, for my Starcraft Satellite 17RB. Similiar trailer, a few hundred pounds heavier than yours. Properly set up, no sag. Just Google “best weight distribution hitch”. Then choose.