Weight Distribution and Sway Bars

What up Taco World?! Got my first 2017 Tacoma SR5 last year and I’m loving it. Now the family and I are getting a camper (2008 Rockwood Roo 183) and I’m learning so many new details in how to properly and safely tow. So please be easy on me if I ask any stupid questions. The campers DW is 3,510 lbs, 4,580 lbs Wet and the hitch weight is 180 lbs. Do we only need a 2” hitch ball? Or do we need a hitch that has sway bars and for weight distribution?

Please share any experiences and suggestions and thanks in advance! ✌

 

Welcome aboard. Look into the Anderson WHD it has anti sway built in. I have one and really like it

 

The Owner's Manual says

Sway control for trailers >3000lb.
Weight distribution for trailers > 5000lb

I have two trailers, an A-frame (trying to sell it) and an R-Pod, both about the same weight, but the a-frame tongue weight is higher. It will make the rear of the truck sag almost 2". I installed air bags to level the rear of the truck, and they really help with "porpoising".

 

I would definitely suggest a weight distribution hitch. I use an Equalizer hitch with my 4,000lbs trailer and it works very well. There is a set up procedure with any hitch so I would suggest you visit a knowledgeable RV center if your unsure. The ball size that you need is stamped of the trailer tongue or you can find the info in the trailer's owner's manual.

 

Hitch weight 180 pounds ??? Should be around 10% of the trailer loaded weight.

 

I was about to say, 180# ain't Kosher. For a 3500# trailer, you should have a tongue weight of around 350# (or 1/10th the weight). You might have to reposition a lot of cargo to get that, but it's very necessary.

> At a very minimum you should have a weight distributing hitch that is height adjustable. And it should be rated well in excess of the max trailer weight.
> Find what the tongue height is that allows the trailer to ride level.
> Set the hitch height so that the ball is at that height.
> If the truck squats appreciably when the trailer is connected, then add "Ride Rite" air bags on the rear springs.
> The trailer tongue socket determines the ball size to use.

Hope this helps.

 

I went with this 600lbs weight distribution hitch with sway bars, well I was suggested to get this. I can adjust the height on the hitch. It arrived in the mail yesterday and I will install them tomorrow.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I appreciate it very much.

Happy 4th to all the Tacos! ✌

P.S: gotta love that ECT Botton!

 

That should work well for you. I'm running the same brand with my setup. About 4,500 lbs with dual batteries and two full propane tanks. No airbags needed for a level ride....even on the stock leaf springs. I'm running Dakars now and they do a better job keeping the back end from bouncing off the bump stops.

 

Here's the trailer hitched up without the WD hitch. The batteries and propane aren't on the trailer and it is unloaded so tongue weight is probably close to 100lbs lighter than in the pic above.

 

I got the sway bars on today. But I think I need to rise the hitch up. I’ll snap a better picture tomorrow. The camper isn’t leveled or parallel with the truck. We are taking our first trip up to New Hampshire tomorrow. Pretty stoked about it. Can’t wait to feel the difference with the bars. ✌