Weight distribution hitch and brake control

Hi
I'm getting a trailer that weighs 4K loaded. Looking for recommendations on what weight distribution hitch and brake control unit to get.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

I have a 2015 TRD Sport and tow a 3,500lb 1-axle camper. I had the dealer install an E2 distribution hitch when I picked up the camper. I just installed a Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer brake controller in my truck yesterday - if you go that route be sure to also order the Tekonsha plug-in adapter for Tacomas. I haven't used the brake controller on the road yet, but I did hook it up. It recognized the trailer and responded to my brake input, so I assume it will work fine once I get it all configured (it comes with great instructions for installation and initial setup). Installation was pretty easy, but I could have used smaller hands to get to the brake controller pigtail that comes pre-wired with the tow package. It's not too bad, but you need to remove the driver's side left-hand kick panel, then reach waaaaaay up into the wiring harnesses and find the white plug that fits the brake controller adapter. Mine had a big blue wire leading to it, which helped it stand out from the myriad of wiring bundles in that area. Once I had it wired up, I attached the included c-mount just under the fuse-box door on the left/under side of the dash with a couple of self-tapping screws. Word of caution, if you have long legs and you mount it too low, you WILL smack your leg(s) on it every.single.time you get in or out of the truck!

Anyway, that's my setup. I haven't noticed any sway with the E2 hitch, and it's really easy to setup & tear down for travel once you have the initial adjustments all dialed in. It's also nice to see both axles sag evenly (just a wee bit) instead of all the tongue weight going to the rear axle. Happy to answer more questions if you have them. I'll report back on the Tekonsha controller - I need to road test it this weekend anyway.

 

Not sure if the E2 has sway control, but Equal-i-zer WDH's do. Either way, recommend sway control. Your brake controller should be mounted in a location that is easily and conveniently within arms reach of the manual brake control slider. If you should ever need to manually activate the brakes, you don't want to be searching, reaching awkwardly or "looking" for the brake controller.
When you are pulling a trailer that weighs almost as much as the truck, setup is very important! Tongue weight should not exceed 15% of the trailer GVW (get it weighed - Cat scales). There are a number you tube and online tutorials explaining setup.

 

Looking at the Equal-i-zer WDH, appears identical (at least in photos) to the E2. They're probably made in the same factory lol. Great tips on brake controller placement and managing tongue weight. I'd like to add another propane bottle and an extra battery, but I'll take your advice to weight the tongue first...those things start adding up.

 

If the trailer is new to you, you might want to spend a little time in it before adding batteries and propane tanks. We camp 20 - 30 weekends a year. Most of our camping is in CG's with electric. My trailer has two 30 lb propane tanks - one tank lasts me two camping seasons! We cook very little inside the trailer, have an electric /gas water heater and very seldom use the forced air heater. I replaced the factory installed battery with a 1000 A/H deep cycle battery which has been sufficient (unless you plan on boon docking a lot) then you might consider a solar set up.

 

That's some sage advice! We'll definitely put some more nights in the trailer before going nuts on an electrical upgrade. I like the idea of extended boondocking so at some point I'll probably dive into a solar setup and possible elec upgrade. I usually carry an extra LP bottle in the truck, so moving it to the trailer tongue probably won't make a noticeable difference. That's a good call to just upgrade the single battery as a first step...will definitely look into that route. It's too easy to youtube myself into needing a 40,000 watt solar setup with 50-million amp hour capacity.

Do you use a separate charger, or rely on your trailer's shore power?

 

My set up weighs about 4200lbs ready to camp. I have the Andersen WDH and a P3 brake controller.

 

I have spent a great deal of time towing trailers that weigh as much or more than the tow vehicle (mid size trucks and suv). Obviously the basics are important, truck braking and tires in good shape. Likewise on the trailer. Make sure the rear brakes on the Tacoma and trailer brakes are adjusted correctly. A good brake controller with the slider close to your hand is important.

But the most important factor for stable towing and good performance is the tongue weight and trailer pitch. Get a scale and make sure it is spot on. Make sure the trailer is level. Properly set up I have found wdh are not necessary. I have towed with them and they do change the feel of the truck, but again not necessary compared to a well setup truck/trailer.

 

Tekonsha p3 controller is excellent. I use a husky centerline wdh and like it. Only complaint is it creaks a little on hard slow turns in a parking lot, but not out on the road. Tongue weight is a big deal with the taco. My trailer is similar weight and I had to shed one of the 2 propane bottles. Remember that the "junk in the bed" counts. The Taco was and is capable, but ultimately I bought a tundra for the comfort and capacity. I went from using 95% of the truck's capability to not really knowing I'm towing.

 

You can tow to the limit of the taco and it will do a good job. That is not to say it will be a stress free experience.

The real difference when towing with a large truck that has 9k plus towing, is it is more thoughtless. Setup is not nearly as critical, you have more of an ability to just hook and go. Full-size trucks will tow heavy loads with less stress.

But again middleweights are more than capable as long as you are willing to geek out on the setup a bit.

 

The only trailers I towed with my Tacoma were a pop up (about 1500 lbs) and my golf cart. I bought a travel trailer (about 4000 lbs) and only towed it ONCE. Went out and also bought a Tundra (kept the Tacoma for my DD) If you've never towed at close to the trucks limit, you can't really appreciate how much more comfortable, "more" truck is. Subsequently went to a larger trailer, unloaded the Tundra and bought a Ford Power Stroke Diesel (450 hp, 935 ft lbs trq) - it's a "real" tow beast.

 

+1 on the prodigy p3. I don't use it a ton but when I do its well thought out and super easy to use.

I mounted it to the right of the steering wheel in the little coin cubby thing there. I used some gray epoxy putty to make that spot more level where I put the mount and had to trim the cubby plastic a bit to get it to fit in there well. It's a good spot, easy to get to with no fumbling. I leave the pig tail there and keep the controller in its bag in the center console when not in use.

Best of luck.