trailer or TV

[profdant139]

I don't know about the rear vs front wheel drive issue. But yes, a shorter tow vehicle will experience more sway -- it's like a big tail wagging a small dog. That should not be a big problem with a 4Runner. But folks who have towed with Jeep Rubicons have had exactly that problem.

 

[debbiej]

Luckily, the t139 is shorter than the 4Runner. And I think a simple friction anti sway bar should help?

 

[profdant139]

Absolutely. That is what I used with a Pathfinder towing a 139 -- no problem at all. Now I have a Tacoma -- same setup. Just make sure to load up on the tongue weight.

 

[appraisalserv]

I have not heard of a weight distributing hitch putting additional stress on the trailer axles. If someone knows differently please educate me. I have used two different Equilizer hitches. My current one is rated at 12,000 lbs. I have towed a WP 30 Wolf Pack toy hauler with a loaded weight of 9300 lbs and a very hefty tongue weight. The weight dist lifts up on the TW tow hitch and forces weight to the TW front axles thus redistributing the weight to the front of the TW making the load easier to handle. The anti sway is done by friction on the bars attached to the trailer tongue. A little squeaky going around the corners but works quite well. The important thing of course is not to tow more than the TW is rated for both in total weight and hitch weight.

 

[profdant139]

I have been told that a sway bar is not suitable for bigger trailers -- a WDH is required. I don't know exactly where the dividing line is -- 3500 lb??

 

[debbiej]

well, a member here said the Dexter axle under the t139 is near weight limit with its allowed load. A weight distribution hitch does "press down" on the tongue of the trailer. We were careful to use a hitch that would allow the SUV and the trailer to riding very level. We also load carefully. Some stuff goes in cabinets, but anything heavy is in front, between the dinette seats. Except for the fridge, most of the weight is up front.

We will have a sway bar before our next trip! It wasn't real scary, but felt a bit of the sensation of sway at times.

Camping world sold my bil both things for a pretty small trailer, but it was probably because of liability or a way to make more money from the sale.

 

[Dakota 1120]

I realize a 14' single axle trailer is no comparison to my 30' XT276 toy hauler but I use an Equalizer Weight distributing hitch with built in sway control.
It works super fine, NEVER experienced any sway even in 50 mph winds on the open prairie of the midwest.

An "AWARD WINNING HITCH"

https://www.equalizerhitch.com/blog/01-17-2018/equal-i-zer-hitch-wins-gold-award-six-times-in-a-row