Towing using Toyota hitch receiver

[Dustybum Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dustybum]

Hey all, I'm thinking about getting a caravan sometime soon to tow with our 2008 VX diesel Prado. Van will probably be about the 21' lenght and well within the 2500kg/250kg ball weight rating.

Should I be using a weight distribution hitch? If so will this work ok with the Toyota hitch or will I be needing to ugrade to a hayman reese hitch receiver?
Would I be better of with higher rated springs all around?

What is the general feeling out there as I have read about the Toyota hitch receiver failing on some occassions when using a WDH?

[leachy_9 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close leachy_9]

Re: Towing using Toyota hitch receiver

Do not use a WDH with Toyota towbar.

All reports of 120 Prado towbars failing have been when a WDH has been used.
Using a WDH with a Toyota twobar will void warranty.
If you must use a WDH get a HR towbar.

Leachy

[Dustybum Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dustybum]

Re: Towing using Toyota hitch receiver

Ok, thats pretty much what I'm starting to think too! Althought the Toyota handbook on page 256 does say "Whem towing a caravan trailer etc., use a distributing hitch" and my local toyota dealer has said it shouldn't void the warranty. For piece of mind etc I think I might have to go for a Hayman reese hitch too.

Or would I be better off with stiffer springs instead of a WDH if it does sag in the back end when hitched?

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Re: Towing using Toyota hitch receiver

x2

[Guest Close Guest]

Re: Towing using Toyota hitch receiver

What is the general feeling out there as I have read about the Toyota hitch receiver failing on some occassions when using a WDH?

Were you referring to this thread?
Toyota Towbar Failure

[Dustybum Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dustybum]

Re: Towing using Toyota hitch receiver

Yup, thats the one among others I have read. Pretty scary stuff!!!

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Re: Towing using Toyota hitch receiver

I went with medium rated springs and polyairs, so far so good. If you go heavy duty in the rear, when not towing it's not a good ride unless you have a few bags of cement in the back.