Toyota Weight Distribution Hitch for Prado

[Jaje Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Jaje]

I have a November 2013 Prado GLX towing a single axle Jayco Heritage caravan with a Tare of 1350 kg and ATM of 1650. I am trying to decide whether I need a WDH (recommended in the owners manual) and if so whether I should go with the Toyota accessory WDH.
Has anyone any thoughts on whether I should use a WDH and if so whether the Toyota one is any good.
Your thoughts would be appreciated
Thanks
John

[KZJ95 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close KZJ95]

does it make the rear suspension of the vehicle drop heaps,

[Guest Close Guest]

Some info here http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...-Towbar-recall

[Fred63 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fred63]

John,

I have a Jayco that is a bit lighter than yours 1400kg ATM.
The first trip I towed it without equalizer bars and it was OK the rear did drop a bit but still good to tow.
Second trip we were away a bit longer and the van was fully loaded. Maybe a bit overloaded.
I used the equalizer bars on this trip and found it better for towing.
this is the type of equalizer bar i am using.


Fred

[snapper49 Member Find all posts View Profile Close snapper49]

I tow a coromal 5.11 ball weight 200kg
Used a hayman reese set up and wouldn't be without it
firms the rear right up and makes the whole rig more stable
I also have air bags pumped to 15psi when towing 8 psi when not

[120D4D Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 120D4D]

Hi Jaje, not having a heavy van, and assuming not a heavy ball weight also, most would be inclined to not use a WDH.
(I dont and have very similiar weights as you, but just run some air, around 10pis in my airbags like snapper)

That said, any WDH that transfers weight loaded onto the towbar back onto the front axle is a good thing.

I would think that if you can manage to have the same weight across the front axle with and without the van attached then your driving experince would have to be better that having the front end up a bit and lighter.

[Jaje Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Jaje]

Thanks for the input. The tail does drop quite a bit when I hook the caravan up, but not enough to dazzle other drivers at night. I was particularly interested if anyone has bought the Toyota genuine WDH which was released with the facelift model in late 2014
Thanks
John