Airbags and weight distribution hitch?

If I get a weight distribution hitch to tow a travel trailer would I still need to get airbags? Or will the weight distribution hitch be enough?

 

A weight distribution doesn't make whatever youre towing lighter. So to answer your question it is dependent on how much what you are towing weighs and I suppose personal preference.

 

Travel trailer I want to tow is 3500# dry weight. If you were towing this would you use weight distribution hitch and airbags? I’m new to towing and I’m looking for some solid advice. I will be getting a brake controller as well

 

I think you would be fine with just the weight distribution hitch. If the trailer ends up squatting your 4runner you could add bags. The tongue weight on that trailer is probably right around 500lb I don't see that squatting a 4 runner too badly. Good call on the brake controller I recommend a Tekonsha.

 

Airbags are one of the best mods you can do for towing because the 4Runner rear suspension is very soft. My ATV trailer is relatively light (1200 pounds combined trailer/ATV/Equipment weight) and it made my 4R sag more than an inch. It only cost about 100 bucks and I installed it myself with out taking apart the suspension...It was difficult to install without removing the rear coils. It still sags a bit but it keeps it nice and level. Additionally it gives the rear suspension a progressive feel. Meaning a soft small bump sensitivity and as the coil compresses it stiffens. I travel long distances with my trailer (350 to 500 a trip) and I prefer a stiffer suspension. I dislike that boat feeling sway and with the airbags that feeing is virtually gone. Never used a WDH...but with that kind of weight I definitely get one OP.

 

Thanks for the info I will update with how it goes once everything is installed

 

Both have their Yea's and Nay's. I had a '93 Tacoma and a '98 T4R that dragged around a 19' TT w/WD hitch and dual sway bars.
A set up like that puts weight back on the front axle (read better steering response and braking response).
An air bag set up, just reduces rear end sagging. I installed bags on the 4R after I got rid of the TT.
I rolled into MT. today from SoCal. My Air-Lift bags/air lines on our '16 Trail started to leak when I got on the road Sunday night.
I drag a 6x10 cargo trailer and it was loaded. When I unhitched today, the back end went up 3".
I hope it's just an air line. But gotta get it fixed before the next trip.
If I go to a WD hitch, I'll see if I can beef up the receiver-to-frame mounting points. Just for my peace of mind.
YMMV.

 

Thanks for the info. I’ve read on another forum that In order to use a weight distribution hitch on a 5th gen properly without causing damage to the vehicle is to have a weight distribution receiver installed, apparently 5th gen factory receivers are weight carrying receivers. I’m trying to find definitive answers to this from anyone with knowledge on this. Currently no aftermarket companies make a weight distribution receiver for 5th gens.

 

My old 3rd Gen had more room behind the spare tire that's tucked up underneath. So the receiver hitches were more beefy.
But I do know of the limited space our 5th Gens have.
Gotta love the weight savings for our great fuel economy.... not