2016 SR5 w/lift - Towing 17' Casita with WDH

Just purchased a 2016 SRV 4runner (came with lift) so that I can travel long distance with my 17' Casita travel trailer. She appears to have some sag at the trailer front end/trailer hitch. This is with the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch. Any suggestions? I've added a couple of pics to help show. Also the 4runner has running boards but being short I still need a little help getting as I'm fairly short. Any recommendations? Add a side step to existing? Lower the running boards? if so which ones? really don't' want to carry step stool around with me

 

How are you setting the leveling chains? Are you tightening them before you place a load on them?

Read how these guys do it. I think you're missing a step.

https://www.livinlite.com/forum/index.php?topic=415.0

While my experience is with the EZ Lift system, the idea is the same. You'll need to go through a few cycles of adjusting chain tension until you find the sweet spot for your rig. The amount of tension placed on the chains is what works to level the trailer and tow rig. Tip - after you have placed the trailer on the ball - with just enough weight to lock it in place - using the trailer jack - lift the trailer tongue and the back of the Runner higher yet - then tighten your chains. You may have to go through this process a few times until you find the sweet spot. Then you need to remember how many full cranks you went up with the jack(to find the sweet spot), so it can be repeated next time.

 

Those aren't 4Runner boards. Looks like ones my Tundra had.

If you get factory 4R boards they hang lower than that. But not much.

 

Actually, believe it or not, my 2019 had the exact same boards from factory. You don't see them too often, but it's an option they slap on I guess at port.

Cheers,

Sean

 

Toss Airlift 1000's in the rear coils. Super easy installation and airlift stands by their products. I've done several kits with rear coils. Your problem of sag will be over plus the kits are pretty cheap.

 

Your dealer slapped on some aftermarkets.

 

Thanks for the advice. I will continue to try to find the sweet spot and adjust the running boards or get new ones Im in the DFW area of TX

 

Could very well be. The particular dealer I bought it from dressed up a lot of their vehicles. But i sold that one and got my '20 with factory predator steps... lol

Cheers,

Sean

 

glad to see the steps are a concern. haha. I'd be crying with my rig squatting like that. It's tough on the suspension. Not to mention you'll get some pretty good sway.

 

Wanna hear tough to see.........this past Sunday I spotted a Runner in the local Walmart parking lot.......it had a Honda 90 on a motorcycle hitch rack, then there was a hitch extender, and attached to that was a trailer at least as large as this ladies but without any kind of load leveling device. Needless to say it was painful to look at. Almost took a picture, but didn't want to shame the guy....ya know?

 

I always tell people. Some are just oblivious. There are ways to fix that problem. Haha

 

If so, then mine did too. I've got the same ones.

 

Yeah, i think it was a decision by Gulf States Toyota... It is crazy how many of them I see in Houston with this same step as well. I think Toyota calls it the "Rock Guard", if I'm not mistaken.

Cheers,

Sean

 

This is dangerous and should not be used to correct rear end sag from a trailer. This can lead to a dangerous sway situation. Airbags carry load. Weight distribution should be used to handle trailer loads.

 

Yes that’s what distribution hitch is there for but you should absolutely put airbags in the back that’s what they are designed to do. a trailer is a load. But don’t take my word for it I would call air lift up and tell them your situation and see what they recommend.

 

Much of that depends on the quality of the bag and the amount of pressure one requires. Generally speaking it should only take about 10 to 15 psi to support the max tongue weight TOYOTA recommends. jm2c

 

You bought one of the longest lasting travel trailers ever made and one of the longest lasting SUVs ever made. This setup could easily last you 30 years, double that of most trailers. Very smart choices. Nice work.

That squat you see is dangerous because it is also lifting your front end. Your rear axle is the pivot point of the teeter totter. Airbags only hide it.

I mostly just want people new to towing to realize big trailers need weight distribution first to be safe. Weight distribution does work great with bags but you should not use bags in place of weight distribution. Always use weight distribution (properly setup) or use WD with airbags. Don't just use airbags.

The weight distribution on this 4runner is not setup at all correctly. All corners should squat equally when setup correctly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXScZUEVcrc

 

After watching that video I have no idea how one would achieve proper weight distribution and sway control with that anderson hitch. I use a blue ox but there are many other good spring bar options out there.

 

Having never used the system I tend to agree. That said, it appears they use chains for equalizing the load where other systems use bars. No doubt it will take some experimenting to get it to function properly.

 

@vjcg I know this video shows a completely different hitch but it shows you how these hitches should be dialed in. Use painters tape on each corner like he does here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrgCNR6HvRI

 

what do they look like? what brand are they ?

 

yes that's my concern and don't want to damage either and want to live to talk about my travels

 

that sounds downright scary

 

2016/2021

 

No matter. The price is right