Hitch and Brake controller selection? *Help*

[FITGuard]

Hello All,

I am looking into purchasing a new travel trailer. At the dealership they informed me I needed a "Hitch and Brake" package which they could install for the low low price of $1200.


I didn't know what that meant, but it sounded pricey. After some research, I am come to conclude that it should NOT cost nearly as much.

I would like some recommendations on a proper Hitch for my vehicle as well a compatible brake controller.

My Ride:




As you can see I already have a hitch, but I can only logically assume it wasn't meant for towing a heavy trailer as it was installed for a Uhaul 12' trailer.


Desired Travel Trailer:New 2016 Prime Time RV Avenger ATI 20RD
http://www.primetimerv.com/product-d...elID=1741#Main

Specifications
Sleeps 4
Length 24 ft 11 in
Ext Width 8 ft
Ext Height 10 ft 3 in
Int Height 6 ft 10 in
Hitch Weight 510 lbs
Dry Weight 4256 lbs
Cargo Weight 3326 lbs
Fresh Water Capacity 48 gals
Grey Water Capacity 34 gals
Black Water Capacity 34 gals

Any and all input is warmly welcomed! Thanks!

[FITGuard]

Edit:

I took a picture of the hitch, I don't know what classification it is, but it has the same gross max weight as the vehicle recommends. 6500lbs.

Does that mean it is sufficient?

[FITGuard]

Well I am answer my own questions through research and browsing the internet.

I went with the TEKONSHA P3 BRAKE CONTROL

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._cart_vw_1_2_p

Now on the hunt for a Weight-distribution and anti-sway bar package.

[SmokeyWren]

Originally Posted by FITGuard

I would like some recommendations on a proper Hitch for my vehicle as well a compatible brake controller

Hitch Weight 510 lbs
Dry Weight 4256 lbs
Cargo Weight 3326 lbs

That hitch weight is "dry" hitch weight. Ignore it and compute your own.

4256 + 3326 = 7582 GVWR. Your tongue weight is about 12% of gross trailer weight, which is about average. So estimate wet and loaded trailer weight of 7,000 pounds and tongue weight of 840 pounds.

That 840 pounds of hitch (tongue) weight is probably going to mean you'll exceed the GVWR of your tow vehicle when wet and loaded on the road.

So that's probably too much trailer for your tow vehicle unless you are extremely stingy in allowing any weight to be hauled in the trailer.

For your receiver hitch, note that 840 pounds of probable tongue weight above. So I'd want a receiver rated for at least 1,000 pounds hitch weight with a weight-distributing hitch. My choice would be the Reese Strait-Line trunnion bar hitch, with a 1,200-pound WD rating.
http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distr...e/RP66084.html

DO NOT buy a cheap hitch. If it costs less than $500 online, complete with adjustable shank and sway control, then that's a cheap hitch.

For brake controller, I got along fine with a simple time-delay DrawTite Activator II for over 12 years towing an 8,000 pound trailer. But most folks prefer a proportional brake controller such as the Tekonsha Voyager or Prodigy.
http://www.tekonsha.com/products/bra...54WVEaGlY%7CzH

If Totoyota makes a factory "integrated trailer brake controller" (ITBC) for your Toy, that will probably be your best bet, but more expensive than the Activator II or Voyager.

[SmokeyWren]

Originally Posted by FITGuard

Does that mean it is sufficient?

I can't read it, but if it says 975 pounds max hitch weight with a weight-distributing hitch, then i'd not worry about it.

[FITGuard]

Originally Posted by SmokeyWren

That hitch weight is "dry" hitch weight. Ignore it and compute your own.

4256 + 3326 = 7582 GVWR. Your tongue weight is about 12% of gross trailer weight, which is about average. So estimate wet and loaded trailer weight of 7,000 pounds and tongue weight of 840 pounds.

That 840 pounds of hitch (tongue) weight is probably going to mean you'll exceed the GVWR of your tow vehicle when wet and loaded on the road.

So that's probably too much trailer for your tow vehicle unless you are extremely stingy in allowing any weight to be hauled in the trailer.

For your receiver hitch, note that 840 pounds of probable tongue weight above. So I'd want a receiver rated for at least 1,000 pounds hitch weight with a weight-distributing hitch. My choice would be the Reese Strait-Line trunnion bar hitch, with a 1,200-pound WD rating.
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW Reese Weight Distribution RP66084

DO NOT buy a cheap hitch. If it costs less than $500 online, complete with adjustable shank and sway control, then that's a cheap hitch.

For brake controller, I got along fine with a simple time-delay DrawTite Activator II for over 12 years towing an 8,000 pound trailer. But most folks prefer a proportional brake controller such as the Tekonsha Voyager or Prodigy.
Tekonsha - Voyager®

If Totoyota makes a factory "integrated trailer brake controller" (ITBC) for your Toy, that will probably be your best bet, but more expensive than the Activator II or Voyager.

Originally Posted by SmokeyWren

I can't read it, but if it says 975 pounds max hitch weight with a weight-distributing hitch, then i'd not worry about it.

Thanks for the information. I am going to get a weight disty kit with welded anti-sway bars. They quoted me $635 installed.

Apparently the weight disty kit is welded not cast, which apparently means better (according to the company offering to install it).

Thanks again for your help!