Towing Jayco 16XRB Hybrid with Toyota 4Runner

[CiborgFL]

I'm really getting baffled on a suitable towing system compatible for my TT and TV!
We are seriously considering getting a 2016 Jayco Jay 7 16XRB hybrid trailer, but getting totally confused on the towing setup with a 2008 Toyota Runner (T4R).

The T4R specs:
6-Cyl, 2wd
Curb wt: 4,045#
GVWR: 5,330#
Payload: 1,285#
Towing Capacity: 5,000#
Max. Trailer Tongue Wt: 500 #
Suspension: Timbren Suspension Enhancement System (3,000# Rear)

The Jayco 16XRB:
GVWR: 3,500#
Tongue Wt (Dry): 285#

I know for sure I'll need a sway control, but will I need an independent weight distribution system with it? Or, would a combined sway/distribution system be preferable? What brand and model would you recommend?
Any recommendations from any experienced/knowledgeable experts would be greatly appreciated!

[DocBrown]

Welcome! You've come to the right place!

Ignore the dry tongue weight. With a GVWR of 3500# your loaded tongue weight will probably be around 450#. If you put 400# in your bed does your front end rise?

That's the purpose of a WDH, to put weight back on the front end to restore steering control. Your owners manual should have a specification for this. For example, with GM trucks using a WDH you need to adjust it so that the front fenders are back to stock height. Ignore rear squat, an inch or so is normal.

[Kim Gass]

Depends probably on what you put in to your tt and where
We went with the Sway Command which works well. No separate sway bar
We did not put in a WDH. Our front of the truck doesn't rise and the rear squats a bit

However other than six gal of fresh water and two lawn chairs 1 tiny bbq 10 lbs of charcoal. There was nothing else in the front of the trailer to increase tongue weight the back of the truck had a 46 lb genny 2 gal gasoline and hoses etc and maybe 20 lbs tools
Our tv manual advised against wdh don't know why
Our tow limit was 5000 lbs and the tt weight limit 3500
We packed light. There was only 525 lbs to play with

[Jm9301]

Up until this week my Tow vehicle was my 2005 Ford Freestar to tow my, which i was recommended not to use a WDH with. My van has Air lift 1000 bags and the squat was extremely minimal in the rear with the trailer hooked up. However, we encountered a 75km / hr crosswind at one point that i think left some streaks in my underwear.

I would highly recommend Sway control at least.

[CiborgFL]

@ Kim Gass,
Forgot about the Swag Command that Jayco have available on their trailers for this years models. I like the idea of no additional towing hardware. How does the Swag Command works. Any special operating procedures? Thanks!

[astrowolf67]

We tow our 16XRB with my 2012 Xterra (4L V6, 4x4). It gets us there, but, I wouldn't want to pull it in mountain areas. The biggest issue I have, is with my short wheel base. Even with a sway bar, it's nerve racking in 20mph+ winds. It doesn't help that my Xterra is lifted, with oversize all terrain tires either. The 4Runner has a longer wheel base, so, should be more stable. I did, and would suggest, opting for a WDH. My reason being, most all of the 16XRB's storage is in front of the axle. The hitch weight climbs quickly as you add stuff inside.

David

[Kim Gass]

We had reported 50 mph crosswinds on the Plains
Sway command works by sensing yaw and applying trailer brakes slightly with no action on your part. This causes some tension between tow and towed and stops the yaw.
Never had a skid mark in undies moment

[Desert RVers]

Originally Posted by CiborgFL

Any recommendations from any experienced/knowledgeable experts would be greatly appreciated!

Well, I don't think of myself as an expert. But I would highly recommend an Equalizer brand 4 point equalizer/sway control. It's affordable, easy to use and works great!