3rd Gen Tacoma - Weight Distribution Hitch for 25ft Travel Trailer?

Tyler Original Poster
Post #1
Tyler
Threads:4
Posts:5
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Joined:Feb 04, 2025
Location:Moab, UT

Hey everyone, I'm planning to upgrade from my popup camper to a proper travel trailer and could use some guidance. Looking at a 2025 Forest River R-Pod 25ft with a dry weight around 4,800lbs. My truck is a 2019 Tacoma TRD Off-Road with the towing package.

I know the Tacoma's towing capacity is 6,800lbs, but I'm concerned about tongue weight and how the truck will handle it loaded up. Should I be looking at a weight distribution hitch? And if so, any recommendations for hitches that work well with the Tacoma?

Current setup:

  • Stock suspension (considering Bilstein 5100s)
  • Factory tow package with integrated brake controller
  • BFGoodrich KO2s in stock size

Any advice from folks towing similar sized trailers would be much appreciated!

Post #2

Absolutely get a WDH for that size trailer. I'm pulling a 22ft Airstream (similar weight) with my 2020 TRD Sport and the difference is night and day. Without it, the rear squats bad and the front gets light - not safe at highway speeds.

I went with the Blue Ox SwayPro and it's been fantastic. Easy to set up once you get the hang of it, and really smooths out the ride. The integrated sway control works great too - had some crosswinds coming through the Mojave Desert last month and barely felt it.

Also, definitely upgrade those 5100s first. The extra load support in the rear makes a huge difference even with the WDH doing its job.

Post #3

+1 on the weight distribution hitch recommendation. That R-Pod is going to have around 600-700lbs tongue weight loaded, which is right at the Tacoma's limit.

I've been running an Equal-i-zer 4-point system for 3 years now with my 24ft trailer and love it. Super smooth hookup process and the built-in sway control is excellent. This video really helped me understand the setup: SmokyMtnTaco's WDH installation and review

Pro tip: Get your truck and loaded trailer weighed at a truck stop to dial in the WDH properly. Makes all the difference in how it tows.

Post #4

Been towing a 26ft Keystone with my 3rd gen for 2 years. Here's what I learned the hard way:

Don't cheap out on the hitch. Started with a basic Reese WDH and upgraded to a Hensley Arrow after some sketchy moments on I-40 through the mountains. The Hensley is pricey but eliminates sway completely - it's like the trailer isn't even back there.

Also consider upgrading your rear shocks regardless of which WDH you choose. I went with Bilstein 5100s all around and it transformed the truck's handling both loaded and unloaded. The factory shocks just aren't designed for regular heavy towing.

One more thing - invest in a good brake controller if yours doesn't have the integrated one. The Tekonsha P3 is worth every penny for that size trailer.