Please help.... MY 04 4Runner V8 owners manual says that I can tow 7000lbs with weight distribution, without I am limited to 5000lbs. The trailer I bought is just over the 5000lbs so I will obviously use weight distribution equipment but the manual says if I have a weight carrying reciever????? I am not to use weight distribution equipment????

The manual has three diagrams, two are weight carrying recievers (I presume I have) and one weight distribution reciever. I have contacted several loacl dealers and contacted Toyota as well and I am no further ahead.

Am I reading the manual wrong, I always thought the the weight distribution was in the hitch components and not the reciever itself. I have researched this on the net andhave got no where, I can't be the only one that has had this problem.

 

the weight distribution hitch goes into the reciever. For it to be rated over 5000 lbs you need to make sure you have a class IV reciever, my old '05 Tacoma was a class IV hitch (which should be indicated on the hitch itself)


Class III Trailer Hitch
WC GTW - Up to 5,000 lbs.
WC TW - Up to 500 lbs

Class IV
Class IV Trailer Hitch
WC GTW - Up to 7,500 lbs.
WC TW - Up to 750 lbs
WD GTW - Up to 12,000 lbs.
WD TW - Up to 1,200 lbs

(Hitch Terminology:
GTW = Gross Trailer Weight - the weight of the trailer fully loaded
TW = Tongue Weight - the weight put on the hitch ball by the trailer coupler
WC = Weight Carrying - towing capcity of a hitch without a weight distribution system
WD = Weight Distributing - towing capacity of a hitch with a weight distribution system)
source: http://rvbasics.com/techtips/travel-...ch-system.html

Is the 5K the dry weight of the Trailer or loaded? Seems like if it is dry you are going to be pushing it. Don't forget to get a brake controller...

here is an example of a weight distribution:

 

I understand what weight distribution is, but the owners manual shows a picture of a weight distribution reciever??????? and the reciever on my 4Runner isnt stamped with what class it is? I am tempted to remove the oem reciever and install a class 4 just to be sure. The manual also says not to use weight dist. equipment on a weight carring reciever?????

My 4Runner has a V8 handeleing the extra weight wont be the issue I want to ensure the reciever can handle the pressure