Pulling Camper w/ LX

[PabloCruise]

'99 LX, still has AHC w/ King Springs in the rear.

We found a used Trail Manor 2027 https://trailmanor.com/2720-series/ for sale and bought it, now I want to get the LX in shape to pull it.

Trailer dry weight is ~3k lbs, GVWR for the camper is ~4200 lbs.

Tongue weight is ~400 lbs - not sure if that is dry or wet. It sounds like I should plan on ~450 lbs tongue weight.

Game plan so far is 7-pin trailer connector, Teknosha P3 brake controller, and Firestone air bags for rear coils (Kings).

What else?

Lots of folks with the Trail Manors recommend a weight distribution hitch - any thoughts on that?

 

[Cobramo]

A weight distribution hitch will be critical. Make sure you get one that has an anti-sway device as well. These two could make the airbags unecesary, IMO. I had a 36' bumper pull camper that i pulled with a stock truck, weight dist made up for most of the squat, and the anti-sway really keeps it in line. I have only pulled my boat with my LX470, but it handles the boat better than my brother's Tundra.

 

[MongooseGA]

I pull a 16' hybrid camper. Weight is around 3-3500ish, I think tongue weight is maybe up to, but probably not more than 300#.

I have the air bags, brake controller, and the newer 100s already had the 7-pin installed. Tows just fine, considering these aren't great tow vehicles. I leave the trans in 4th and manually down-shift when necessary. Sway-away type hitch would be helpful, but I haven't found it to be something I'm lusting after. With a bigger trailer, I'm sure it's quite helpful.

 

[AlpineAccess]

The tekonsha P3 a great piece of gear. You're going to really like it.

450lbs of tonque weight is steep, the recommendation for a WDH is on the money.

 

[ramangain]

You can find a good WDH on CL or equivalent for $200-$300 with all of the hardware.

I found this Husky WDH with the 1000 lb. bars for $200 on CL, essentially unused. It works incredibly well, and the difference is night and day compared to a normal hitch. The LX a$$ likes to wag without additional rear spring support and heavier trailer loads.