GBlack
Evansville, Indiana
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Hi: I'm looking for a TT to pull with my '09 Highlander (110" wheelbase). Has anybody ever seen any FIRM GUIDELINES OR FORMULA (not just opinions) on maximum trailer length for a given tow vehicle wheelbase? Assuming a proper setup with weight distribution hitch and sway bars, should I really be that concerned with length? I'm looking in the 20-25 ft range.
I'm aware that weight is a big issue, I'm just asking about LENGTH.
Thanks!
* This post was
edited 11/18/09 06:28pm by GBlack *
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Leeblev
Pinole, CA
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You know, I don't think length is an issue except that the longer the trailer, the heavier it is. What is important is what the manual for your tow vehicle says you can tow. If you don't have a tow manual, then you have to take the Gross COMBINED Vehicle Weight Rating GCVWR of the tow vehicle, find out what it weighs loaded with people, things and fuel, subtract that from the GCVWR and you know the MAXIMUM trailer weight you can tow.
I am guessing that it won't be a whole lot with a Higlander though.
Again, wheelbase is not the issue, weight is.
Lee
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coolbreeze01
Redding, Ca
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Absolutely, a firm guide line is weight. Length really doesn't matter except as mentioned, length usually equates to weight and wind effect. If you are good weight wise, you compensate for poor handling characteristics of short wheel bases by driving slower. Good luck.
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Dave&Jeanette
Westminster, MD
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Here is some info on what you are lookng for.
Length calculations
Hope this helps.
Dave
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skipnchar
Google Kansas USA
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There IS no firm formula but it is an opinion that is often offered on the forums. I've NEVER seen any manufacturer include the TRAILERS length as a caveat for setting tow ratings and I've never known ANY of them who do NOT already use the wheel base of the tow VEHICLE when establishing it's tow rating. I see no reason to take wheelbase into consideration a SECOND time.
All of that being said, there is no doubt that the longer the wheel base the more stable the truck or van will be when towing. Truth is that there are VERY FEW towing combinations out there that are the absolute BEST that COULD be used nor is it necessary to HAVE the absolute BEST tow vehicle as long as the one you have is adequate. Good luck / skip
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GBlack
Evansville, Indiana
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Dave&Jeanette wrote:Here is some info on what you are lookng for.
Length calculations
Hope this helps.
Dave
Thanks Dave! Interesting info! Looks like max length is only 20' for my SUV. Shoot :-( Do you know if those guidelines assume sway control equip & weight dist hitch is used? Will using both of those allow me a bit more length, or will those things not matter in respect to max length?
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GBlack
Evansville, Indiana
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Thanks everybody for the info!
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carringb
Corvallis, OR
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The wheelbase guidline is just that... a guidline. The trailer wheelbase and polaor moment of inertia are much bigger factors in stability than tow vehicle wheelbase.
That said... Are you aware that Toyota does not recommend using weight distribution? The tognue weight limitation of the Highlander hitch will probably be the limiting constraint.
Bryan
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Terryallan
NC
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carringb wrote:The wheelbase guidline is just that... a guidline. The trailer wheelbase and polaor moment of inertia are much bigger factors in stability than tow vehicle wheelbase.
More of a joke. There is NO formula for WB to length ratio. By the time you get too long, you will be too heavy.
* This post was
edited 11/18/09 08:08pm by an administrator/moderator *
Terry & Shay
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LAdams
Northern Illinois
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skipnchar wrote:All of that being said, there is no doubt that the longer the wheel base the more stable the truck or van will be when towing. Truth is that there are VERY FEW towing combinations out there that are the absolute BEST that COULD be used nor is it necessary to HAVE the absolute BEST tow vehicle as long as the one you have is adequate. Good luck / skip
Well said - I agree and underline ADEQUATE
Les
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