Q&A: Which modification best suits towing with my Toyota Prado?
If you need to tow heavy loads and you’re on the verge of fiddling with your 4WD - down there - think again. Here’s why…
QUESTION
I recently watched your video on Load Levelling Hitches and I was curious on your thoughts in choice between a WDH or an airbag system from somewhere like “The Airbag Man”.
In my mind, I prefer the airbag because no matter what the terrain there is no issue unlike the resistance of a WDH.
I have heard that airbags on the rear while maintaining a level hitch will not transfer load to the front axle of the car, where a WDH does.
All of this is over my head so I was keen to see what your choice would be? I have a Prado GXL.
Scotty
ANSWER
Scott,
Weight distribution hitches apply a torque to the tow vehicle, which reduces the weight on the rear axle and increases the weight on the front axle - hence the levelling effect.
Airbags at the rear apply additional upward force between the axle and the body (like having stiffer springs at the rear).
Weight distribution hitches are compromised and can cause mechanical damages if they are not released before traversing obstacles like spoon drains across the road/track.
My strong advice is: Do not modify the vehicle unless you are solving an actual problem. Keep the tow setup conservatively within manufacturer’s specifications. If possible, don’t tow anything heavier than the vehicle.
So, basically, my thoughts are: Don’t do either airbags or WDHs. If you need either thing, what you’re towing is too heavy for the vehicle and you are inviting disaster.
