Can 2011 Toyota Sienna tow a Bambi 16' with Sway control only?

[rjd111]

I had the airstream dealer hookup my sienna with a 2013 Sport 16, the rear of the van did not sag at all just riding on the ball. I presently tow a Alioner Classic that weights 1800 lbs.,the airstream about 3000 lbles loaded(no water).Will this be safe to tow?

[m.hony]

There is a guy on here that tows a 34' Airstream with a Sienna.
He will probably chime in.
I am going to say it will tow a Bambi.

[andreasduess]

That's Steve - I think his trailer is a 27'. I tow a 34' with a Honda Odyssey, comparable to the Sienna in every way.

rjd, you will need a weight distribution hitch, they are recommended by Toyota for trailers heaver than 2400lbs. Otherwise, you will be just fine. The Sienna has a payload of 1400lbs, i.e more than ample, for the projected hitch weight of the Bambi.

To put a comparable on it, it is as capable as many 1/2 ton trucks (like a Ford 150 or Tundra) when it comes to carrying weight, with none of the drawbacks inherent in truck design, like a high centre of gravity and a narrow frame.

[MrUKToad]

Originally Posted by andreasduess

That's Steve - I think his trailer is a 27'. I tow a 34' with a Honda Odyssey, comparable to the Sienna in every way.

rjd, you will need a weight distribution hitch, they are recommended by Toyota for trailers heaver than 2400lbs. Otherwise, you will be just fine. The Sienna has a payload of 1400lbs, i.e more than ample, for the projected hitch weight of the Bambi.

To put a comparable on it, it is as capable as many 1/2 ton trucks (like a Ford 150 or Tundra) when it comes to carrying weight, with none of the drawbacks inherent in truck design, like a high centre of gravity and a narrow frame.

Almost right, a 28' International; there's only inches in it, as the actress said to the bishop.

Andy's right, a well set up weight distributing hitch and some form of sway control or elimination will make towing a whole lot easier and safer. Brake controller is important and I use a second transmission oil cooler to help out with the load when thrashing into a stiff headwind for hours on end.

[panheaddale]

This setup is one of the only ones I would say is ok to tow with the Sienna. The trailer is small enough and light enough to not over burden to TV unlike the larger trailers that are pulled by these. Weight distribution would be optional but sway control would probably help especially on the shorter trailer.
You don't need to spend the couple thousand dollars on propride or hensly hitches which I am sure will get recommended. If you feel you need WD hitch any of the other brands would work fine, just make sure to use light weight bars on the hitch setup

[Road Ruler]

We really enjoyed towing our 23' for years with a 150HP Nissan mini van. No problem at all. Towing a smaller Airstream with a more capable van like a highly rated Sienna should work great. A WDH should be on your to do list.

[MrUKToad]

Originally Posted by MrUKToad

Almost right, a 28' International; there's only inches in it, as the actress said to the bishop.

Andy's right, a well set up weight distributing hitch and some form of sway control or elimination will make towing a whole lot easier and safer. Brake controller is important and I use a second transmission oil cooler to help out with the load when thrashing into a stiff headwind for hours on end.

Forgot to mention the beefed up hitch, which is a necessity for my set up, but probably not essential for the OP's set up.

[m.hony]

Get you some mirror extensions and go for it.

[rjd111]

My van is a LTD AWD with reese class 111 hitch,and P2 Brake Controler,I see the need for sway control but no mention of WD system in my owners manuel.Also why do I need the hitch receiver to be beefed up ?it is rated with 3500 lbs. WO/WD or 5000 W/WD?

[MrUKToad]

Originally Posted by rjd111

My van is a LTD AWD with reese class 111 hitch,and P2 Brake Controler,I see the need for sway control but no mention of WD system in my owners manuel.Also why do I need the hitch receiver to be beefed up ?it is rated with 3500 lbs. WO/WD or 5000 W/WD?

Weight Distribution is exactly as the name suggests; it spreads the load over all the available axles. My Sienna wouldn't work without weight distribution but with a lighter set up like yours, it's still advantageous to get some weight put back to the front axle and have a little taken to the trailer axle. You'll tow so much better with a properly adjusted WD system.

I'm no expert on these things and I didn't suggest that your set up needed to have its hitch beefed up. Mine has some additional steelwork that counters the torque applied by the WD system and helps transfer the weight forward. With your tongue weight I would imagine your hitch will do just fine.

[Kingsmen 33]

The Sienna should tow OK. The V6 has plenty of power. I towed my Bambi with a 2008 Lexus 400h and had no issue.

[RamblinManGa]

Hi from AZ. . . I think a Toyota Prius could pull an AS 16. (properly equipped, of course) ........regards, Craig

[andreasduess]

The Bambi has an empty hitch weight of 350lbs, loaded for camping that might well be around 420-450lbs.

While the Sienna can handle that weight on the rear axle, I personally would install a WD hitch to distribute it as evenly as is possible across all six available wheels. Your handling will thank you.

[Howard L.]

Originally Posted by rjd111

My van is a LTD AWD with reese class 111 hitch,and P2 Brake Controler,I see the need for sway control but no mention of WD system in my owners manuel.Also why do I need the hitch receiver to be beefed up ?it is rated with 3500 lbs. WO/WD or 5000 W/WD?

Dont know your Bambi's tongue weight, but Check your hitch receiver tongue weight rating also. if your tow rating is 3500 # I bet it's rated for 350 # or less. It may be 500# but I would check to be sure.

[mandolindave]

I suggest checking out a few other threads on tow vehicles. It's a very controversial topic. It seems that people are shying away from arguments.
I think that you have to add passenger weight, hitch weight and all cargo to the weight of your camper.

[MrUKToad]

Originally Posted by mandolindave

I suggest checking out a few other threads on tow vehicles. It's a very controversial topic. It seems that people are shying away from arguments.
I think that you have to add passenger weight, hitch weight and all cargo to the weight of your camper.

I think the OP is OK with towing the Bambi, he just wants to know if he needs a weight distribution set up.

[andreasduess]

Thinking about this again, he probably doesn't need it, especially as with a Bambi he probably won't go camping with a large family. 400lbs from the trailer on the rear axle, driver and passenger 350lbs forward in the vehicle, there's your WD right there. Just make sure to carry all luggage in the trailer.

I would still install it, just for peace of mind and to ensure the best possible handling under all conditions.

[rostam]

Originally Posted by MrUKToad

I think the OP is OK with towing the Bambi, he just wants to know if he needs a weight distribution set up.

I suggest OP check to see if weight distribution hitches are even allowed on Sienna and also what is Sienna's hitch weight limit and towing capacity. Towing at max ratings usually is not a good idea.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Think, guess......or go to the scales and find out for sure.

Any trailer/TV, especially a single axle, will benefit from a properly set-up WD hitch with sway control.

Bob

[Aage]

I would not tow a 3,000 lb trailer using a FWD vehicle without a WD system.

I believe that every pound you put on the rear deducts load from your front wheels, the ones that supply drive power AND steering. The ratio may or may not be 1:1 but it is most certainly significant.

Just do it, to quote some old ad.