Hitch Weight

What does Toyota say the max hitch weight is for the van?

 

You want 10% to 15% on the hitch. You are right in the middle. Too little and you will get BAD sway. Too much and your minivan will sag. What about your total weight on the minivan (I forget which GVW-type number that is)? Make sure you don't overload the van with people and gear.

 

I tow a 2500 lb dry popup with a chrysler pacifica without any issues. Max tong weight is 300 lbs on mini vans. I think you will be fine, and you can add a sway bar if you are concerned. My dealer installed a saw bar when I bought my popup.

Disclaimer I have not towed at altitude I live on the east coast. I would not consider towing my popup with the minivan above 5000 ft.

 

Is a 289 hitch weight too high? It’s a 2200 lb popup.
Would I be better with a low to mid 200 or does it make a difference?[/QUOTE]
Is the pups TOTAL weight 2200 with a 289 tongue weight loaded with everything you will take camping?? Or are you trying to use a dry weight??
If you are using the dry weight....you will be over weight.

 

I did a quick search and found a listing that with a 3500 lb hitch you should be good up to 350 lbs on the tongue. That being said I would never go near 300 with a Toyota Sienna.

 

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If the total weight is only 2200lbs, you will be ok

 

Check the manufactures specs first. Have the pup weighed at the local truck stop then decide. GVWR is important because Toyota rated towing with one driver. Add in 3 passengers and you lose 400-600lbs off bat. Sometimes, just because it will doesn’t mean it should.

 

Just like emoney mentioned Toyota only used the driver and a full tank of gas in their numbers. So you will have to deduct the weight of passengers and gear. Also like mentioned below if you are using dry weight of the popup it may not include the weight of options such as AC, furnace, propane or battery weight. If you do use the dry weight you will need to add the carry cappacity number to the dry weight at the very least. Or see if you are able to get the unit weighed so you can get the "real weight" numbers (ideal).

 

I believe the sienna is just another vehicle where the tow rating is not based on a 150 lb driver.

 

With airbags or other means, you should be fine at that tongue weight. I think if I were to approach 300+, I would start researching WDHs to see if the trailer could handle one.

Exactly, everybody should check their manufacturer’s specs. With the OP’s TV, the trailer weight rating is calculated with the driver, 1 passenger, and a tow package. Plus, there is a lot of overhead in the GCWR over the rated towing capacity, to the tune of around 800 lbs. The math on our Sienna, which is very similar to the OP’s is below. Obviously the payload (including tongue weight) and axle ratings would need to be checked too for the full picture. These numbers are also SAE J2807 certified.

 

We do the same thing with a Caravan. No problem. You can install airbags into the struts yourself for $200 ish.
I think they are called airlift 1000. I can't do it myself on the caravan but I heard you can on your Toyota.
https://www.airliftcompany.com/products/air-springs/air-lift-1000/

 

You will be fine with that weight. Before you go for the first time, check the rear end sag in the van and address if needed. You won't have any issues towing with that van if you set it up for level and so the van rear end doesn't sag too much. You will also be fine towing at altitude with that set up. The van in question has almost 300 HP and plenty of torque. Minivans are very capable tow vehicles when properly set up.

 

They do go inside the springs, but the bags slip between the coils, so a really easy install.