Hello, I am planning to get a 2013 16 foot next weekend and need some guidance on what to get to tow it.
We have a Toyota Sienna with a 4 inch receiver. So we need a few things.
1. Is there a type of brake controller you recomennd?
2. What is the best type of ball and holder to get for this vehicle?
3. Any other basic recomendations?
Thank you paul
Gee, I have never heard of a 4 inch receiver...I suspect you have a 2" receiver, measured across one side of the square.
1. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, or the P3 (which is more complicated to me)
2. You will probably need a 2" ball mounted on a hitch that will allow a 21" height from the ground to the top of the ball. (check the height of the trailer hitch to get the correct hitch setup and the correct ball size stamped on the trailer hitch.)
3. I recommend you go to a hitch shop to get the correct setup and brake controller installation. U Haul or any RV sales/maintenance shop are suggestions.
Good luck on you new acquisition, and have good times, safely with a proper setup.
Don
2015 Scamp 16'
Tow Vehicle...2013 Lincoln MKX 3.7L V-6
SW Ohio
Paul, I have a 2015 Sienna LE and a Scamp 16 on order.
The Sienna needs a number of things to prep it to tow and if none of this has been done, you will have to scramble to get it all finished in a week. In fact just getting the stuff ordered online will take about a week.
http://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Toyota/Sienna/2015/C56...
http://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Toyota/Sienna/2015/118...
Now this is just a very brief overview and I left a lot of information out. I assume you are hiring someone to do all this but if you DIY then I can offer a lot more help and suggestions. There are also a lot of helpful videos on etrailer.com but as far as I know, there is not a single video that covers everthing you need to know for your needs. I doubt that a Toyota dealer will help with any of this - they do not make the parts needed for towing and they do not support after-market parts. A good U-haul dealer or trailer shop should be able to do all this, however, if possible, I would find a guy who has added the trailer lights harness and brake controller on a Sienna specifically.
Another option is to get a vehicle that is built to tow and has all the pre-wiring in place.
http://www.amazon.com/Tekonsha-80500-Electric-Brake-Control/dp/B004I9XYI...
This works real well on my 16' Scamp $36
2002. 16ft Deluxe layout A
2015 Chevy Traverse LT 3.6L
Ugg that’s a time delay controller.. you will be MUCH happier (and safer) with proportional controller such as the Prodigy P2 or P3.
From the Tekonsha website:
Time activated controls apply braking power at a fixed rate of time that is NOT proportional to the pressure applied to the brake pedal. They provide voltage output that increases to the gain setting over a period of time. Proportional controls determine the tow vehicle's rate of deceleration and apply the trailer brakes to match. They provide a smooth braking response in any stopping situation, with no need for adjustments.
I agree with Gordon, Proportional Brake Controllers are the only way to go !!!!
Mine is a Tekonshia P3.
Time delay Controllers are Old, Old, Old technology. Think of it this way, in an emergency, would you wait, and count to three, before you apply your brakes? Of course not, however, that is exactly what a time delay controller does, it waits to apply your trailer brakes.
The Proportional controllers are not so expensive that you wouldn't want to get the best controller available to protect your family. After all, it could, quite literally, save your life some day.
By-the-way, Mustang and Gordon, very good and thorough postings above.
As Always,
Happy Scamping !!!