Adding a brake controller

We are looking to purchase a used travel trailer that is located about 3 hrs away.

The specs are;
HITCH WEIGHT 557 lb.
UVW 4,493 lb

Do I need to add a brake controller to pick this up? I currently don't have one, or a wdh. Thanks.

 

Yes

 

On a three hour highway tow you will want a weight distribution hitch and brake controller. Your going to need both eventually anyhow. Might ask the seller if they have a hitch for sale.

 

You honestly could pick it up and move it without either, but the brake controller is a big safety item. Not sure what traffic or terrain looks like on your trip. You could get by without the WDH, but it is recommended by Toyota for a trailer that size. Would help with sway as well.

 

Definitely need the brake controller. I believe it's recommended for any trailer over 2000 lbs. Toyota says to use a WDH if your trailer is over 5000 lbs so you'll need one of those too. You might technically be ok towing it home empty with brakes but no WDH but I'm not sure why you'd want to.

 

Confirmed, thanks everyone! I'll look into a p3 controller (seems to be the common one recommend).