Weight Distribution Recommendation for a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder V6
Question:
Recently, I sold my Trail lite 26 qbs 2005 travel trailer that weighed 4800 lbs full loaded with my 2012 Nissan Pathfinder /v6 engine. It towed fine. I am now looking at a 2013 Jayco white hawk model 26 srk that weighs 5300 lbs empty and is reported to have a tongue weight of 665 lbs. My nissan owners manual says that the tow capacity is 6000 lbs and the maximum tongue weight is 600 lbs. Nissan technical support has told me that the 5300 lb trailer is tow fine with the vehicle provide my gear in the trailer and passenger weight does not exceed 700 lbs. The trailer dealer is telling me that an equalizer load distribution hitch would enable me to handle the 665 tongue weight of the trailer because it will have the affect of reducing the tongue weight by 35. Is this true?
asked by: Mike M
Expert Reply:
When it comes to vehicle capacities the final authority is the vehicle's manufacturer. If Nissan says that you can tow a trailer with a 665 lb tongue weight with a weight distribution system then you would be fine doing so.
For a weight distribution system that would work great with 665 lbs of tongue weight the Pro Series part # PS49582 would be a great option. This system's tongue weight range is 550 to 750 lbs so your tongue weight would fall right in the middle.
You should note that the weight of any cargo loaded behind the rear axle of your vehicle will need to be considered as tongue weight.
There is no set percent that a WD system will reduce the tongue weight by. WD doesn't reduce tongue weight. It changes the way that weight is applied to the system.
