Should Rear Suspension Kit be Used to Correct Sag on 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Travel Trailer

Question:

I want to know what is the best for me between air lift or timbren for rear suspencion to pull my rv.I have a nissan pathfinder 2012 .i have difficulty to decide.i dont want my rear to go down .i plan to install bike rack on the tongue. Please respond to my e-mail.thank you

asked by: Francois S

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you are only experiencing sag on your 2012 Nissan Pathfinder when towing your RV/travel trailer, I recommend going with a weight distribution system over any type of suspension enhancement system.

The Timbren Heavy-Duty Rear Suspension Enhancement System, # TNRARM, would work great to help level the vehicle but using a weight distribution system will help to transfer the tongue weight more evenly to all axles of the tow vehicle to reduce the stress on the rear axle.

A key component to choosing the correct weight distribution system is knowing the trailer's exact tongue weight. Tongue weight is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. The ideal situation is to have the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

I have attached a link to our weight distribution systems for you. For example, if the total tongue weight of your trailer falls around 600 lbs, I recommend going with a system like the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System, # RP66073. You just need a hitch ball like part # A-90 for 2 inch or # 19286 for 1-7/8 inch, and a shank like # RP54970 and you will be ready to go.

Please keep in mind that your towing set-up is only as strong as it's weakest link, which could be the vehicle, hitch, or weight distribution system, so you will want to ensure that you do not exceed the capacity of the lowest rated component.

As for the bike rack, depending upon how it mounts to the tongue of the trailer, there is a good possibility that it could still be used with the weight distribution system.