Parts Recommended for Towing Hybrid RV with 2000 Nissan Pathfinder.

Question:

I have a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder with a 5,000 lbs tow rating. This does not have a a factory tow option installed. What would be recommenced items needed for towing a Hybrid RV under 5,000 lbs? Thank you

asked by: Phil

Helpful Expert Reply:

First, you will want a trailer hitch for your 2000 Nissan Pathfinder. I recommend the Curt Class III Receiver Hitch # 13088. This hitch has a bolt on installation, and no drilling or welding is required. The towing capacity of this hitch matches the 5,000 pound towing capacity of your Pathfinder. The installation instructions are attached for you.

In order to have functioning lights on your trailer, you will also need a trailer wiring harness installed on your Pathfinder. I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with a 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118361. This wiring harness installs into your vehicle's existing wiring, plugging in to the back of the taillights. I have attached an installation video.

If the RV you are planning on towing has electric brakes, you will also need a brake controller and brake controller installation kit.

I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller # 90885. This brake controller is a proportional brake controller, meaning the trailer's brakes are applied in proportion to the brakes on your Pathfinder. The Prodigy P2 features an easy to read LED display and performs continuous diagnostics to alert you to any potential problems.

To install the brake controller in your vehicle, you will want to use the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7. This installation kit will provide you with a 7-way trailer connector for the rear of the vehicle, as well as all of the hardware needed to complete the brake controller installation. I have attached a help article on installing the #ETBC7 kit, as well as a help article on starting from scratch when installing a brake controller.

Depending on the weight of the RV you are planning on hauling, it is likely you will need a weight distribution system. A weight distribution system is needed if the trailer weight is more than 50 percent of the vehicle's weight, if the rear of your tow vehicle sags when the trailer is hooked up, as well as a handful of other reasons.

To choose the correct weight distribution system, you will want to consider the trailer's tongue weight. The Reese SC Weight Distribution System with Sway Control # RP66558 is designed to work with trailers with tongue weights between 200-600 pounds. The gross towing weight capacity of this system exceeds that of your Pathfinder. I have attached a help article on weight distribution systems, as well as a link of all of our systems.

To help extend the life of your Pathfinder's transmission, a transmission cooler can be used to help cool transmission fluid more efficiently than the factory cooler alone. I have linked a help article on transmission coolers, as well as the coolers for your Pathfinder.