Towing Fifth Wheel Trailer With 2006 Nissan Titan

Question:

We have a Nissan Titan 6-1/2 foot bed and are looking at purchasing a 5th wheel with a ball hitch gooseneck? - the trailer weight is 6290# dry weight. Im trying to figure out pin weight etc - to see if we will be capable of towing with out blow out the rear end.

asked by: Bonnie

Expert Reply:

From what you describe, your trailer isn't very heavy. Pin weight can range from 15-20 percent of the trailer weight, or up to 25 percent for some larger toy haulers. Worst case scenario, you're looking at about 1500 lbs or so of pin weight which is pretty minimal.

To determine the towing capacity of your truck, take a look at the sticker on the driver's door jamb. Look for the GCWR, the gross combined weight rating. This represents the maximum amount the trailer and truck can weigh. If you subtract the fully loaded vehicle weight (curb weight plus weight of passengers and cargo) from the GCWR, the remainder will be the maximum trailer weight your truck can tow. Your truck should be able to pull the trailer you described with no problem, but find the GCWR and do the math to make sure.

I'd recommend you consider a suspension enhancement product like the Timbren # TTORTUN4 for 2WD vehicles or # TNRTTN for 4WD. The Timbrens won't effect your truck's ride unless there's a load in the bed or pin weight from a trailer is being applied to the rear axle.

Trailers for recreational use will usually have a king pin, which uses a 5th wheel hitch. Gooseneck trailers are more frequently used for agricultural or commercial uses. If you'll be pulling both types of trailers, it's best to install a fifth wheel hitch using the bed mounted rails. When you pull the fifth wheel, install the hitch in the bed mounted rails. If you need to tow the gooseneck, you can install a gooseneck plate like # 16055 on the rails.

If you have a 6-1/2 foot bed, you'd need a sliding hitch in order to provide enough space between the cab and the trailer for making turns without the front corner of the fifth wheel hitting the back of the truck cab. The Reese # RP30051 has a 16K capacity and is a good and reasonably priced choice. You'd also need the # RP30035-405 install kit.

To install a 7-way trailer connector in the truck bed, use part # 41157.