Weight Distribution & Sway Control for 2011 Nissan Xterra Towing 2013 Starcraft AR-One 15RB

Question:

Hello - Can you help me with a recommendation for a weight distribution hitch? I am towing a 2013 Starcraft AR-One 15RB GVWR 3200 with a 2011 Xterra. Do I need one with sway control or would the WD-only be OK? I will probably only be towing short distances, maybe no more than 100 miles or so. Thank you.

asked by: David W

Expert Reply:

Your 2013 Starcraft AR-One 15RB's 17-1/2-ft length and dry weight of 2550-lbs make it long and heavy enough to benefit from a weight distribution (WD) system that includes sway control. Using a system that integrates the sway control - rather than using a simple add-on friction bar - will deliver superior results and is a worthwhile investment. Even a short driving distance can seem a lot longer when winds and passing trucks are tossing your trailer around.

WD systems are chosen based on your trailer's fully-loaded tongue weight (TW) with all gear and supplies loaded. You also need to factor in the weight of anything in the tow vehicle that sits behind the rear axle, such as a generator or fully-loaded cooler. With this total TW known you can choose a system. Ideally your total TW will fall right near the middle of the system's operating range. Based on your trailer GVWR your loaded TW is likely to be around 400- to 475-lbs. We offer a handy TW scale, part # e99088, but other methods for measuring TW are noted in the linked article.

I recommend the Reese Strait-Line system # RP66082. This system actually prevents sway from occurring in the first place by holding the trailer straight until you make a turn. Its trunnion bars provide better ground clearance and it includes the shank, saving you that separate expense. All you need to add is the hitch ball, part # A-6 for a 2-inch size.

The linked article on WD system may be of interest to you.

expert reply by: Adam R