Recommended Weight Distribution System for 2015 Nissan Titan SL Crew Cab Towing Airstream 23FB
Question:
I have a 2015 Titan crew cab 4x4 SL and a 2016 Airstream 23FB. Titan has factory installed hitch receiver. Airstream has a stated hitch weight of 467, a base weight of 4806 and a Max Gross Weight of 6,000. Currently using an EAZ-LIFT camco weight distribution hitch that was transferred from the 19ft airstream I traded in... Experiencing very brief sway on the interstate with every truck I either pass or that passes me. Causes the back of the truck to dip slightly each time it happens. Doesnt seem to threaten actual control of the rig, but Id prefer a bit more stability. A recommendation would be appreciated. BTW, with an Airstream, I have to use a shank even though this Nissan does not have an especially tall hitch height. I also have a separate but probably related question. Ive seen others leave their leveler hitch I think it was a Reese cam-based hitch intact when parked by just pulling the pin on the receiver/shank and driving off. Is that a reasonable thing to do? If so is there a particular hitch I need to consider?
asked by: Jeff W
Expert Reply:
Nissan's Titan towing guide recommends a weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) system for towing any trailer over 5000-lbs gross weight. The truck's maximum towing capacity is 7000-lbs unless it has the factory tow package equipment which raises its tow rating to 9100-lbs.
WD/SC systems vary in how they fight sway and in how well they do it. Some of the systems we offer actually work to prevent sway from starting at all, rather than fighting it once it begins like the EAZ-Lift and other basic systems.
The linked page displays all WD/SC systems that prevent sway from starting, are compatible with your Airstream's electric brakes and that include the necessary shank. The key to choosing the right system is knowing the trailer actual fully-loaded tongue weight (with full propane and water tanks, and all gear and supplies loaded). Dry hitch weight is not enough to choose the right system. You also need to account for the weight anything in the truck bed that sits behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler or generator, as this will act like additional tongue weight (TW). We offer a handy scale # e99044 for measuring TW but other methods are outlined in the linked article.
The ideal circumstance is that your total TW will fall near the middle of the system's operating range. This ensure it will shift TW forward, which is what you want, without causing any weird side-effects to the trailer's handling. Since your dry hitch weight is 467-lbs, we'll estimate your total TW as 800-lbs for purposes of an example. Once you know your actual fully-loaded TW you can click on that figure on the linked page to see suitable options.
A system that could work well for you, and not interfere with your tongue-mounted propane tanks, is the Equal-i-zer 4-Point system # EQ37100ET which works over a TW range of 600 -1000-lbs. It features narrow 2-inch brackets that will be easier to position on the trailer frame (other types can be several times wider). This system includes the hitch ball, so all you need to add is the thin-walled socket # EQ70-00-4800 for installing the hitch ball. Please see the linked video for more.
For a dual cam system from Reese you can also consider the Strait-Line # RP66084. This also prevents sway like the Equal-i-zer but it will handle higher tongue weight. This system does not include the 2-inch hitch ball # A-90. Note the lift brackets are a good bit wider on this system.
If theft is not a concern, it is perfectly fine to unhitch the enrtire WD system and drive off!
Products Referenced in This Question
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Thin Walled Socket for Equal-i-zer Hitches
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Tools
- Socket
- Equal-i-zer
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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