Recommended New Trailer Weight and WD System Setup for a 2012 Nissan Quest

Question:

I have a nissan quest 2012 3.5liter mini van, I have a class 3 hitch and a 7pin with brake controller installed, at the moment I pull a pop up trailer about 1300lbs with sway controller and have a TW of 150lbs, I would like to upgrade to a travel trailer and use a WDH, what weight trailer could i look for and what size WDH should I use ?

asked by: Ron R

Helpful Expert Reply:

Let's start off by talking about the correct trailer weight for you to pull with your 2012 Nissan Quest.

There are a few different factors that come into play when picking out a trailer that your tow vehicle can haul; the weight capacity of the tow vehicle, and the weight capacity of the trailer hitch receiver that is installed. For example; the weight capacity of your Quest is 3,500 lbs. If you were to install the Curt Class III # C13078 you would be able to use the 300 lbs Tongue Weight (TW) and 3,500 lbs Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) ratings of the hitch. This hitch has increased values for when a Weight Distribution (WD) system is being used as well. Those would increase to 500 lbs TW and 5,000 lbs GTW but since your Quest is only rated for 3,500 lbs you will be limited to the lower TW and GTW. You will want to use these figures to make sure that your new trailer is within the weight capacities of both your hitch receiver and your Quest. Be sure to consult your owner's manual for any specifications when it comes to weight capacities as well.

After picking out your trailer we can then decide what WD system is best fit for your setup. You will need to start by finding the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your setup. You can find your TTW by adding the TW of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer with the weight of any cargo that sits behind the rear axle of your Quest. You will then want to pick out a WD system which has a TW range that your TTW falls in the middle of. Lets say that 500 lbs is the TTW for your entire setup. You can then use the recommended Reese Strait-Line # RP66082 which is rated for 200 lbs - 600 lbs of TW. I like the Strait-Line because it is one of the only WD systems that works to prevent sway before it starts.

This system doesn't come with a Hitch Ball so you would also need part # A-90 fr a 2 inch Hitch Ball or part # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch Hitch Ball depending on the size of your coupler.

Keep in mind that you will want to make sure that the WD system that you pick needs to be related to the TTW of the setup with your new trailer. This Strat-Line part number was only used as an example.

If you are still unsure about the WD system, just let me know what the TTW of your setup is once you purchase your new trailer and I can make a recommendation for you.