Brake Controller and Weight Distribution Hitch for 2017 Nissan Frontier

Question:

Hi, Ill be towing a 2007 casita spirit camper, about 3500 lbs with a nissan frontier v6 SHORT bed crew cab- which is different than what we had- a crew cab extended truck before. We have never used anything sway control, weight distributing hitch and the casita seemed to track well, but im concerned about the short bed and how the ride will be. Were seniors and want to be safe, plan on alot of traveling- wondering what I am missing for safety and smooth tow, also need to purchase a new trailer brake control for under dash, looks like there may be an existing plug that i just have to connect into, so maybe able to do the trailer brake install ourselves! Thank you for your expertise- dont know tongue weight fully loaded- theres a class 4 tow hitch, and truck is rated to 6100 lbs.

asked by: Lynn

Expert Reply:

Let's start with a brake controller, and with a 2017 Nissan Frontier, you're right about it needing only to be plugged in. I highly recommend the Prodigy P3 # 90195, which is a proportional controller, meaning it acts immediately as you use your Frontier's brakes. The P3 has customizable settings, safeguards to prevent battery drain and shorts, as well as an LCD display. It will plug right into the plug you mentioned just by using adapter # 3050-P.

In order to choose the best weight distribution hitch, you are going to need to know your total tongue weight, which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your Nissan Frontier.

To determine total tongue weight you can use a scale such as the etrailer # e99044 or by using one of the methods outlined in the help article on determining tongue weight I've linked for you. The ideal system would be one in which your total tongue weight would fall somewhere in the middle of the weight distribution system's tongue weight capacity.

Since your truck camper is about 3,500 lbs and your truck is only rated for 6,100 lbs, it makes sense for your total tongue weight to fall somewhere between in the 500 lb range, because it is typically around 10 to 15 percent of the fully loaded trailer weight. If it is in that range I recommend checking out the Equal-i-zer # EQ37060ET, which is rated for tongue weights between 200 lbs and 600 lbs. The Equal-i-zer uses friction in its spring bars to prevent sway, will allow you to back up with the system on, and is compatible with both electric and surge brakes.

I've added a video review of this system for you, as well as a review of the Prodigy and a help article on weight distribution you may find useful.