Is Weight Distribution Required on 2018 Nissan Armada with Self-Leveling Towing a 5.5K Trailer

Question:

I have a 2018 Nissan Armada, it has self-leveling rear air suspension, 8500 pound tow capacity. I am towing a 5500 pound fully loaded travel trailer. Given the self-leveling suspension, do I still need a weight distribution setup, or can I just use anti-sway? Thanks.

asked by: Lance S

Expert Reply:

Whenever the loaded weight of the trailer will match or exceed half of the weight of the tow vehicle (like your 2018 Nissan Armada) a Weight Distribution (WD) system is recommended.

A self leveling system is great because it can help to make your towing setup level, but it will not take all of the stress put at that coupling point and distribute it among all of the axles like a WD does. This helps to extend the life of your suspension and give you more control while towing.

Just using an anti-sway like part # 83660 will help with trailer sway but it is not nearly as effective or reliable as a WD system with integrated anti-sway. Another negative point when using a friction bar is that it must be disconnected to back up with your trailer.

To choose the correct WD system you will want to pick one with a Tongue Weight (TW) range that the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your towing setup falls in the middle of. To find the TTW of your towing setup you will need to add the TW of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer along with the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. Keep in mind that a properly loaded trailer will have a TW that is 10-15% of the loaded weight of your trailer. Since your loaded trailer has a weight of 5,500 lbs this should put your TW range between 550 lbs - 825 lbs.

Some systems, like the Equal-i-zer WD System # EQ37100ET, will require you to disable the auto-leveling air bags on your Armada while others, like the Reese Strait-Line # RP66084 will allow you to use the air bags in conjunction with the WD system. The only criteria for the Strait-Line is that your vehicle owner's manual says it is okay to use the leveling system with a WD system.

I recommend going with the Reese Strait-Line has a TW range from 600 lbs - 1,200 lbs because of the compatibility with your air bag system. The Strait-Line does not come with a hitch ball but you can use part # A-90 for a 2" hitch ball or part # 19286 for a 2-5/16" hitch ball.

I have linked a review video of the Strat-Line for you to reference.