Weight Distribution/Sway Control System for 4500-lb Trailer Towed by 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
Question:
I am in need of a weight distributing, sway control hitch. We have a 4500ish lb gross weight ultra light hybrid towed by a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. Tongue weight and sway are both a problem. I am considering FA94-00-0600 but it seems very low cost. RP66082 also looks like a good option but it is quite a bit more expensive. Can you please make a recommendation of an appropriate hitch for my truck and trailer combo?
asked by: Gus D
Expert Reply:
Weight distribution/sway control systems are best selected based on your actual fully-loaded trailer tongue weight (TW). A scale like # e99044 really makes it easy to accurately and frequently check your fully-loaded trailer TW to ensure it is loaded to provide the correct 12- to 14-percent TW relative to gross weight. As these systems are weight-sensitive this really matters.
The total TW of the system consists of the actual measured TW of the loaded trailer plus the weight of any cargo in the Pathfinder that sits behind the rear axle, say a generator or big loaded cooler. Behind-the-axle cargo acts just like trailer TW so it must be accounted for. The ideal is that your total TW - trailer plus cargo - falls in the middle of the operating range for the particular system. The entry-level Fastway e2 system that you referenced, part # FA94-00-0600, works for TW from 400- to 600-lbs so it would be ideal if your total TW were 500-lbs.
This round bar system will not provide as much ground clearance as a trunnion bar setup like the Equal-I-zer # EQ37100ET all-inclusive system whose spring bars connect to the side of the head assembly. Round bars install from the bottom and so they reduce ground clearance. This Equal-I-zer system works well for TW from 600- to 1000-lbs so it would be ideal for a total TW of 700- to 900-lbs. This system features actual sway prevention, not merely a reaction to sway once it has started. The Fastway react to sway but the Equal-I-zer prevents it.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 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
- 500 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
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