Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System for Winnebago Minnie Drop 170S Travel Trailer

Question:

I am going to purchase a Winnebago Minnie 170S travel trailer. I will be towing it with w 2016 Nissan Frontier 4.0L V6. The tongue weight of the trailer is 400lb, and I will carry about 150lbs of cargo behind the wheels in the truck bed. The trailer could be carrying a full fresh water tank , but not always, which will be an extra 200 lbs. The tank is located in front of the trailer wheels. Will the 17499 work, or should I upgrade to the 17500?

asked by: Gary M

Expert Reply:

The Minnie Drop 170S has a dry weight of 2800-lbs, dry hitch weight of 315-lbs and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 3800-lbs. Its 31-gallon water tank when filled will add 258-lbs. Based on the GVWR of 3800-lbs your loaded TW should fall between 400-lbs and 570-lbs so using 500-lbs TW for the trailer plus your cargo load of 150-lbs you'll end up with an effective total TW of 650-lbs.

The Curt TruTrack weight distribution and sway control system # C17499 is rated just right for this scenario since it works correctly over a TW range from 500- to 800-lbs. Just add a hitch ball like 2-inch # A-90.

With a new trailer the best way to go about selecting a weight distribution system is to first get some experience loading it. After a trip or two you will have a better sense of your usual cargo load and the weight of your water tank as you will typically fill it and these things will affect the loaded trailer's tongue weight (TW). Loaded TW is what you really need to know to pick out a system that will work correctly and without causing any weird handling from the trailer. To this loaded trailer TW you will add any cargo weight in your Frontier that sits behind the rear axle. The linked article and video on selecting WD systems will help too.

Tongue weight scale # e99044 takes the hassle and uncertainty out of the equation and lets you take quick and accurate tongue weight measurements. This not only will help you choose the right weight distribution setup, but it will also over time help you learn the dynamics of proper trailer loading so that you maintain the desired 10 to 15% TW. Trailers with this amount of TW tend to tow better.

expert reply by: Adam R