Is a Weight Distribution System Required for a Trailer Over 20 Foot Long with a Nissan Armada

Question:

Hi there, I am looking into purchasing a travel trailer but I am planning on towing with a new ish Durango or Nissan Armada. I dont think the towing capacity is an issue as most the trailers Im looking at are in the 6000lbs range for dry weight. Biggest issue is that the guidelines Im seeing for the Armada suggest the length of trailer shouldnt go much over 20. We are ideally looking for something in the 24-28foot range. Something like a Forest River 245 BHS or on the higher end of the scale for length, a Keystone Bullet Ultra Lite 287QBSWE is what we are thinking of. I am wondering if some form of sway assistance is an acceptable solution that allows us to move up in length a little. Dont know a lot about these systems so also would be interested to know total cost to add one. Thanks,

asked by: Ivan

Helpful Expert Reply:

I looked in the owner's manual for a 2017 Nissan Armada which should be the same for a 2016+ and it did not have any restrictions for towing a trailer over 20' long. The only restrictions I had seen in regards to what the trailer must have is in regards to brakes and weight. If the trailer is over 3,500 lb then it must have a braking system. It is also recommend that a weight distribution system be used if the trailer is over 5,000 lbs. With that being said I cannot say I have heard of an owner's manual for a vehicle specifically stating that a trailer over a certain length cannot be pulled but if it does then you will need to abide by this.

The issue of trailer sway is not directly attributed to length so much that it is for tongue weight and height/aerodynamics. With that being said, the best way to reduce/prevent trailer sway is with a weight distribution system that has integrated trailer sway and since your trailer is over 5,000 lbs it will be a good ideal to use one anyway.

The best system we have for this is the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System part # EQ37100ET which has four point sway control and is made right here in the USA. It also has a lifetime warranty and is considered by most to be the best system on the market. I have attached a review video for you as well. It will be a perfect match for your Forest River Surveyor 245BHS. The price can be found on the product page.

expert reply by: Conner L