Will Air Springs Help a Rear Suspension on 2007 Nissan Xterra Towing a Trailer

Question:

I have a 2007 2WD Nissan Xterra. The rear suspension bottoms out very easy, especially when the car is loaded or pulling our camping trailer. Would this part mitigate this problem?

asked by: Stuart

Expert Reply:

Yes, the Air Lift Ride Control Air Helper Springs, part # AL59562, will work on our 2007 Nissan Xterra and help reduce the strain on your vehicle when towing a trailer. These springs have a load leveling capacity of 2,000 lbs, but you will need to remember it will not increase your vehicles weight carrying capacity.

This kit does install with separate manual air valves, which will allow you to manually adjust the springs side-to-side to compensate for loads that might not be centered on your trailer. I am including a link to the installation instructions on the Firestone air springs.

Another thing to check is the actual trailer weight and tongue weight of the trailer, fully loaded and ready to travel. If the tongue weight is greater than 15 percent of the total trailer weight fully loaded and ready to travel then you should move some of the gear in the trailer toward the rear of the trailer. Centered over the axles would be the best location to move this gear if possible. Try to get the tongue weight down to between 10 and 15 percent of the total trailer weight.

I also have an air compressor kit that you can install on your vehicle to inflate the air springs from the inside of your vehicle. The Air Lift Load Controller II, part # AL25592, will be a single gauge unit that will allow you to inflate both springs equally. I am including a link to the instructions on the air compressor kit.

expert reply by: Jeff D