Weight Distribution System for Towing a 21 Ft Travel Trailer with a 2011 Nissan Frontier
Question:
Im purchasing a 21-ft tandem axle travel trailer with a GVWR of 4770 lbs and a brochure listed Tongue Weight of 370 lbs. The actual trailer Dry Weight is 3583 lbs and will have a loaded weight of at least 4200 lbs. Assuming a 15 ratio for tongue weight from trailer weight that would mean a Tongue Weight of about 630 lbs. My question is would the 1000/10,000 Hitch be too much for this setup? Would I have any issues adjusting the tension? Would it be too rigid for my tow vehicle to manage? Thanks
asked by: Curtis L
Expert Reply:
If your fully loaded weights are close to what you listed, the Weight Distribution System, # 49570, would be an excellent choice for your setup.
The spring bars in this system are rated to handle tongue weights from 750 to 1000 lbs and when you add the weight of the weight distribution system components and any weight you will be loading behind the rear axle of your truck, your tongue weight is going to end up somewhere right in the middle of that tongue weight range which is ideal and would not be too rigid for your vehicle. Another good thing about going with this system is that, if you upgrade to a slightly larger trailer in the future, it has room to grow with you.
You should make sure that you do not exceed the weight capacities of your tow vehicle or the hitch on your tow vehicle.
When adjusting the spring bar tension angling the head away from the rear of the vehicle increases spring bar tension and angling it toward the vehicle decreases the tension. Once you have the proper amount of spring bar tension figured out for your trailer, see instructions linked for you, the adjustment will stay the same as long as the tongue weight of the trailer does not change drastically.
Attaching the spring bars can be made much easier by using the trailer jack to lift the tongue of the trailer and the rear of the vehicle at the same time. This allows the spring bars to be easily swung up into position.
