Weight Distribution and Sway Control for a 2001 Nissan Frontier and 4,075 Pound Trailer

Question:

I have a 2001 Nissan Frontier SE King Cab. It has a 5000 lb towing capacity, 500 lb tongue weight with out a weight distribution hitch and 600 lb with one. Ill be towing a TrailManor folding hard sided trailer with a GVWR of 4075 lbs. I am looking for a weight distribution hitch and possibly a sway control. My vehicle manual says I should use a sway control if I pull anything over 2000 lbs but the TrailManor company says I shouldnt need one. Questions: 1. Do they make a weight distribution hitch with an optional sway control should I need one? 2. What hitch would you recomend for my towing setup? 3. The Reese and Draw Tite are much more expensive than a Pro Series. Are they really better or am I paying for a name.

asked by: Marty

Expert Reply:

First a trailer of any weight towed by any given vehicle can be subject to sway so it is better to have one. When calculating tongue weight you need to go by the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow and then add the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle.

For a trailer weighing 4,075 pounds the tongue weight will be at least 400 pounds. This can be adjusted by moving some weight further towards the back of he trailer if possible. I recommend a system that is rated for 200 to 600 pounds since you cannot go over 600 pounds anyway.

Take a look at # RP66540. This is a Reese system which uses trunnion bars which are easier to hook up and provide more ground clearance when compared to round bar systems.

This system does not include sway control but it can be added later using friction bar # 83660. You also need a properly sized ball like # A-90 for a 2 inch diameter or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch diameter. The Reese system will work well for you and I think you will be happy with it.

I have also included a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control.