Best Trailer Hitch Receiver And 7-way Connector For Towing 3500lb TT W/ 2018 Nissan Pathfinder

Question:

Im pretty sure I only need a Class III hitch. Our trailer weight full is 3500 lbs. I saw the video for the Curt vs Draw Title receiver hitches but I didnt see where the 7-pin connection would go on the Curt. We are concerned with the look of the hitch. So which hitch is better for a small trailer? Also, we are thinking of going with an Anderson hitch for a low-weight way to help distribute weight and help with sway.

asked by: Shari P

Expert Reply:

For your 2018 Nissan Pathfinder I recommend going with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # C13309 you mentioned as it has a hidden crosstube meaning the only visible part of the hitch is the actual receiver where the Draw-Tite # 76031 you were looking at will have the crosstube and the receiver visible.

Both the # C13309 and # 76031 have the same 900lb tongue weight rating and 6000lb trailer weight rating so you will not be sacrificing any towing capabilities by going with the more hidden design.

Since you mentioned that you will be adding a 7-way connector to your Pathfinder, I recommend going with the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness 7-Way Trailer Connector # 118273 as it is a custom fit for your vehicle and will not require any splicing.

To mount the 7-way connector to the # C13309 you will need the Curt Easy Mount Bracket for 4- or 5-Way Flat and 6- or 7-Way Trailer Connectors - 2" Hitch # C58000.

If you are needing a 7-way connector due to your 3500lb travel trailer having electric trailer brakes you will also need a trailer brake controller of which I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 due to it being an extremely reliable controller with great features like an easy to read LCD screen and built in diagnostics that are easy to read and understand. Using Plug-In Adapter # 3050-P will allow you to plug the # 90195 directly into the factory trailer brake controller port in your Pathfinder.

Now you mentioned you were interested in a weight distribution hitch to help keep your Pathfinder level when towing and help fight sway.

Weight distribution hitches are classified by total tongue weight rating. Total tongue weight is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to tow trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your vehicle. Using a tongue weight scale like the # e99044 is a great way to get an accurate tongue weight measurement, but there are other methods outlined in the included help article.

Since tongue weight is typically 10-15% of the trailer weight, and you mentioned that your trailer weighs 3500lbs loaded you should expect to see 350-525lbs tongue weight.

For a weight distribution hitch that works with that range it is hard to beat the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW # FA94-00-0800 which works with total tongue weights ranging from 400-800lbs. The Fastway hitches are very high quality for the money, and the built in 2-point sway control does a great job of keeping your trailer going straight down the road. With this hitch you will need a 2" hitch ball # A-90 or 2-5/16" hitch ball # 19286 to match the coupler on your trailer.

I included videos for the products mentioned for you to take a look at.