Parts Needed to Tow With a 2020 Nissan Rogue

Question:

Hi. I have several questions. I purchased a Curt C13204 hitch for my 2020 Nissan Rogue. The specs for the hitch say tongue weight is 525 lbs and towing capacity to almost 3500 pounds. Does this supersede the Nissan limits or am I still limited by the Nissan numbers? If I am OK to tow heavier than 1100 lbs or so, do I need a transmission cooler? Should I use a sway bar for a trailer of about 3000 lbs? What other precautions would I need to take? Should I order a wiring harness that includes the trailer brakes? Thank you very much for your help. I know its a lot, but Im not sure where else to turn for answers I can depend on to be accurate.

asked by: Bob I

Expert Reply:

To answer your first question, you will be limited by the lowest rated component. It looks like the maximum towing capacity for your 2020 Nissan Rogue is 1,102 pounds. To verify this, you can check the inside door jamb of the driver door. There will be a sticker/label with all the capacities of the vehicle.

As to the rest of your questions, a transmission cooler is generally suggested if you will be towing often. Transmissions can get pretty warm when doing this and a cooler will help keep the temperature down.

A weight distribution system may be needed, but I always tell people to try towing without one first to see if it is needed or not. If you d end up needing one, finding the correct one will depend on the tongue weight of the trailer. When looking for one, you will want to match the tongue weight of the trailer to as close to the middle of the weight distribution systems capacity as possible. I do also need to mention that the hitches for your vehicle are not rated to be used with a weight distribution system though.

And finally to the wiring. If you will be towing at all, you will need to start with a 4 Flat, like the Tekonsha # 118480. This will power all the lights on a smaller trailer that does not use electric brakes. If you do end up looking at a trailer with electric brakes, you will need to add on our Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controllers # ETBC7. This will piggyback off of the 4 Flat and will get you up to a 7 Way. From there you will need a brake controller, like the Tekonsha # TK90160, to get the brakes working on the trailer.

expert reply by: Lazer S