Weight Distribution and Brake Controller Recommendation for a 2011 Nissan Frontier

Question:

My total tongue weight will normally be about 700 pounds but could approach 900 at times. Ho do you feel about the Reese straightline system? Thanks

asked by: Dale B

Expert Reply:

For a weight distribution system that offers sway control and the ability to backup without removing the spring bars or sway control, I recommend looking at our Blue Ox SwayPro systems. I have attached a link to all of the SwayPro systems for you to check out.

In order to choose the best weight distribution for your truck and trailer, you will want to determine the total tongue weight of your towing setup. The total tongue weight will include the loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer plus the weight of any cargo loaded in your truck bed behind the rear axle.

Once you have found your total tongue weight, you will want to choose a weight distribution system that can handle your tongue weight. For example, if the loaded tongue weight of your trailer is 650 lbs and you load 150 lbs of cargo and gear in your truck bed behind the rear axle, then your total tongue weight is 800 lbs. The SwayPro system that you will want is part # BXW1000 which has a maximum tongue weight capacity of 1,000 lbs.

If you can tell me your total tongue weight, or an approximate total tongue weight, I will be happy to make a more specific recommendation. Weight distribution systems do not typically include a hitch ball, so you can use part # 19286 if you need a 2-5/16 inch ball or part # A-90 for a 2 inch ball.

I have attached a help article on weight distribution for you to check out.

For a brake controller, you have several options. My favorite brake controller is the Tekonsha Prodigy P3, # 90195. This is one of the top brake controllers on the market and comes with many upgraded features. I have attached a video of this brake controller being installed on a 2011 Nissan Frontier. To complete the installation, I recommend using the Tekonsha Brake Control Wiring Adapter, # 3050-P.

If your truck does not already have the factory tow package with a 7-way trailer connector, then you will also want to pick up the Nissan Tow Package Wiring Harness Kit, # 118266.

expert reply by: John H

Dale B.

7/2/2014

My total tongue weight will normally be about 700 pounds but could approach 900 at times. Ho do you feel about the Reese straightline system? Thanks

John H.

7/2/2014

The Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution systems with the Dual Cam sway control are excellent systems as well. They will take a little more effort to install and setup and they will require drilling to install, but the dual cam sway control is one of the top sway control devices on the market. It is a proactive style of sway control that was designed to prevent sway before it begins. For your tongue weights, I recommend part # RP66084. This system has an effective tongue weight range of 600 lbs to 1,200 lbs and would work well for you. Like the Blue Ox SwayPro, it does not come with a hitch ball, so you can use part # A-90 for a 2 inch ball or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball. I have attached an installation video for you to check out. Since your truck is a 4x4, you may want to measure to determine if the included shank will give you enough drop to tow the trailer level. The included shank will give you a maximum drop of 1-1/4 inches. I have attached a help article that explains how to measure for the correct rise or drop. If you need more drop, let me know and I can recommend the correct parts for you.