Recommended Weight Distribution for 2010 Nissan Pathfinder Towing 5800 lb Camper

Expert Reply:

According to my research, your vehicle is capable of towing 6000 lb Trailer Weight/ 600 lb Tongue weight if it is equipped with the V6 motor, or 7000 lb Trailer/ 700 lb tongue weight if equipped with the V8 motor. The use of a weight distribution system will not increase these towing capacities.

For the purposes of choosing a weight distribution system, you will need to determine the fully loaded and ready to tow trailer and tongue weight. The weight of anything stored in the cargo area behind the rear axle of the Pathfinder is also considered tongue weight, and should be added to your fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight. Make sure these figures do not exceed the tow rating of the vehicle.

For a trailer with the specifications you mention, the system you referred to, # PS49902 would most likely be a good choice, if the actual tongue weight of your camper does not exceed 750 lb max capacity of the system. Make sure to disengage the sway control when backing the trailer or when towing in icy or slick conditions. Due to the length of the camper you might need an additional sway control unit, # 83660.

If you should find that the weight of the camper does not exceed the capabilities of the vehicle, you might want to consider installing a transmission cooler like # D13503. A transmission cooler is inexpensive protection for your transmission, and is an excellent addition especially when you are towing something whose weight is pretty close to the towing capacity of the vehicle. Transmission coolers are not vehicle specific, so to determine if a particular cooler will fit your vehicle, you will need to note the dimensions of the cooler from the product description page, and measure the available space in front of your radiator.

I will link you to the install instructions for the system you mentioned, as well as some FAQ articles about weight distribution and transmission coolers.

expert reply by: Mike L