Recommended Hitch and Wiring to Tow Max Capacity of 2013 Nissan Pathfinder

Updated 05/12/2016 | Published 05/10/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(172)

$212.36

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector

(237)

$107.99

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(223)

$62.82

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1369)

$92.61

Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Connector

(11)

$67.30

7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End

(2587)

$42.60

Question:

What hitch do I need to tow up to maximum capacity on my 2013 Nissan Pathfinder? What wiring is going to be necessary to complete? Id like it to look as factory as possible. Thanks,

asked by: Wade P

Expert Reply:

The heaviest rated hitch we have available for your 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is the Curt # C13126.

This Class III 2 inch is rated for 600lbs tongue weight and 4,000lbs towing capacity; if used in combination with a weight distribution system it will have 5,000lbs towing capacity. You will be limited by your lowest rated item which may be the capacity of your vehicle.

The Curt hitch is also going to be the hitch that looks most like the factory hitch. I have linked a picture of this hitch installed on a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder that we did the install on for you to see.

The Nissan's were wired one of three ways, with a round plug, with two square connectors, or with nothing. The wiring harness you will need if you have the factory tow package with the round connector you will want the # HM40975. If you happen to have the factory tow package with two plugs at the rear, see third image, you will need the # 118273 for a 7-way or # 118670 for a 4-way trailer plug. If you do not have the tow package you will need the # HM11143690.

Another thing you will need when it comes to towing a trailer is a ball mount and ball. You might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

I have linked all the above recommended parts to this page as well as a few installation videos for your convenience.