Parts Needed To Tow Travel Trailer With 2015 Nissan Quest

Question:

I’m buying a 2021 Jayco 154bh travel trailer and I was wondering if I could tow it with my 2015 Nissan Quest. Is that possible? Would I need a trans cooler, or any other accessories to be as safe as possible. I’m driving from Miami to Pennsylvania then transporting it back. I have a Curt hitch that I installed as well is is a CURT 13078 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Nissan Quest, Black

asked by: DAVID R

Expert Reply:

Congratulations on the new trailer!

I looked up your new 2021 Jayco 154BH travel trailer, and it has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 3450lbs.

Your 2015 Nissan Quest has a maximum towing capacity of 3500lbs, which matches the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13078 you have and means you will be able to tow the trailer but you will need a few things first.

When looking in the owners manual for your Nissan Quest it does mentioned that Nissan requires trailer brakes for any trailer over 1000lbs, and that you should use a sway-control device for any trailer over 2000lbs.

Since the 154BH you are looking at already has trailer brakes you will just need to add a 7-way connector and trailer brake controller to be able to use the trailer brakes. To do this you will first need a 4-way connector which I recommend the Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # HM11143674.

Now you can install a 7-way connector using # ETBC7 and a traditional trailer brake controller mounted inside of your vehicle like the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195, or the option I recommend is installing the # ETBC7L and using the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180 which mounts directly to the 7-way connector and will not require you to drill holes inside of your vehicle and can be used on multiple different vehicles as long as they have a functioning 7-way connector.

For a sway control device I recommend the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit # 83660 and the Reese Sway-Control Bracket for 2" Ball Mounts # RP26003. This system will mount to the frame of your trailer, and the bracket will be installed to your ball mount with your hitch ball.

While Nissan did not mention needing a transmission cooler as long as your transmission has transmission cooler lines running from the transmission to the radiator you can install one. Since your vehicle has a CVT Transmission it may or may not have the lines running to the radiator.

The best way to determine which transmission cooler is best for you, you will need to measure the space you have available in front of your radiator and use the largest cooler that will fit. For example the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit # D13502 is 11" wide x 7-1/4" tall x 7/8" deep so if you have at least that much space available this would be a great option for additional cooling.

Lastly if you do not already have a ball mount, hitch ball, and hitch pin and clip I recommend the etrailer Ball Mount Kit # 989900 which includes two ball mounts, two hitch balls, two hitch pins and clips, and a carrying case.

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