Pro Series 49585 Weight Distribution Recommend for 2014 Nissan Frontier Towing Casita Independence

Published 04/01/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Weight Distribution System w/ Shank - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

(13)

$593.39

Question:

Have a 2014 Nissan Fronter crew cab, 2WD, 4.0V6 with factory receiver hitch. Max towing capacity is 6,300 lb, Max TW is 630, gross combined is 11,230 lb. Max trailer frontal area 30 sq ft. Am purchasing a Casita Independence Deluxe 17foot travel trailer with TW being about 400 lb and trailer weight with provisions about 3500 lb with electric brakes. Casita factory will sell me and install a pro series WDH, etc, but WELD on to the 3inch channel steel. Looking at the pictures, it appears the brackets for the WDH Pro 49585 merely clamp on to the tongue. Prefer this method vs welding. The plate for the sway bar is bolted on with 6 bolts vs weldinggood. Also, Id prefer the trunion bars vs the round bars. Lastly, they require ball heigth of 22. Mine is 16inch as you can see in attached photo. Do I gain the 6inch heighth with the raised shank and/or the bars? Any comments/feedback/suggestions would be welcome.

asked by: Bill

Helpful Expert Reply:

The most important factor to consider when picking out a weight distribution system is the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is ready to tow, this also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. I attached an FAQ article on determining tongue weight. Assuming your tongue loaded tongue weight is 400 lbs like you referenced, and the fact that you said you prefer the trunnion setup I think the Pro Series Trunnion Style Weight Distribution Kit with Shank # RP66541 that you referenced would be an excellent choice for you.

Since you said you need a rise of 6 inches this system would work great as well since it can do a rise of 6 inches when the shank is flipped in the rise position. The hangers of this system do not have to be welded, you would be better off just bolting them on with the included hardware.

I attached an FAQ on weight distribution plus an FAQ on picking the correct rise/drop ball mount that you might find helpful as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C