What is the Maximum Capacity of Curt Trailer Hitch 13515 for a 2012 Nissan Xterra
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a nissan xterra 2012. the tow capacity on your class 3 hitch is only 4000lbs. Seems lower than most class 3s?? Anyway, I am running very close or maybe even over the 4000 lb limit of your hitch. tongue rated at 7500lbs and the truck itself is rated at 5400. I am wondering what I can safely get away with on your hitch?
asked by: John A
Expert Reply:
The Curt trailer hitch, # 13514, is rated for up to 6,000 pounds when used with weight distribution. When not using weight distribution it is rated for up to 4,000 pounds like you said. All of the trailer hitches for the 2012 Nissan Xterra are rated for 3,500 pounds to 4,000 pounds weight carrying capacity.
From the information I could find, all the trim levels of the 2012 Nissan Xterra have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. But if your owners manual says different then you will want to go by that.
If you go with Curt trailer hitch # 13514 then the maximum it is capable of is 6,000 pounds if using weight distribution. If the maximum vehicle towing capacity is lower then that is the capacity you will need to go by. For weight distribution you will need to go by the total tongue weight.
Total tongue weight is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow and adding to that the weight of any cargo loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
On a trailer weighing 4,000 pounds the tongue weight would typically be 400 to 600 pounds (10 to 15 percent of gross trailer weight). A system rated for 400 to 800 pounds would work well for this range such as # RP66541. You will just need to add a ball to this system, # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch.
I have included links to our help articles on weight distribution and determining tongue weight for you.

Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 400 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 6000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 600 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Should I Beef Up the Suspension On a 2006 Nissan Xterra When Towing a Trailer
- Q&A: Load Rating For SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs On 2010 Nissan Xterra
- Q&A: Recommended Weight Distribution System For 2010 Nissan Xterra And StarCraft RT11 Pop-Up Camper
- Q&A: Everything Needed to tow Travel Trailer With 2012 Nissan Xterra
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Is a Weight Distribution System Needed for a 4,000 Lb Trailer
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: How to Install a Weight Distribution Hitch (With Pictures & Video)
- Article: Best Hitch Cargo Carriers
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop