Towing Small Heavy Trailer with a Nissan Leaf and Class I Hitch

Updated 06/11/2014 | Published 06/09/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(161)

$176.58

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2607)

$15.96

2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs

(2607)

$17.56

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(60)

$214.33

Curt Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 3-1/8" Rise - 9-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs

(2253)

$37.13

Question:

I wanted ask about towing with the nissan leaf hitch. I noted on your site it has a tow weight of 1500pounds. Is it possible to increase that? I have a small heavy trailer. Is it possible to extend the amount of weight it tows using the weight distribution stabilizes you guys offer? Or to engineer the hitch to take more weight? The trailer means a lot to me as it is sentimental and built by my father so I want to continue to use it. Thanks

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

A weight distribution system is recommended anytime you tow a trailer that weighs more than 50 percent of the tow vehicle, but it will not allow you to take on more weight than the maximum capacity. They are also incompatible with 1-1/4 inch hitches.

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11396 is the only hitch we sell for your vehicle and is rated at 1500 pounds gross trailer weight and 150 pounds tongue weight. The combined weight of the trailer and contents cannot exceed 1500 pounds. You will want to consult the vehicle owner's manual to make sure the vehicle can tow the 1500 pounds. Even though the hitch is rated that high, the vehicle may not be. You are limited by the lowest rated component in the system.

As long as your trailer weight does not exceed the rated towing capacity of your Leaf, or the 1500-pounds maximum rating for a Class I hitch, then you can tow it with your Leaf. I have included a link to the installation instructions for this hitch.

The recommended ball mount for this hitch is # C45520.
The recommended 1-7/8" hitch ball is # 19256.
The recommended 2" hitch ball is # 19258.