Towing Capacity and Parts Needed to Tow a Trailer with a 1996 Nissan Pickup XE

Updated 01/30/2018 | Published 01/29/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(61)

$272.49

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

(1375)

$93.58

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

(61)

$47.94

Question:

Dear etrailer experts: I have a 1996 Nissan XE pickup truck, its 4 cyl. 4x2, 5 speed manual transmission. Im interested in pulling a lite travel trailer. What products do I need to ready my truck and how big of a travel trailer can I pull? Many thanks!

asked by: Beverly

Helpful Expert Reply:

In order to tow a trailer with your 1996 Nissan Pickup XE, you will need a trailer hitch, trailer wiring harness, ball mount, and a hitch ball. For a trailer hitch I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 75186 which is a Class III hitch with a 2" receiver tube opening. This is also the most cost effective hitch we have confirmed to fit your truck.

For a trailer wiring harness, theHopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector Item # HM43505 is also a confirmed fit and will not require you to cut or splice any wires for installation. It is a simple cost effective plug and play solution.

For a ball mount/hitch ball kit I recommend part # 989900. In order to determine if this kit will work for you, you would want to measure from the ground to the top of your hitch receiver tube opening and from the ground to the bottom of the coupler on your trailer while level. The difference between the two measurements will give you the correct amount of rise/drop you will need in a ball mount. I have attached a help article that will walk you through this process as well.

To determine the maximum trailer weight you can tow with your truck, you will need to find both the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). These figures can be located on the information tag inside the drivers door jamb. If you subtract the GVW from the GCWR, that will give you the maximum gross trailer weight (GTW) you can safely tow. According to a few sources I found online, your 1996 Nissan Pickup XE has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs though you will need to use the above method to be sure.

expert reply by: Conner L