Weight Distribution for a 2006 Nissan Xterra Towing 3,500 Pound Trailer

Updated 04/05/2018 | Published 04/04/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

(875)

$728.77

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(875)

$748.75

SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(2396)

$278.99

Question:

Hi, I have a 2006 Nissan Xterra pulling a Cherokee Wolf Pup 16bhs, typical rolling weight is about 3400-3500 pounds once we load up. I experienced notable sag on the rear of the Xterra last season ans am looking to correct this season, will this part # EQ37100ET provide a good solution?

asked by: Tracy S

Expert Reply:

Generally speaking when vehicle sag is caused by a trailer the best option is to use weight distribution. But on some vehicles, including your 2006 Nissan Xterra, it still may not help enough. In this case using a combination of weight distribution and rear axle helper springs is the way to go.

Equal-I-zer system # EQ37100ET is rated too high for your trailer. You will need to go by the total tongue weight. this is the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, plus the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

Trailer tongue weight is usually 10 to 15 percent of its gross weight so at 3,400 to 3,500 pounds the tongue weight would be somewhere between 340 pounds and 525 pounds. So depending on how much weight, if any, you have loaded behind the rear axle you will be better off with the 600 pound system, # EQ37060ET, unless the total tongue gets above 600 pounds.

I would try the weight distribution first and then if there is still too much sag for you I recommend adding rear helper springs such as # SSR-210-40.

expert reply by: Michael H