Using a WD Off-Road While Towing with a 2015 Nissan Xterra
Updated 04/23/2018 | Published 04/20/2018
Question:
We go in the desert so I installed a Wilco spare tire carrier on my Xterra, which has the 5000 lb rating of the OEM receiver. RV dealer installed a WD hitch which I think is to long, causing an issue when traveling over rough roads. Wlico tire carrier weighs 50 lbs. plus spare tire and rim. Hitch installed was rated 600 lbs. TW 6000 LBS. GTW How do I measure length of hitch??
asked by: Jeffrey Y
Expert Reply:
It sounds like you are trying to determine what the best WD shank, like part # RP3214, would be for towing off-road with your 2015 Nissan Xterra.
Using a shank that has a different length isn't really going to change anything for your towing application. Typically longer shanks are used when someone is trying to achieve more rear clearance like what you may need with the tailgate on a pickup.
Your problem might be that you are using a WD system off-road. If you check the installation instructions for your WD system you will most likely find a place that tells you not to use it for rough terrain. The bars on a WD system will be what is causing your off-road experience to less than desirable.
If you disengage your WD system and remove the arms then you should have a better towing experience. Let me know what WD system you have and, if we carry it, I can look into specifics about towing off-road.
