Does Length Matter When Towing with a Short Wheelbase Vehicle

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Question:

12 Nissan Armada, 2wd, Platinum with tow package. Im looking to buy a 6500lb dry weight camper but its 35 ft long. Ive researched the weight and believe Im good there, but nobody talks about the length with the short wheel base. Would the length make a difference when pulling?

asked by: Kyle

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The biggest factor to consider when towing a long trailer with a short wheel base tow vehicle is trailer sway. There is no standard ratio for wheelbase to trailer length, but the general rule is a longer trailer and a shorter wheelbase will increase the severity of trailer sway.

For your towing setup, I strongly recommend considering a weight distribution system with integrated sway control like the Equal-I-zer systems because they will be your best solution for fighting trailer sway.

When choosing a weight distribution system, the most important thing to consider is the Total Tongue Weight of your towing setup. The Total Tongue Weight includes the loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer plus the weight of any gear loaded in the tow vehicle behind the rear axle.

For example, if you find that your Total Tongue Weight will not exceed 1,000 lbs, then I recommend the Equal-I-zer system # EQ37100ET. Keep in mind that the trailer's tongue weight will typically be 10-15 percent of the gross trailer weight. If your Total Tongue Weight exceeds 1,000 lbs, then you will want to step up to the next size, # EQ37120ET.

I've attached a few review videos and links to these systems for you to check out. You may also want to pick up their thin walled socket, # EQ70-00-4800, which will make the setup process much easier.

expert reply by: Timothy G

1

Answer 1

A weight distribution system does not increase a hitch's tongue weight capacity. Rather, it takes weight off of the tongue, helping loads stay stable and level. In other words, if you use a trailer without a weight distribution system with a…

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Answer 2

To confirm which weight distribution hitch will work to tow your trailer with a GVWR of 4995lbs you will need to measure its tongue weight, as the tongue weight rating is usually with the trailer unloaded and will not be accurate. The easiest way to…

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Answer 3

I recommend the Blue Ox TrackPro Weight Distribution #BLU36FR as it has the slightly higher tongue weight rating of 600lbs vs the Blue Ox SwayPro #BXW0550 that only goes to 550lbs. With the dry tongue weight on your 2022 Winnebago Micro Minnie…

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Answer 4

Looking up the information on your 2024 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1800BH I see you have a dry hitch weight of 374lbs as it leaves the factory. As the dealer will fill the propane tanks with 40lbs of propane and add a battery this will give you a hitch…

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Answer 5

I don't have any specific wheelbase measurements for you that is best but I can confirm that the longer wheelbase the truck has, the more stable the truck will be while towing. As a general rule, the vehicle's wheelbase should be at least…

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Answer 6

Thanks so much for the photo that was super helpful, and what the axle tag shows is that you have a #11 Dexter Torflex axle. We do have the correct lift kit for you, which is the following part: - Torflex Lift Kit - Tandem Axle #K71-724-02 This kit…

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Answer 7

Between using a reducer sleeve and upgrading your weight distribution shank, I recommend going with a weight distribution shank designed to fit the 2-1/2 inch hitch receiver on your 2015 Ram 2500HD. Using a 2/1/2 inch shank, like #EQ90-02-4800, for…

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Answer 8

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 9

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 10

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

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Answer 11

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 12

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Does Length Matter When Towing with a Short Wheelbase Vehicle

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