Weight Distribution and Sway Control for a Pop-up Camper and 2002 Nissan Frontier King Cab
Updated 07/09/2012 | Published 07/04/2012
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Question:
We are considering purchasing pop up camper. We have never pulled before. Truck specs say I can pull 3001 lb trailer. My gross combined weight is 7000lb. I am looking at a 2700 lb camper and I am wondering what I would need as far as a weight distribution system goes. Friends have recommended a weight distribution/sway control. Are both necessary, and what would be a recommendation. I have hooked the tailor up and have pulled locally jut to test, pulls on K with the exception of when I got around 60 mph it really began to sway. Do you think the trail or is too Heaney or do you think that a weight distribution system will help. I do not want to put myself in danger but I also cant obey a new truck just to pull a camper. I was leaning toward the Pro series weight distribution with sway control because of the cost factor.
asked by: Barry R
Expert Reply:
I do not think the trailer is too heavy but weight distribution and sway control will help. When choosing a weight distribution system, you will need to go by the tongue weight of the trailer loaded and ready to tow and then add the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
For a 2,700 pound trailer and nothing loaded behind the rear vehicle axle, that would be the tongue weight at 270 to 405 pounds. The Pro Series systems that include sway control are rated too high for a trailer of this weight and they would not be effective.
What you can do is get a Reese system that is rated lower, # RP65509, and then add friction sway control, # 83660. You will also need a properly sized ball, # A-90 for a 2 inch diameter or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch.
Since you are experiencing sway, having sway control will benefit you. I have included some links to some FAQs that should help you.
