Will the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Work On a 2012 Nissan Frontier With 5K Trailer

Updated 07/14/2020 | Published 07/10/2020

Question:

Why are some Class III hitches rated for 5,000 pounds 8,000 with weight distribution, but Curt’s rating chart, for example, says Class III hitches are rated for 8,000 pounds 12,000 with weight distribution hitch? Here’s an example of a hitch on etrailer that says it’s Class III but only has a 5,000-pound towing capacity: e98869 And if you’re pulling a 4,800-pound trailer, is it safe to do so with a Class III hitch that says it’s weight capacity is 5,000?

asked by: TJ

Expert Reply:

The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part # e98869 which is a fit for a 2012 Nissan Frontier is rated for 5,000 lbs or 8,000 lbs with weight distribution. If the trailer is under 5,000 lbs loaded then you will be fine without weight distribution but if it's over 5,000 lbs but not 8,000 lbs then you will need a weight distribution system.

The Curt Hitch Class Comparison Chart states that class III hitches can be rated up to 8,000 lbs without weight distribution, not that all class III hitches are rated up to 8,000 lbs.

expert reply by: Conner L