Weight Distribution Recommendation for a 2011 Nissan Frontier Towing a R-Pod Trailer

Updated 05/14/2014 | Published 05/13/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control for 2" Hitch - 3.5K GTW, 350 lbs TW

(497)

$830.11

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3927)

$21.94

Question:

I have a 2011 Nissan Frontier 4x4 with V6 towing a 3000 pound R-Pod with about 265 tongue weight. I have electric breaks but no sway bar or load leveler and the TV tow rating is 6300 pounds. When towing, the ride is much bumpier although I do not detect any sway. Any suggestions on what I should do about it? My wife does not like riding in the truck the way it is and we have a 600 mile trip coming up. Thanks much

asked by: Dan U

Expert Reply:

Adding sway control will not necessarily help with a bumpy ride, but weight distribution is recommended when the weight of the trailer is greater than 50 percent of the tow vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The bumpy ride is likely due to the fact that the tongue weight of the trailer is causing your truck to sag, so there is less movement for the suspension.

For your situation, I recommend looking at the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution and Sway Control, # BXW0350. This weight distribution system has a maximum tongue weight rating of 350 lbs and the design of the head provides integrated sway control, so you will be getting both benefits. Weight distribution will reduce the sag at the rear axle and distribute the tongue weight to all axles of the truck and trailer.

The SwayPro systems do not come with a hitch ball, so you may also want to pick up a 2 inch hitch ball with a 1-1/4 inch shank diameter like part # A-90. I have attached a help article on weight distribution for you to check out if you are new to this type of system.

expert reply by: John H