Towing 3300 lb Pop-Up with 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander with 3500 lb Towing Capacity  

Question:

Expert Reply:

As long as the fully loaded weight of the pop-up doesn't exceed the 3500 lb towing capacity of the vehicle or the capacity of the hitch, you can use the Curt # C17345 weight distribution system you referenced. I'm not sure of the capacities of the hitch you're using, but all the hitches we offer for your vehicle have a tongue weight capacity of 400 lbs. When you figure the tongue weight of the trailer, you'll also need to include the weight of anything carried in the cargo area of your Outlander, behind the rear axle. If the tongue weight of the trailer exceeds the Weight Distribution Tongue Weight Capacity figure listed on the sticker on your hitch, I wouldn't tow that trailer with that vehicle.

From the information you provided, it looks like the weight of your pop up is pretty close to the capacity of the vehicle, and of the hitch. If you'll only be pulling the pop up once a year on relatively flat terrain, you might be okay. However, if you're anticipating towing the trailer frequently in a mountainous environment, you're going to ruin your vehicle's driveline. Adding a transmission cooler like part # D13503 would offer some inexpensive protection.

Long story short, if the weight of the trailer doesn't exceed the capacity of the vehicle or the hitch, you will be just shy of those capacities. Adding a transmission cooler can offer some protection, but continually operating a vehicle right at its towing capacity is never a good idea.

I'll link you to some of our FAQ articles about weight distribution that I hope you'll find helpful.

Using airbags and weight distribution can sometimes work against each other, and they have different purposes. An air suspension enhancement system is designed to help suspend cargo carried in the cargo area of the tow vehicle, while weight distribution uses leverage provided by spring bars to transfer a portion of a trailer's tongue weight from the rear axle of the tow vehicle to the front axle. This helps eliminate the rear end squat and levels out the ride height.

expert reply by: Mike L

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