Nissan Frontier V6 & 19' Escape - WDH?

[jlgrillot]

We plan on using a 2012 Nissan Frontier V6 4x4 KingCab to pull a 19' Escape. TV is rated at 6300 lbs. Nissan recommends a WDH for trailers 5000 lbs. and over. Seems I should be fine w/o the WDH, but just wondering if anyone is using a similar setup, and would share their real life experience towing with or without a WDH.

Thanks Jim

[cpaharley2008]

I towed with my Frontier, had the crew cab but was v-6 and 4x4 and standard shift- had no issues, it is a fine truck. The Escape 19' tongue weight is under 400# so you should not need any w/d set up. Enjoy...

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by jlgrillot

We plan on using a 2012 Nissan Frontier V6 4x4 KingCab to pull a 19' Escape. TV is rated at 6300 lbs. Nissan recommends a WDH for trailers 5000 lbs. and over. Seems I should be fine w/o the WDH, but just wondering if anyone is using a similar setup, and would share their real life experience towing with or without a WDH.

Thanks Jim

Hi: jlgrillot... You'll love the Nissan/Escape combo. WE DO!!! With a dual axle trailer the biggie thing is it needs to tow level. That evenly distributes the weight on the 2 axles. For that you need the right drop angle stinger in the hitch.
Our 4X4 Nissan Frontier didn't need any extra support for the truck even adding 700#s pin weight to the box. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Bruce Wray]

Get in touch with Reace - he used to have and tow with a Frontier. He went to a Ford 150, but I suspect that was primarily because he needed more cab space for his family.

Bruce

[schmucko]

I have a 2005 v6 frontier nismo. I picked my 19' up at the factory in September 2012. The ball mount had a bit too much drop, and even with a ball with a 1" lift wasn't quite right. Since I had purchased a EQ hitch for my upcoming Jeepster convertible project we decided to use it rather than buying another ball mount.

I'll never pull the trailer without an equalized hitch again. The feel is very very different and much better. The whole truck/trailer seems locked together.

Try it. I think you'll like it.

.john

[Carol R]

Howdy! I have absolutely nothing to add to this particular thread but I sure hope you come to the June rally. I can't wait to meet someone with a name like "schmucko!"

[prairieboy]

I have a Toyota Tacoma with similar capacities. Access Cab, four wheel drive, 2945 kg (6500 lb) tow package. Similar to the Nissan, Toyota says no WD hitch is required unless towing over 2265 kg (5000 lb). However, Toyota says sway control is required for any trailer over 905 kg (2000 lb). I haven’t towed with either WD hitch or sway control. When towing my 17B, the trailer was like glue behind the truck. Just moved to a 19, a lot more trailer and it is not feeling as secure. I’ve wondered if that is just me getting used to a larger trailer …. or do I need sway control? I’ve talked to a hitch manufacture (Andersen Hitches mentioned in other forum threads) and they tell me their hitch would not do much for weight distribution as my truck/trailer is already well balanced, but I’d benefit from their hitch’s sway control properties. I’d appreciate anyone thoughts on sway control.

[cpaharley2008]

Have you weighed your tongue in your 19? Possibly you may be light.

[PGDriver]

My previous tow vehicle was a TRD Tacoma, great vehicle enough power...
But it towed a lot better with the WDH that I bought from Escape Trailers.

[prairieboy]

Thanks. I hadn't thought of being too light, no scale so I measured how much the truck 'sat' with the trailer (2.25 to 2.5 inches) and then without the trailer, how much the truck sat when I put 140kg then 160kg (300 - 350 lbs) on the tailgate. My guess is a trailer tongue weight of 150 kilos (325lbs) which seems to be appropriate. Given Doug's comment his Tacoma towing better with a WDH......one more outing and then I'll decide.