Towing a trailer question!?

Question

I have a 2001 Nissan Xterra that was equiped with a hitch from another company (not a Nissan Hitch). My car is a 6 cylindar, 2 wheel drive, automatic transmission. If it helps it is a rear whell drive. I looked in my manual and the max load they say is 5000 lbs. What I want to know if there is anything else I need. The book tells me that if my trailer is over 1000 lbs. that I have to have a trailer with a brake system. Would a Uhaul have one? Also they recommend I use a sway control device, what is that?

Answer 1

You will need to know the towing weight of the trailer (how much does it weigh).  You also need to know the tongue weight.  That is how many pounds of pressure are pressing down on the hitch itself.  There should be guidelines in the owner's manual for the X-terra about how much weight can be towed without assist brakes on the trailer.  All of this info is to keep you, your SUV, and the trailer on the road safely.

Answer 2

Trailer sway must always be considered in trailer towing. Unwanted sway can create unnecessary stress on your equipment and you; and, can quickly prove hazardous. Factors contributing to trailer sway include:

Trailer Design

Your Suspension

Tire Inflation Pressures

Configuration of Tow Vehicle

Towing speeds

Hitch weight

There are two popular methods of sway control. The older, more common form of sway control is a friction device referred to as FrictionSway Control.

A more contemporary approach is a device controlled by cam action. Known as Dual Cam Sway Control, it is an innovative and effective technique to help control trailer sway before it starts.