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I need some recommendations for curing the rear end sag on my Pathfinder.

I've got a standard 16' wood deck, dual axle trailer hauling an 89 civic.

I've found that loading the civic rear end first feels best on the road. That puts the engine pretty much right over the rear axles. Truck felt 100% better with it this way.

I put a 2" drop receiver on to level out the trailer and it does sit pretty darn level right now, but the rear of the truck is sagging a bit more than I'd like.

I'd prefer it be level and install a new receiver to level the trailer back out after the fact.

 

I'm new to this whole towing thing, so please share your opinions.........

 

I have found air bag leveling kits for about $85. Wasn't sure if thats the best way to go or to try and find some heavy duty springs,. etc. etc.

 

Thanks............Scott

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I live my life one cone at a time........

Why don't you just put your girlfriend in the front seat???

 

-MK 

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Mike King
88 CRX Si - STS2 #99
Jacksonville, FL
Team Bridgestone - King Motorsports - A-Spec Racing

SoloTiresdotCom:

Why don't you just put your girlfriend in the front seat???

 

-MK 

 

By herself its not a problem..........but with your wife in there too its just too much.......

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I live my life one cone at a time........

Being as my wife is 109lbs...

 

Anyways, maybe talk to Per at Grassroots Motorsports this coming weekend about their in-house tow vehicle, an '06-07ish Pathfinder...

 

-Mike 

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Mike King
88 CRX Si - STS2 #99
Jacksonville, FL
Team Bridgestone - King Motorsports - A-Spec Racing

Yea, our 05 Pathfinder and my 07 Xterra both sag with a good bit tongue weight, but we've had zero problems towing 1000s of miles. 

 

 

You might want to get an equalizer hitch set up.  The bars transfer more weight to the trailer axles and  to the front axle of the tow rig.  I've used one for years, and it makes towing much nicer.

 Jeff Christianson

I use a equalizer hitch and sway control on anything over 2500 lbs total weight.  Towing is soo much easier that way.  I even use it with my F350 towing!  Braking and acceleration it keeps everhing level and you have better control.  I've been towing this way over 25 years!  Hitch setup can be bought on e-bay for around $250.

Have you checked your tongue weight?  Get an idea what tongue weight feels best, and what it is when it doesn't feel so good.  Position the car and make marks or something to locate the car where it results in the optimal tongue weight.  There's usually a good balance between towability and rear end sag somewhere.  Equalizer Hitches are definately thumbs up!

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Patrick Washburn
STU Evo
www.winghats.com

Get one of these to confirm your tongue weight: http://www.sherline.com/lm.htm.  I'd be willing to bet you're significantly overloading the tongue, but with this you'll easily be able to ensure you're safely loaded.

They're available through a number of distributors but McMaster-Carr is an easy source.  Just go to http://www.mcmaster.com and search on "trailer tongue scale".

Mike
 

Thanks for all the info.......

 

I already load the car tail first to keep the engine over the axles.

The last time I towed, I moved the car back about a foot (put the engine just over the rear axle instead of splitting the two axles). That made a significant difference.

The truck felt like it accelerated easier and bucking was significantly reduced. Held cruise at 80 quite easily and got about 13 mpg.

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I live my life one cone at a time........

Get the weight distributing (equalizer) hitch setup.  I never gave them any attention b/c I just didn't understand how a couple brakets, and metal bars on chains could really do anything.  When I used to tow my 16' flatbed w/ a Honda Passport (Isuzu Rodeo), I always used this setup and never had an issue.  The day came when I needed to move a heavy 3800lb car just a few miles to a shop.  I loaded the FWD sedan on facing frontwards and hadn't bothered to put the distributing hitch on, just a regular ball/mount.  My truck was slammed, and really ass-dragging.  From the drivers seat the view was great of the clouds, but not much else.  I threw the WD-hitch on and like magic the truck/trailer came back to perfectly level.  In other words, don't bother with any other foo-foo methods, just get the hitch and be done.