[ALuksa]

Hey there, we have a 2018 PF, and are about to purchase a Jayco Flight West 174BH. It's just under 22', with a dry weight of 3,075lbs. They are going to install a total tow kit package as well. A bit nervous as to how our PF will pull it though. Any input or experiences?

 

[larry]

IMO it sounds like the perfect sweet spot for the Pathy...not to long...not too heavy especailly if you don't overload it...whats the hitch weight on it? Think of using a WDH for stability.

 

[JayArras]

Welcome to the forum! You should have no problem pulling that trailer. The only concern is that the Pathfinder rear suspension is adequate, but you will see a sag even with a weight distribution hitch. I'm assuming the trailer dealer is going to install the hitch for you? The most desirable would be the OEM setup which you can buy and install yourself because it sits 3-4 inches higher than most of the aftermarket hitches. Read trough some of the posts in the towing section for the pros and cons and to see some of the pictures that have been posted.

 

[ALuksa]

IMO it sounds like the perfect sweet spot for the Pathy...not to long...not too heavy especailly if you don't overload it...whats the hitch weight on it? Think of using a WDH for stability.

Hitch weight is 300lbs.

 

[ALuksa]

Welcome to the forum! You should have no problem pulling that trailer. The only concern is that the Pathfinder rear suspension is adequate, but you will see a sag even with a weight distribution hitch. I'm assuming the trailer dealer is going to install the hitch for you? The most desirable would be the OEM setup which you can buy and install yourself because it sits 3-4 inches higher than most of the aftermarket hitches. Read trough some of the posts in the towing section for the pros and cons and to see some of the pictures that have been posted.

Thanks!

 

[PoManzPathy]

Welcome! I think if you poke around, you'll find "dry weight" tends to not be realistic. The only way to know tongue weight is to use a scale under the tongue with the trailer loaded and ready to go as you use it.

The other factor is how many people and how much gear you'll have in the pathfinder when towing. That all takes away from the 11000lb gross combined rating. An empty PF weighs ~4600lbs. Say with gear 5200 and your loaded Jayco weighs ~3800lbs. Going conservative, this will put you at 9000 total which is a lot for a FWD based SUV, but should be manageable and you'll read here people do it and are satisfied.

Problem with TTs is the total lack of aerodynamics. That's almost more taxing than the weight and can make for a white knuckle ride in the wrong conditions regardless of the tow rig.

 

[DrDurst]

On my 2019 Pathy I had to go with a weight equalizer hitch and raise the ball several inches to get the vehicle's level. This video has a good explanation of the weight shift and how it works out with the vehicles:

 

[DrDurst]

Here we are with our 2019 Pathy S and our Bushwhacker [2350 pounds dry].
Next time I'm hooked up I'll get a shot of the hitch.

 

[grdault]

You'll notice it behind you but the hitch should help.
I pull 3,800 lbs. with my '17 and it's not ideal. Hopefully installation of air bags in the shocks will help.

 

[larry]

On my 2019 Pathy I had to go with a weight equalizer hitch and raise the ball several inches to get the vehicle's level. This video has a good explanation of the weight shift and how it works out with the vehicles:

I posted that video a couple of years back but in the case of the Pathfinder I believe both air bags and WDH are needed. The air bags are necessary IMO just to lift that saggy arse of the Pathfinder, not as a safety tool like the WDH but to make the ride and feel more level and help out the lack of suspension in the Pathfinder. IMO the airbags are not a substitute for the WDH just a helper.

 

[DrDurst]

I posted that video a couple of years back but in the case of the Pathfinder I believe both air bags and WDH are needed. The air bags are necessary IMO just to lift that saggy arse of the Pathfinder, not as a safety tool like the WDH but to make the ride and feel more level and help out the lack of suspension in the Pathfinder. IMO the airbags are not a substitute for the WDH just a helper.

Agreed, I'm adding airbags to get another 1" or so rise. I did adjust the WDH bar brackets up two notches to get the rig as level as possible.

 

[Danno18]

What air bags did you guys use? I installed the firestone 4118 with little to no raise in the back end.

 

[DrDurst]

What air bags did you guys use? I installed the firestone 4118 with little to no raise in the back end.

Same airbags I used. Helps the ride a lot, much firmer..

 

[JayArras]

What air bags did you guys use? I installed the firestone 4118 with little to no raise in the back end.

The point of airbags is to cushion the ride, not provide a lift. You need springs for that.

 

[larry]

The point of airbags is to cushion the ride, not provide a lift. You need springs for that.

Certain airbag systems are referred to as leveling airbags and are use to correct a sag in the rear but the springs and shocks in the back are more important.

 

[AsylumDEG]

Certain airbag systems are referred to as leveling airbags and are use to correct a sag in the rear but the springs and shocks in the back are more important.

larry's right - exactly this. they can certainly help level the suspension, but they do nothing to increase tow capacity. Here's a great 2016 motor trend article that covers that.

Can adding an airbag to your existing suspension allow you to carry increased payloads or tow heavier trailers? The simple answer is, no! It’s important to remember that the addition of any airbag system does not allow higher payloads or towing capacity to your current vehicle

Air Suspension Basics for Towing

Pneumatic suspension, more commonly called air suspension, has been around since its first patented design the early 1900s. There are many questions about its e

www.motortrend.com

.

 

[larry]

Can adding an airbag to your existing suspension allow you to carry increased payloads or tow heavier trailers? The simple answer is, no! It’s important to remember that the addition of any airbag system does not allow higher payloads or towing capacity to your current vehicle

Air Suspension Basics for Towing

Pneumatic suspension, more commonly called air suspension, has been around since its first patented design the early 1900s. There are many questions about its e

www.motortrend.com

.

Absolutely... So many people including people pulling big RV's have no idea the difference between towing capacity and pay load!