Is Aftermarket Trailer Hitch Safe to Use Over OEM Trailer Hitch for a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
Question:
Yes, even though the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76031 only uses 6 bolts as opposed to the 10 bolts for the OEM trailer hitch it has gone through an extensive amount of stress tests to ensure that the 6,000 lb trailer towing rating is completely safe. I highly recommend going with this over the OEM for your 2017 Nissan Pathfinder so that you can add some extra components. For a cost-effective brake controller that is reliable I recommend the Tekonsha Primus IQ # TK90160. This is a proportional brake controller that installs on your Pathfinder using the Plug-In Adapter # 3050-P If you already have a 7-Way connector at the rear of your vehicle then you are good to go, otherwise you also need the T-One Harness # 118273 to complete your wiring setup. When it comes to suspension enhancement for your '17 Pathfinder is the Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs # F4118 are a great choice that will help to improve your ride quality under a load as you can see in the linked test video. You might consider also installing a compressor kit like the Air Command I # F2158 so that you can not only monitor the pressure in your air bags but you can also fill them right from your cab instead of having to hunt down a compressor. It's great to see that you're already using a weight distribution (WD) system for your towing setup. A WD system is the first thing to use to help level your towing setup so all you need to do is make sure that your total tongue weight (the loaded tongue weight of your trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your Nissan) falls in the middle of the tongue weight range of your e2 WD system.
asked by: Brian B
Helpful Expert Reply:
Yes, even though the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76031 only uses 6 bolts as opposed to the 10 bolts for the OEM trailer hitch it has gone through an extensive amount of stress tests to ensure that the 6,000 lb trailer towing rating is completely safe. I highly recommend going with this over the OEM for your 2017 Nissan Pathfinder so that you can add some extra components.
For a cost-effective brake controller that is reliable I recommend the Tekonsha Primus IQ # TK90160. This is a proportional brake controller that installs on your Pathfinder using the Plug-In Adapter # 3050-P If you already have a 7-Way connector at the rear of your vehicle then you are good to go, otherwise you also need the T-One Harness # 118273 to complete your wiring setup.
When it comes to suspension enhancement for your '17 Pathfinder is the Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs # F4118 are a great choice that will help to improve your ride quality under a load as you can see in the linked test video. You might consider also installing a compressor kit like the Air Command I # F2158 so that you can not only monitor the pressure in your air bags but you can also fill them right from your cab instead of having to hunt down a compressor.
It's great to see that you're already using a weight distribution (WD) system for your towing setup. A WD system is the first thing to use to help level your towing setup so all you need to do is make sure that your total tongue weight (the loaded tongue weight of your trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your Nissan) falls in the middle of the tongue weight range of your e2 WD system.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Nissan and Infiniti
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Nissan
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Wired to Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Air Springs
- Light Duty
- Firestone
more information >
Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Hidden
- Up to 3 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Redarc
more information >
Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 3 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 90 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class IV
- 900 lbs TW
- 6000 lbs GTW
- 6000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 900 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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Brian B.
6/4/2019
Yes, even though the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76031 only uses 6 bolts as opposed to the 10 bolts for the OEM trailer hitch it has gone through an extensive amount of stress tests to ensure that the 6,000 lb trailer towing rating is completely safe. I highly recommend going with this over the OEM for your 2017 Nissan Pathfinder so that you can add some extra components. For a cost-effective brake controller that is reliable I recommend the Tekonsha Primus IQ # TK90160. This is a proportional brake controller that installs on your Pathfinder using the Plug-In Adapter # 3050-P If you already have a 7-Way connector at the rear of your vehicle then you are good to go, otherwise you also need the T-One Harness # 118273 to complete your wiring setup. When it comes to suspension enhancement for your '17 Pathfinder is the Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs # F4118 are a great choice that will help to improve your ride quality under a load as you can see in the linked test video. You might consider also installing a compressor kit like the Air Command I # F2158 so that you can not only monitor the pressure in your air bags but you can also fill them right from your cab instead of having to hunt down a compressor. It's great to see that you're already using a weight distribution (WD) system for your towing setup. A WD system is the first thing to use to help level your towing setup so all you need to do is make sure that your total tongue weight (the loaded tongue weight of your trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your Nissan) falls in the middle of the tongue weight range of your e2 WD system.