Trailer Hitch, Wiring, Weight Distribution, and Transmission Cooler for a 2008 Dodge Nitro

Question:

hi i just want to know exactly which parts i need to package my vehicle with ie hitch, stabilizer, wiring, equalizor? tranny cooler to enable my nitro 2008 to pull a 2800 lb trailer dry weight and haul up to 3500 lbs

asked by: Cathleen

Expert Reply:

The first thing you are going to want to do is consult the owners manual for your 2008 Dodge Nitro to determine what the capacity of the vehicle is and that is the capacity you need to go by. I have it on good authority that the standard towing capacity is 2,000 pounds and with the factory tow package it increases to 3500 pounds and up to 5,000 pounds with weight distribution and the factory tow package. There may be other things in the factory tow package like different engine tune or gearing on the transmission that allow it to tow more weight. These are things you cannot get aftermarket.

For a trailer hitch the most popular option is # e83KR from etrailer. This is a Class 3 hitch with a 2 inch receiver.

I also recommend the etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts, 2 balls, a hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag. For trailer wiring use # 118554. I have linked a video for the wiring as well.

For weight distribution you will need to again make sure that the vehicle can be used with weight distribution by checking the owners manual. When choosing a system you will go by the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of any cargo loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

For a gross trailer weight ranging from 2800 to 3500 pounds, I recommend a system rated for 200 to 600 pounds tongue weight like # RP66540. You would just need to add a ball to this system using # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch. To add sway control you can add # 83660.

For a transmission cooler the most popular option for your Nitro is # D13503. I have included a link to a video showing a typical installation of a transmission cooler on a similar vehicle for you. I have also included some links to weight distribution and transmission cooler FAQs for you.