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Can_t_Wait_Now's avatar
Can_t_Wait_Now
Explorer
May 10, 2016

Need a little help with Pathfinder and Thor Aerolite cub

Ok I have a 2002 aerolite cub hybrid weight 2800 dry when purchased last august tow vehicle was 2008 Nissan xterra with aftermarket hitch receiver installed . I purchased a weight distribution system more because of wheel base than weight the xterra tow rating was 5000lb my pathfinder is 6000lb The pathfinder has factory hitch receiver which is allot higher than the aftermarket one I had on xterra. I have lowered the ball as far down as it could go another 2 holes It's not perfectly level but close. The problem I am seeing is allot of rise in front end suspension. I have weight distribution bars level at 6 link rear suspension change is 1" front I thought was only 1" was in a parking lot on first trip out and was allot worse didn't get to measure. So here is my question finally will getting a shank with further drop help remedy the problem or am I not using enough links or too many links in the chains.
  • Can_t_Wait_Now's avatar
    Can_t_Wait_Now
    Explorer
    May 11, 2016
    I went and re measured the receiver and ball hitch I have 17 1/2" to ball hitch and 21 1/2" to center of receiver I put hitch in with shank I have now and the ball is 3" higher than the ball hitch and I have the ball as low as it can go on shank. I measured shank drop and is 6 1/2 " drop I am going to order another shank I think it's the majority of my problem
  • Campfire_Time's avatar
    Campfire_Time
    Explorer
    May 11, 2016
    I'll add a few words to what Barney said. The WDH's main purpose is to put weight back on the front wheels. This is for safety because taking weight off the front diminishes your ability to steer and control the tow vehicle. If when the trailer is hooked up the steering feels "squirlley" then there is not enough weight on the front. It should feel the same with the trailer as without.

    Generally the front fenders should be brought back to stock height after the hitch is properly adjusted. Most full size trucks and SUVs have a spec in the owners manual for this.

    The entire rig need not be perfectly level. Having the trailer lean slightly down is actually desirable.
  • Can_t_Wait_Now's avatar
    Can_t_Wait_Now
    Explorer
    May 10, 2016
    BarneyS wrote:
    If you are getting excessive front end rise then you need to either take up some more links in the chains or tilt the hitch head rearward some more or both.
    No need for a new shank if your present one will allow you to level the trailer by dropping one hole.

    The position of the hitch head on the shank is what is used to level the trailer. The tilt of the hitch head is what levels the WD bars.
    The number of chain links used under tension is what distributes the weight. These things are all inter related and changing one will change the other. You need to experiement to see which gives the best result for your rig.
    You might also give a good long look at this thread that explains, in detail, how to set up your hitch.
    Hope this helps you out a bit. :)
    Barney


    Thanks Barney I already know my shank is too short I need another 4" drop to be level with camper so will try both I can get a 12" shank for $70 to give me more wiggle room one I have now only had 4 holes and dropped it two I need to look at the tilt I didn't change it when dropping height of ball Appreciate your input my friend
  • BarneyS's avatar
    BarneyS
    Explorer III
    May 10, 2016
    If you are getting excessive front end rise then you need to either take up some more links in the chains or tilt the hitch head rearward some more or both.
    No need for a new shank if your present one will allow you to level the trailer by dropping one hole.

    The position of the hitch head on the shank is what is used to level the trailer. The tilt of the hitch head is what levels the WD bars.
    The number of chain links used under tension is what distributes the weight. These things are all inter related and changing one will change the other. You need to experiement to see which gives the best result for your rig.
    You might also give a good long look at this thread that explains, in detail, how to set up your hitch.
    Hope this helps you out a bit. :)
    Barney

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