X17Z or X19H and Nissan Pathfinder TV

[Glenn M]

Hi all, an extreme newbie here wanting to get into camping by trailer. I'm in Ontario (Canada), just east of Toronto. I have no towing experience.

I'd love to try a hybrid, so looking to rent for a summer road and camping trip. I really like the X19H as a possible purchase, but the rental unit would be an X17Z. My tow vehicle would be a 2019 Pathfinder, 6,000 lb towing capacity with the factory tow package.

So here are my questions for the forum:
1. Can I tow either trailer safely and comfortably with the Pathfinder? At most there would be 3 of us: 2 adults and and growing 100 lb child.
2. Can I/should I use a WDH? From what I read, I think I want to.

I know I'm going to get a wide range of responses and opinions based on what I've already read on similar forums, and I appreciate everyone's thoughts, but some real-world experience with this or a similar set-up would really be appreciated.

Many thanks in advance!

[bankr63]

I towed the X19-H for a couple of years with a Chevy Traverse. Similar size and weight ratings as the Pathfinder.

It was a comfortable tow experience, but I did have to watch my weights as it was nearing the limits, primarily for RGAWR (rear axle) and Payload when fully loaded. You would want to be a regular a local CAT scale. We do carry about 1,000# of camp gear on a longer trip.

Yes, a WDH would be recommended, just get one sized for the trailer. Over sizing the hitch is not recommended.

If you plan to rent the 17Z this summer, that will give you a good starting point. Be sure to hit a CAT scale and get a full 3-pass weigh in once you are fully loaded with camp gear and family (search here on JOF for instructions), so you know your true weights. From there it should be easy to extrapolate the extra weight from the 19H and see if you think you would be able to do it. The 17 will also give you an idea of how comfortable you are towing with the Pathfinder, and if the 17 feels near the limits to you, then the 19 will probably feel over the limits.

[Millertyme76]

I bought my X17Z last year. Never really had a reason to tow much before. I have a F150 with the 2.7L ecoboost. 7500 lbs tow capacity. I do use a WDH but it is more for sway control. I pulled twice without the WDH when I first bought the camper and I can say I like it better with the WDH. I would think the pathfinder could handle it. Stay within the vehicles tow/payload limits.

[JaycoBud]

We tow a Jayco x17z with a Toyota Highlander. It does the job. We do use a WDH. I towed it a couple times before the WDH was installed and it was manageable but not good. Much better with WDH. While the highlander is rated 5,000 towing, you know you are towing from dead stop and in the mountains. It has the power to do so but in the Smokies and western Tenn, we were shifting down for long steep grades and driving slower on interstates. We keep it under 70 mph. On the flat straight always your biggest problem is reminding yourself that you are towing since the tow is that smooth. MPG is a bitter pill for me. On a good trip I usually average 12 mpg. Not better than 13 or 14 in best conditions and under 10 in crummy conditions. It's like towing a parachute. Hope this helps.

[DocBrown]

Don't even think about towing either of those without a WDH. SUVs have soft suspensions as they are built for ride comfort. Even a couple of hundred lbs on the hitch will raise the front end up to a scary height and remove steering control from your front wheels. My X20E has a lower GVWR than that X19H and I have to use the WDH with my Sierra. It would be a scary drive without it. I towed my old '03 Kiwi 17a with a Chevy Trailblazer that had similar specs to your Pathfinder. No way would I have been able to tow that little trailer with WDH.

One thing to check is your payload. It's on the sticker in your driver door jamb. Subtract the tongue weight,weight of the hitch, you partner and child, and any "stuff" you carry in the vehicles. For the X19H you have a potential tongue weight of 644#, 100# for the WDH, potentially 350-400# for people. That's 1094#. If your payload is 1100# you are right at the edge. I would image it's closer to 1300#, but I wanted to give you an idea of what you need to think about.

Regarding mileage, don't worry about it. For the most part, no matter what you tow in a box and what you tow it with, expect anywhere from 8-13 mpg. With the average of 10 being very common.

[SteveMM]

We tow our 2013 x17z with a 2015 Pathfinder. That model year has a 5,000 lb. tow rating. While it struggles a bit in the mountains, overall the Pathfinder handles it just fine. For my setup, though, I would never consider trying to tow anything heavier.

[Tiguan Tow r]

Suggest you contact CanAm RV in London and speak with either Andy Thompson or one of the hitch specialists. They were very helpful with our Tiguan setup. Alternatively, come to the Toronto RV show end of Feb, and speak with them there.

[Isaacs]

A WDH puts a lot of stress on the "frame" of the tow vehicle. Make sure the Pathfinder is rated to accept one as some SUVs are not.

The X17 will have a tongue weight of around 350-400 pounds. The tongue weight on these small single axle trailers is highly variable depending on the final height of the hitch after the back of the SUV is dragged down. Make sure your ball mount has enough rise to keep the trailer level.

[DocBrown]

Originally Posted by Isaacs

The tongue weight on these small single axle trailers is highly variable depending on the final height of the hitch after the back of the SUV is dragged down.

How does the height of of the hitch have anything to do with tongue weight? Tongue weight is a constant. If you load up and you have a 500# of on tongue weight, that doesn't change when connected to the tow vehicle.

[Isaacs]

Originally Posted by DocBrown

How does the height of of the hitch have anything to do with tongue weight? Tongue weight is a constant. If you load up and you have a 500# of on tongue weight, that doesn't change when connected to the tow vehicle.

It's not constant. When the trailer rocks forward more weight is transferred to the tongue. I know, I've weighed mine! Longer trailers with two axles probably don't make much of a difference.

[DocBrown]

Originally Posted by Isaacs

It's not constant. When the trailer rocks forward more weight is transferred to the tongue. I know, I've weighed mine! Longer trailers with two axles probably don't make much of a difference.

Rocks forward? I'm not following. I had a single axle 17 ft hybrid for 10 years. I don't recall anything ever rocking forward.

[campingva]

Would not do anything larger than the 17Z. If you do you are adding more weight and will be close to maxing out its capability. Also another item to consider is the wind resistance behind your Tow Vehicle. Also male sure you get a great brake controller for this set up.

[RogerR]

If you are still hitch shopping look at the Andersen. Comparatively much lighter than bar type hitches, great sway protection and easy on/off. Company has great customer service. I like the Andersen leveler too!

[Geoscience Guy]

Camping @ 9000ft Cloudcroft NM