Low rear when towing

[Modwoode]

2015 Xterra 4x4 Manual: I'm looking for recommendations to even out my dragging butt when hauling a camper.

I haul a camper full-time, usually moving short distances 1-2x/month, long distance (1k miles+) 1-2x/year - I also use the Xterra as my main vehicle for commuting/everyday driving/weekend off-roading/etc. I just upgraded to a single axle/higher clearance trailer (max rec. weight) and the Xterra is riding lower in the back than it was with my old, double axle/lower framed trailer (same weight). I have WD/sway set as high as I can and a slightly raised ball to compensate for the higher trailer frame, but it's still weighing it down more than I'd like (picture attached).

I realize my likely options are air bags or new springs - something to keep it riding semi-normally off the trailer and fix the weight problem when hauling. I'm a budget minded person but I plan to haul full-time with the Xterra for a long time to come, so I want to balance cost with worth. Thanks.

 

[CHUG]

Airbags are nice.. can adjust for Load.
Or helper springs.

did a quick search.. :https://www.xterranation.org/index....air-amount-of-tongue-weight.8810/#post-482670

hope that helps

 

[Modwoode]

Thanks! I appreciate it. Unfortunately my problem is more sag than bounce - the ride is smooth it's just low with weight on it. Would helper springs be recommended for constant and varied use such as mine?

 

[maillet282]

Helper springs( like helping helper springs for example) can be added to the rear Leaf pack to give you a bit more resistance to your springs. But just like an AAL it’s a bandaid for the xterra’s week springs.

what’s the tongue weight on your camper as well as the gross weight your towing?

 

[Modwoode]

Helper springs( like helping helper springs for example) can be added to the rear Leaf pack to give you a bit more resistance to your springs. But just like an AAL it’s a bandaid for the xterra’s week springs.

what’s the tongue weight on your camper as well as the gross weight your towing?

345 lb dry on the tongue, gross weight now that it's loaded with my stuff is maxed (4500-5k lb). I have Fastway e2 trunnion WD installed and it brought the Xterra’s nose back down to 1/4" of normal unloaded, but it's still definitely back heavy - heavier than I'd like for my next big trip, at least.

 

[maillet282]

345 lb dry on the tongue, gross weight now that it's loaded with my stuff is maxed (4500-5k lb). I have Fastway e2 trunnion WD installed and it brought the Xterra’s nose back down to 1/4" of normal unloaded, but it's still definitely back heavy - heavier than if like for my next big trip, at least.

When I bought my camper a few years back I ended up installing those helping helper springs until I was able to get a full leaf spring replacement. An AAL might be able to help but those are just quick fixes and will wear out along with your stock leaf springs

 

[Modwoode]

When I bought my camper a few years back I ended up installing those helping helper springs until I was able to get a full leaf spring replacement. An AAL might be able to help but those are just quick fixes and will wear out along with your stock leaf springs

Thanks! Any recommended brands?

 

[maillet282]

Thanks! Any recommended brands?

Of full leaf packs? Or helper springs ?

 

[Modwoode]

Of full leaf packs? Or helper springs ?

Either or, I'm sure I will eventually need the full spring upgrade but in the meantime I'll likely need helpers

 

[IM1RU]

Alcan.

You can spec the lift and Lb over stock.

About $800 for a pair.

You need at least 400 lbs over stock but IMO you should go higher.

 

[Modwoode]

Alcan.

You can spec the lift and Lb over stock.

About $800 for a pair.

You need at least 400 lbs over stock but IMO you should go higher.

That's great, thanks! I'll look into them

 

[TerryD]

I love my Alcans. A little lift won't hurt either. These things run extremely close to the bump stops at factory ride height. A little extra room in there is nice to have. And a 1" lift spacer is totally acceptable to level the front back out.

Also look into the full Old Man Emu suspension system. It's all matched components that works really well together to increase capacity and rise height. @TheCrabby1 is running it on Odo and I think he's pretty happy with it.

 

[DoomX]

I know this is kinda old, but what about using a weight distribution hitch? I ask because I've been toying with the idea of getting a slightly larger camper, but the towing weight numbers have me a bit concerned. I might go up as far as 3500-4000 lbs, which leaves me a bit of room for food, water, gear, etc.... Just throwing it out there.