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Old 01-26-2010, 07:47 PM   #8
Bill
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Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: The mountains of Scottsdale, AZ, and the beaches of Maine
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You should be aware that weight distribution is not the same thing as sway control, and a device that addresses one will not address the other.

The XTerra has a tow rating of 5000 pounds, which is adequate but not generous. The 106-inch wheelbase is pretty short. In my opinion, you will want a WDH, in order to get some weight back on the front wheels. Without it, and especially with a short wheelbase vehicle, you run the risk of handling problems, especially on tight mountain curves.

Re sway, in general TMs don't do it - they are designed not to do so. But a side effect of that is a relatively heavy hitch weight. As a result, it is possible with the short wheelbase that you will experience a bit of sway. In your place, I wouldn't buy sway control yet - but I would make allowance for its possible need in the future. A trunnion-style hitch that is ready for addition of dual-cam sway control is a good choice.

Bill
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