Towing U,Haul trailer with only the ball hitch

[2010SE]

My Pro-4X doesn't have a receiver hitch, just the hole for a ball in the bumper. Can I install a ball and tow a small trailer? Something like a 5x7 size.

[Frontier2]

Yep!

[Mathster]

I was thinking our bumper was only rated to class 2. might double check the manual. second gen bumpers aren't much thinker than the sheet metal on the body.

[dave11]

Make sure the trailer and cargo weigh less than 1000# combined - per Nissan.

[x_mods]

I don't think U Haul will rent you a trailer unless you have a drop hitch?

[07Nissan]

Originally Posted by 2010SE

My Pro-4X doesn't have a receiver hitch, just the hole for a ball in the bumper. Can I install a ball and tow a small trailer? Something like a 5x7 size.

The maximum tow rating is usually stamped on the plastic near the hole on the bumper. Typically, the maxiumum tow rating for this type of Nissan bumper is 2500-3500 lbs. depending on the model and year. The maximum *loaded* gross weight for the enclosed 4x8, 5x8, and 5x10 Uhaul trailers, is 2500, 2700, 2800, lbs. respectively. It's easy to overload one of these trailers. I'd recommend having a class III hitch installed. One of these Uhaul trailers fully or over loaded can potentially "twist" the bumper in the event you have to lockup your brakes in an emergency. Been there, done that

[x_mods]

A drop hitch from the dealer is only a few hundred, less on amazon. I think it's worth it, and it's pretty easy to install yourself. I have pulled a small 5x8 open U haul with my truck, and the receiver from Nissan. That little trailer was over 1000lbs. dry. And with a 900lbs. of motorcycle on it, I wouldn't have trusted the bumper...

[g00fy]

Get a real hitch, they're like $100 off amazon and usually comes in less then 2 days, and mine took me less then 20 minutes to install using a pump jack to hold up the hitch, would probably take less then 10 minutes with a buddy to help.

Or you can probably find one used for less... I happen to have a brand new one sitting around, but i doubt your close to jersey.

[HeavyG]

The manual says that the bumper is designed for a 3500lb trailer and a 350lb tongue weight. I'm willing to give Nissan's engineers the benefit of the doubt on those design calcs

I wouldn't hesitate to tow a small, carefully loaded trailer as long as you're positive that the total weight is less than the max (I'd shoot for a max of 2500 myself).

However, if this is something you're going to do fairly often I would definitely install the receiver hitch. It's a simple bolt on install and you can get the hitch for $100-$200.

With the receiver hitch it is easier to get a ball mount with the proper drop so you can match the tongue height to the ball which may be important depending on if your truck is stock or lifted or has larger tires.

Either way you're going to have to install a plug for lighting and from what I have seen the Nissan wiring kit is the way to go since it contains all the proper relays and plugs and is a plug and play install.

[Dana_15]

Curt Manufacturing 13241 Class III Receiver : Amazon.com : Automotive

Curt Manufacturing 13241 Class III Receiver : Amazon.com : Automotive

Installing a hitch is the way to go, if you look around you can get a better price than the Amazon link above. I installed one last year, it's just six bolts. Took about 10 minutes to install it.