The Nissan Pathfinder 2024 is a quality SUV able to provide a comfortable ‘Cadillac’ ride. But today, we’re going to discuss its limitations and why it needs helper springs for towing. There are several truck suspension helper springs available for the consumer. But only one is up for the task of towing a large trailer: NRPF4A
Does the Nissan Pathfinder need helper springs?
If you’re planning to use your Nissan Pathfinder as a tow vehicle, you’re probably going to need some suspension helper springs. Here’s why:
Even though the leaf spring rear suspension has a towing capacity of up to 6,000 lbs, it allows the Pathfinder to ride with smoothness and comfort. But as strong as you might think it is, the rear suspension on the Nissan Pathfinder has its limitations.
Believe it or not, the weight of a camper trailer can make it sag in the rear. When this happens, the weight of the vehicle shifts backward reducing the amount of traction on the front tires which will impact steering ability.
At the end of the day, too much weight on the rear suspension can cause sag and squat resulting in instability. As you’ve probably guessed, instability is dangerous and will require the driver to slow down to a crawl.
You’ve probably seen it on other vehicles towing camper trailers. Maybe your own tow vehicle does it, even though you aren’t anywhere near its rated towing capacity. The back end of the tow vehicle squats lower than the front end when it’s hitched to a travel trailer.
Truck squat happens because most SUVs are built with suspensions that are meant to provide a nice, comfortable ride. The leaf springs that help support the rear of the Pathfinder are flexible, helping to absorb bumps and irregularities in the road but unable to support the weight of a heavy trailer.
What helper springs are available for the Nissan Pathfinder?
It’s not uncommon for the rear end of a pickup or SUV to droop after a load of 200 – 300 pounds has been added. And the sag becomes increasingly obvious as you near the maximum load rating. Here are some of the most common solutions for suspension sag and squat:
Add-a-leaf
Add-a-leaf products help to level the load. Unfortunately, they cost about $600.00 US for the pair. And they’re capacity is limited to approximately 1,500 lbs additional.
Airbags
Airbags were originally designed as an alternative to leaf springs. Air bag products help to level the load with up to 5,000 lbs of additional capacity. But they’re expensive, costing anywhere from $1,000 - $2,500. They usually require professional installation which adds to the total cost.
Timbren SES
Timbren SES uses Aeon® hollow rubber springs made from natural rubber. They’re designed to replace the bump stop on trucks, vans, and SUVs. SES kits are affordable, easy to install, and add up to an additional capacity of 8,600 lbs.* The average cost of a DIY Timbren SES upgrade is about $300.
* Helper springs and suspension upgrades do not increase the GVWR set by the manufacturer.
Why are Timbren helper springs NRPF4A the smart choice?
Add-a-leaf products aren’t the least expensive product on the market and are limited to 1500 lbs of additional capacity.
Even though airbags offer up to 5,000 lbs of additional capacity, they’re priced out of reach for the average consumer.
A quick observation suggests that Timbren SES part # NRPF4A is the easiest suspension upgrade to install on your Nissan Pathfinder. Additionally, it offers the best price, the most capacity and maximum stability by eliminating roll and sway. And if you were to take a closer look, you’d notice that Timbren SES wins big points for:
- best ride quality loaded or unloaded
We highly recommend easy-to-install Timbren SES suspension upgrades for your Nissan Pathfinder!
Part # NRPF4A is perfect for towing with your Nissan Pathfinder.
Think about it: Timbren SES products have been around for over 50 years and are still the best and smartest choice hands down!
“Whether we’re towing with our GMC Sierra or our Toyota 4Runner, Timbren SES kits have been a game changer by reducing sag in the rear plus helping the tow rig gain maximum control. Over a year with SES and we would never go back.” @ClicOutdoor
For more information about Timbren SES products, please visit Timbren.com
