Thought I'd share some things I picked up on after towing the TT for almost 3500 miles through Kansas, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas...


An aggressive WD and anti-sway setup is a MUST IMHO, especially due to the softness in our rear suspension (even w/ load-leveling).

I found that 60-65 MPH gives the best MPG/Performance results and averaged 50 miles per 1/4 tank.... Winding through mountains and facing VERY strong headwinds, I spent every bit as much time in 3rd gear as i did in 4th gear. The Armada could easily keep the TT moving at 75mph except on 6% grade uphills then it bogged down to 65 MPH...

I found anything over 4,000-RPM sucked fuel like there's no tomorrow and I was lucky to get 25 miles per 1/4 tank and maintaining 75mph against strong headwinds through Wyoming was a mistake causing me to barely make it coasting into the next fuel station after only 107 miles driven and only 2.5 gallons left in the reserve.. I filled up 25.5 gallons at that stop... I was very lucky to have a long 4% downhill grade and a semi-truck to draft behind for the last 10 mile stretch or I wouldn't have made it...

I found it easiest with the best results to set the cruise control at 65mph and manually shift between 3rd and 4th as needed, sometimes 5th if on a 4% or steeper downhill grade w/ minimal headwinds.

If it wanted to shift down to 2nd, I found it best to let it slow down to 45 mph before letting it stay in 2nd to keep the RPM's down at the 3500-4000 RPM range.

Although I wouldn't recommend it due to safety reasons, drafting behind a semi-truck makes a huge MPG difference... It does blow you side-side so the anti-sway needs to be set strong enough and the truck driver will have a very difficult time seeing you in his blind spot, so caution must be used, especially if he has to dodge an obstacle and you don't leave yourself enough room to respond. By drafting, I was able to maintain 4th gear for longer periods of time and get better MPG... Be aware that there are following distance laws that should be observed and if the semi hits someting like a deer, you'll likely be hitting the semi-trailer, deer, or something else too.

My TT got a flat tire just outside of Denver... I used the Armada scissor-jack on the TT's leaf spring tandem mount to the leveler to jack up the TT.... I carry a 4-way lug wrench with me which came in useful... I used the Armada wrench to remove the TT hub cap and the 4-way for the lug nuts... I had the TT tire replaced and ready to go within 40 mins, then plugged "Discount Tire" into the GPS and found one only 9-miles up the road to have a new TT spare mounted to replace the blown tire.

Oh yea, and "AUTO Mode" 4wd.... I found the the "AUTO Mode" was actually using 4wd while towing the TT up mountain sides... There were 2 times that I shifted from Auto to 2WD while climbing uphill on dry pavement and could hear and feel the front differential release as I shifted over to 2WD. I thought that was rather interesting...

That's about all I can think of right now.

Bob - welcome home! Hope you enjoyed Yellowstone! We had a great time up there when we went a few years ago.

Interesting observations about your experience towing, which mirrors almost exactly my own. I can count on about 50 miles per 1/4 tank, which means a stop every 200 miles or so for a fill-up. Since the family can't seem to go much further than that anyway without a stop to empty, this works good. I stay between 60 and 65 typically, I feel uncomfortable going much faster than that when I'm towing.

Bad luck about your blowout. Hopefully it didn't tear up the side of your trailer. I make it a habit to do a walkaround the trailer every fuel stop, including looking at the tires, to make sure if everything still looks good.

We also just returned from a week long trip, ours was to Southern Oregon, 2300 miles round trip in 9 days. Oregon State Parks, particularly along the coast, are simply awesome. We stayed at a state campground called Cape Blanco; one of the best camping experiences we've ever had.

Keith

Bad luck about your blowout. Hopefully it didn't tear up the side of your trailer. I make it a habit to do a walkaround the trailer every fuel stop, including looking at the tires, to make sure if everything still looks good....

It was actually pretty good luck, for having a blowout it couldn't have gone better. I aired up all the tires to 50psi (per the spec sticker on the TT) before leaving and I usually randomly kick on them when fueling up... This blowout was from a manufacturer defect on the tread layer plys that caused them to seperate.. The guy at Discount Tire said they don't stock Goodyear Marathon tires specifically because of the commonality of this particular tread seperation issue.


It's funny that we get about the same MPG when towing when my DD mpgs are so much worse from having heavy tires. - lol :D

We didn't like Yellowstone at all... Driving over 100 miles per day to see a bunch of burnt down and beetle eaten trees w/o much to do was rather disappointing. Moab was MUCH more fun. -hehe :D

We didn't like Yellowstone at all... Driving over 100 miles per day to see a bunch of burnt down and beetle eaten trees w/o much to do was rather disappointing. Moab was MUCH more fun. -hehe :D

That's really too bad. We had a great time there, spent six days total, in two different campgrounds. Our favorite was Bridge Bay, near the lake. Also spent a few days south of Yellowstone, in Grand Tetons. Just as spectacular. We were there about eight years ago, so maybe things have changed since then.:confused:

Keith

Maybe it has changed.... I found out the time I camped out for a week off a lake at a full days horseback ride from the nearest civilization was actually up in the back country of Montana north of Yellowstone so this was actually my first time ever being in the park... It'll likely also be my last, there's far too many other places with alot of "outdoor adventure activities" support to be spending time riding inside a vehicle through Yellowstone, IMHO. :D

a few questions for you:

Im assuming this report was in your lifted configuration? Also how heavy is your trailer? And last but not least im assuming you have the Big Tow Package?

a few questions for you:

Im assuming this report was in your lifted configuration? Also how heavy is your trailer? And last but not least im assuming you have the Big Tow Package?

Yeppers: http://www.clubarmada.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14608 :D

Honestly, I don't think being lifted makes much of a difference other than the added weight of the lift kit and big LT Tires... The BT Package is standard on LE models. ;)

so if im reading the weight numbers right.. your trailer comes in about 6k with minimal stuff inside just the typical trip leftovers and trailer supplies. With water and optional loading your right around 7k fully loaded. Figure an extra 500lbs for a full load of water (jayco's website says 59 gallon tank on the 28' model) and 500lbs in misc stuff water food clothes and who knows what else..

Im looking at getting a 15 - 18' toy hauler and just wanted to see what people are towing in real life with "REAL" numbers. Not very often you find people with actual weight tickets and the knowledge of what they are doing. I have an 05 SE with the BT package and i will be lifting it in the future. So i know to expect roughly 200 miles to a tank of gas and that it can comfortably tow 7k lbs with no problem with the proper hitch setup :D Did you have to upgrade the nissan hitch at all or is the class IV they put on there sufficient? I have heard stories about other OEM hitches (not NIssans) that fail miserably and didnt know if these were prone to similar issues.

Thx for your time.

Right on.... My TT is actually only at around 6500ish-lbs fully loaded for traveling... My floorplan allows me to stash heavy drink cases underneath the kitchen seats which just happen to be directly over the trailer axles... :D I did start out on this last trip with a full tank of fresh water, but ended up draining it because I wanted to be able to go 70mph across flat lands w/o totally killing my MPG too bad... My freshwater tank is in front of the trailer axles and definitely does add to hitch weight while my gray and black tanks are behind it and lighten the hitch when they're loaded.


You'll have to really watch the hitch weight with a TH.... To be honest, I do have a little stretch on the receiver but it's not anything I haven't seen before on other trucks... If you can get a Class V that you're happy with, I'd say go for it, but the OEM Class IV has been working just fine for my setup. It might be different with a ToyHauler, I don't know... Also, hitch shops can often add on outter rings to reinforce the receiver neck to prevent any possible catastrophic failures... I wouldn't imagine that size of a TH would be much of a problem though...

I will tell you though, that this is one Bad A** setup!!!! Pictures don't do any justice, Drauden's pics come closer than mine do but these trucks are alot bigger in person... I parked next to a Hummer H2 and a 2011 QX56 the other night and both of them looked like they'd been shrinky-dinked... We get all kinds of staring with lots of nods and smiles as well as a few dropped jaws while driving through towns... I quite often walk out to a parking lot finding people with their heads inside my fenderwells or laying underneath looking around at the suspension... When my kids are waiting out in the car, they can usually tell me about 3-5 guys who pulled up and looked around at it saying that it's a sweet setup. When someone asks and I tell the suspension cost me $2k (that's for the lift and SAW's), they all responded with "that's all?? :eek: " - LOLz

It'll be nice to see you get yours done with a nice TH behind it. :D

I try never to tow with full water tanks. I can always find a tap close by to where I'm camping to fill up and then drive the last few miles with the full tanks. I also find where the closest dump station is to where I'm planning to camp, and try not to go too far with full waste tanks. I'm real sensitive to that, since both my black and gray tanks are in the rear; when they're are full, I can really feel a difference, the trailer feels very tail heavy.

Keith

ISBB - not going to be the weight police :) but be careful if you tow heavy with how much weight you add to the Armada (people and their stuff). VERY easy to go over the GCWR.

Me and Pops did the number on that before last summer (he may not remember) and were both surprised at what we figured out....

Yea, I remember and with the lift and tires, I'm a bit over when the family is loaded inside but it still tows great... I wouldn't want anymore hitch weight though, 820ish-lbs feels like pretty much the limit to me...

Yeah Pops - as I said not trying to be the weight police :). The numbers are so conservative that I am sure it is not an issue. I am sure my setup would not have been an issue but it was a combination of being above (slightly) and already being hesitant about getting a TT.

In the end I am happy I cancelled my contract for a TT and this year we bought a Class C instead :D

Ya know, for lots of driving a Class C is better anyway... Wit the TT, you can't getup and roam around when you want, you still have to pull over to use the restroom, and (most importantly) everyone else has to sleep in the car when moving knowing that their nice comfy beds are just right behind them so close but inaccessble.........

I'm still trying to work through that last one... I don't sleep but maybe 6hrs a night while my wife and kids sleep 10-12hrs.... I've been tempted a couple of times to let wifey sleep in the TT with the kids in the car while driving.... I'm trying to get myself used to stopping in rest areas instead, it'll just take me some practice to set aside my impatient eagerness to "get there"... I just don't need much sleep like they do. :rolleyes: That's where a motorhome comes in real handy IMHO... :D

Ya know, for lots of driving a Class C is better anyway... Wit the TT, you can't getup and roam around when you want, you still have to pull over to use the restroom, and (most importantly) everyone else has to sleep in the car when moving knowing that their nice comfy beds are just right behind them so close but inaccessble.........

I'm still trying to work through that last one... I don't sleep but maybe 6hrs a night while my wife and kids sleep 10-12hrs.... I've been tempted a couple of times to let wifey sleep in the TT with the kids in the car while driving.... I'm trying to get myself used to stopping in rest areas instead, it'll just take me some practice to set aside my impatient eagerness to "get there"... I just don't need much sleep like they do. :rolleyes: That's where a motorhome comes in real handy IMHO... :D

We've gone back and forth with this argument as well. One negative of a motorhome is the need to have a toad, or have to break down camp every time you want to go site-seeing, or to the grocery store, etc. Maintenance on a motor home is much higher than a TT, as is insurance, and initial purchase price. A benefit of a motorhome is the ability to tow other toys, such as a boat, or a SeaDoo.

So far, I'm real happy with a trailer, and wouldn't consider a motorhome. But, my in-laws are exactly the opposite; but they typically have a trailer with a classic car behind them, which I can't do.

Another point, regarding sleeping in the trailer. In California it is illegal to ride in a trailer, and I'd bet it's probably illegal in a lot of other states as well. But, even if it was legal, I doubt I'd want to do that; what happens if there is an accident? I want everybody in seatbelts, properly belted in. Of course, this applies to sleeping in a motorhome as well; I don't like it when my kids go places with the in-laws in their motorhome, and they let them get up and wander around while they are in motion.

Keith

... In California it is illegal to ride in a trailer, and I'd bet it's probably illegal in a lot of other states as well. But, even if it was legal, I doubt I'd want to do that; what happens if there is an accident? ...

In most states it's definitely illegal but after enough b**c*ing and moaning, griping and complaining, it gets to the point where I really don't give a rat's pattooty as long as the kids stay with me in the car and she's happy... :D But I do think that stopping in rest areas more frequently might be an acceptable compromise, it'll just take a few more long trips to know for sure.

Yep had this discussion :)

Pro Class C - easy to drive, easy to get in and out of camping spots (ours is 32 ft), fits in my driveway with 2 inches to spare :D

We don't tow a vehicle as of now. With that said a lot of our camping is different here in Alaska. If we go to our fishing spots etc we could drive a second vehicle separately. In addition the in-laws have a 5-th wheel and they often go with us. Either way it does suck not to have a little car with us and maybe down the road we tow. But as mentioned if we get a smaller boat - tow it

Cost to buy is higher, but I save mileage on my Armada :) -- insurance higher than a TT and maintenance will be higher

Yes you can move around but we try to minimize it. Still having the option is nice. Also you can sit with seat-belts and play cards etc, you can lay on the couch and sleep WITH the seatbelt fastened - nice features there.

For us in our situation we feel it is the right decision. Down the road we might get a truck and a fifth wheel. If I lived in a different house where I could park the TT it would have been a closer call (it was pretty close as it was).

Whatever makes us happy right :) -- it is good to get out there and spend time with the family. My son loves it and he is only 2 1/2 but he gets to be outside all day long and there are no cars like where we live so very happy with our choice

In most states it's definitely illegal but after enough b**c*ing and moaning, griping and complaining, it gets to the point where I really don't give a rat's pattooty as long as the kids stay with me in the car and she's happy... :D But I do think that stopping in rest areas more frequently might be an acceptable compromise, it'll just take a few more long trips to know for sure.

I hear you! Feel your pain!!!

BTW, in California it is legal to ride in a 5th wheel, so long as there is communication between the tow vehicle and the trailer. I've never been able to figure this one out.

As far as the Motorhome vs trailer debate, it really is up to the individual situation; there is no right answer that works for everybody. Bottom line is, whatever you choose, get out and go camping; in my opinion, one of the best family activities out there. I have wonderful memories of camping when I was growing up (in a 14' Scotsman trailer towed behind our Mercury station wagon). I'm hoping that my kids will have the same memories.

Keith

New to the Armada but, have been romping around in a R51 Pathfinder for a few years. I am looking into a '04 LE for myself (the R51 is the main family car and my wife's DD) and plan on towing my enclosed trailer and race car with the LE.

The R51 does an outstanding job towing the setup (which weighs about 3200 lbs total) but, have wondered what the V8 could do while towing. Also wouldn't mind some more interior space for the kids on long trips.

For those of you towing frequently, I've heard of issues with the rear diff on the Armada. Can you guys comment on this? I see there is a company that makes a bigger rear diff cover that should address those concerns but, am wondering if it really is a concern. Also, for those with a LE, does the big tow package really make a difference? I ended up putting airbags in the back of the R51 and absolutely love them! Made a huge difference along with a WD hitch assembly from Nissan. I was curious to know if an airbag system is something I should consider in the LE or if the OEM adjustability is sufficient enough.

One other thing - anything I should look out for on LE's mechanically?

... For those of you towing frequently, I've heard of issues with the rear diff on the Armada. Can you guys comment on this? I see there is a company that makes a bigger rear diff cover that should address those concerns but, am wondering if it really is a concern. ....


Also, for those with a LE, does the big tow package really make a difference? I ended up putting airbags in the back of the R51 and absolutely love them! Made a huge difference along with a WD hitch assembly from Nissan. I was curious to know if an airbag system is something I should consider in the LE or if the OEM adjustability is sufficient enough.

One other thing - anything I should look out for on LE's mechanically?

I think you might be thinking of the Titan??? I haven't heard of any rear diff problems on the Armadas caused from towing.... The OEM bags are fairly sufficient although aftermarket ones are better... The main difference is the rear differential gearing and Trans Temp Guage... You will not want to tow more than 6500-7000 lbs for much distance with a non-Tow SE...

Have the exhaust manifolds checked for cracks and insisit any cracked ones are replaced before buying it... First thing for one w/ over 60k mils will be to change the Transmission and differential fluids, and if 4x4 change the transfer case oil as well....

New to the Armada but, have been romping around in a R51 Pathfinder for a few years. I am looking into a '04 LE for myself (the R51 is the main family car and my wife's DD) and plan on towing my enclosed trailer and race car with the LE.

The R51 does an outstanding job towing the setup (which weighs about 3200 lbs total) but, have wondered what the V8 could do while towing. Also wouldn't mind some more interior space for the kids on long trips.

For those of you towing frequently, I've heard of issues with the rear diff on the Armada. Can you guys comment on this? I see there is a company that makes a bigger rear diff cover that should address those concerns but, am wondering if it really is a concern. Also, for those with a LE, does the big tow package really make a difference? I ended up putting airbags in the back of the R51 and absolutely love them! Made a huge difference along with a WD hitch assembly from Nissan. I was curious to know if an airbag system is something I should consider in the LE or if the OEM adjustability is sufficient enough.

One other thing - anything I should look out for on LE's mechanically?

evo8dad - the Armada makes a great tow vehicle, so long as it isn't overloaded. There have been a few reports of diff problems, but I think most of what you've been hearing has been with the Titan; the Armada has a different rear suspension than the Titan (independent vs straight axle). Like any vehicle, keep the fluid fresh, change it often. I personally have towed about 15,000 miles with my Armada (out of 58,000 total), with no issues yet.

How did you determine your trailer / race car weighs 3200 lbs? Have you actually weighed it? Given that an enclosed trailer is likely going to weigh 2000 lbs on its own, that doesn't leave much for the race car. I'm inferring from your "handle" that you have a Evo as a race car. How did you get it that light?

Oh, and as far as what to look out for when buying used? The 04's had some teething pains, primarily with brakes. Most of us would recommend you shoot for an 06 or 07 or newer. Nissan has fixed the issues with the early models, but probably best, if you can, to get one with the fixes already incorporated.

Keith

Thanks for the reply. That puts me at ease a little. Some posts I've read on here referred to the rear diff as a concern but, as you mentioned, using good oil should help with any concerns. I am sure its been covered before but, what are the fluids of choice for the rear diff?

I used to race the Evo and towed that with an open trailer but, have since restored and am currently campaigning a 1979 LeGrand MK-25D (check it out here - Fuhs Family Racing) (http://fuhsfamilyracing.blogspot.com/). The car only weighs about 800 lbs with the trailer weighing 2250 lbs per Pace America. With the other misc stuff I take to a race (and more when the family comes and we make a camping trip out of it) i figure I am probably at around 3500 lbs roughly.

Even when towing the Evo and a heavy open trailer the Pathfinder was great so I am excited to see what an Armada with a V8 can do.

What exactly are the issues with the brake system on the earlier models? Whats is the solution? I want to keep my purchase price around $15k so that has narrowed my choices down to the earlier versions. I've found a '04 LE fully loaded to the gills with 81K miles for $18k that the owner has expressed lowering the price. I will be checking it out today.

R1Concepts.com is a good solution to any brake problems. ;)

Thanks for the reply. That puts me at ease a little. Some posts I've read on here referred to the rear diff as a concern but, as you mentioned, using good oil should help with any concerns. I am sure its been covered before but, what are the fluids of choice for the rear diff?

I used to race the Evo and towed that with an open trailer but, have since restored and am currently campaigning a 1979 LeGrand MK-25D (check it out here - Fuhs Family Racing) (http://fuhsfamilyracing.blogspot.com/). The car only weighs about 800 lbs with the trailer weighing 2250 lbs per Pace America. With the other misc stuff I take to a race (and more when the family comes and we make a camping trip out of it) i figure I am probably at around 3500 lbs roughly.

Even when towing the Evo and a heavy open trailer the Pathfinder was great so I am excited to see what an Armada with a V8 can do.

What exactly are the issues with the brake system on the earlier models? Whats is the solution? I want to keep my purchase price around $15k so that has narrowed my choices down to the earlier versions. I've found a '04 LE fully loaded to the gills with 81K miles for $18k that the owner has expressed lowering the price. I will be checking it out today.

Nissan under-designed the rotors and pads, which led to a lot of brake rotor warping. Nissan upgraded the rotors themselves, which is included in the later models; most of the 04's and early 05's should have been retro-fitted by now, you might ask the person who is selling it whether they had the fix done, and ask for evidence. Alternatively, Pops gave you another solution.

That race car is awesome. What kind of powerplant do those things run?

Thanks. Yeah I did some more research about the brakes. Basically Nissan under-engineered the rotors/pads. Easy enough fix though. Fortunately I have a bunch of sponsors that I can get rotors pretty cheap through (Powerslots or Brembos). I'll have to ask the current owner but, I am thinking it was probably address as he stated the local Nissan dealership has done all the maintenance intervals as scheduled, so it seems he's taken care of the truck.

The race car is an absolute blast to drive!! Its powered by a Suzuki GSXR1000 motor (1000cc). It has a stock bottom end but, a worked head.

I am very surprised at $18K for a 2004 - what is the mileage?

I bought the 2008 brand new LE 4X4, preff. pack, Tow Pack, Tech pack and DVD system and it was $40,500 (no sales tax as it was being shipped to AK)

Does seem like a really nice resale value on these, but there is nothing I want to replace the Armada with :)

Most Armadas with 90+k on the odometer seem to be hovering around $18k to $21k and thats private sale. Haven't really seen many at dealerships used for sale, which may be a good sign in that people aren't trading them in for something else.

This particular Armada LE has 80k miles with a DVD player, 6 disc changer, big tow package (LE standard), new rotors and pads, fresh PA inspection, new Nitto big terrain (I think thats what they were called), captain chair 2nd row with removable center console and 3rd row bench seat. Its also got Navigation with the latest update.

It drove really well today. Nice and quiet. I was expecting some humming from the Nittos but, they were no louder than stock. The current owner went up in size over stock (forgot to look at the size). Air work well, nice and cold but, noticed some noise when switching between modes (possibly the flappers on the HVAC box sticking a little). From what I could see of the motor it looked good. No signs of leaks, belts looked fairly new and he had replaced the oil cooler clamps with worm clamps.

One concern I do have is the 2nd row seating. I have 3 boys and full second seating is a must, especially since the 3rd row folds down as one unit, so if I have stuff in the back I need 3 sets in the second row. I took off the removable 2nd row center console but, there was a plastic plate screwed down. I would think the seat hinge latches are probably under that plate as I can't imagine Nissan made 2 different floors.

Anyone know if a center seat can be added? What was the seating arrangement options are the Armada? On the R51 chassis Pathfinder, we have 3 seats and each seat hinges itself so they can all be moved independently. Does the 3 seat 2nd row Armada have a similar arrangement or is it a true bench like the 3rd row.

Sorry to hi-jack the thread but, you guys seem to really know your model years :bow:

I've been reading your posts and wondering what extras you guys have done to your Armadas? (Besides the lift of course!!) Any performance chips or air filter upgrades? I am towing a 35' TT that weighs in around 7K lbs. Looking to see what I can do to give it the Armada a little extra power.
I too try to keep it around 65 on the highway and keep it there with much success. I notice on flat roads, the Tach sits between 2 & 2.5K RPMs. I'm also seeing the 200 miles per tank. Good to know I'm on the average bubble.
Any help you can give. Thanks. Mark

I've been reading your posts and wondering what extras you guys have done to your Armadas? (Besides the lift of course!!) Any performance chips or air filter upgrades? I am towing a 35' TT that weighs in around 7K lbs. Looking to see what I can do to give it the Armada a little extra power.
I too try to keep it around 65 on the highway and keep it there with much success. I notice on flat roads, the Tach sits between 2 & 2.5K RPMs. I'm also seeing the 200 miles per tank. Good to know I'm on the average bubble.
Any help you can give. Thanks. Mark

Mark, the "Airbox Mod" helps a bit on the high-end, there's a link in my signature... Superchips helps on the low-end, but isn't absolutely needed... I have a K&N Air Filter to reduce maintenance intervals on the air filter... Then R1 Concepts Slotted/crossDrilled rotors w/ Posiquiet Ceramic Pads... Big LT Rated tires... And that pretty much sums it up for me...

I took a look at your air box mod and I think I'll do it tomorrow. Thanks for the help and I'll let you know how I make out.

evo8dad Ill sell you my 05 SE with 65k for 18 :D Its got everything you want minus the LE options.. I just gotta clean her up a bit lol carpets need some cleanin damn dirty feet traffic :P

minus LE options - yeah that is a big deal right there for people towing

travel trailer renta (http://www.rvrentaloutlet.com/)l Yeah Pops - as I said not trying to be the weight police . The numbers are so conservative that I am sure it is not an issue. I am sure my setup would not have been an issue but it was a combination of being above (slightly) and already being hesitant about getting a TT.

In the end I am happy I cancelled my contract for a TT and this year we bought a Class C instead
thanks for the info

Yeah the big tow options is what I am after.

Mine has big tow.. Just no leather nav sunroof those kinda things :P

My trailer weighs probably close to 7500 fully loaded. I have a weight distrubuting hitch with the chains for adjustment. I've noticed that over time I have had to move up the links as the rear of the truck can't handle the load as well. I don't know if its caused by the hitch itself showing wear or the rear suspension weakening.