If the manufacturer states "not to use a wdh" I would not.

I would contact the technical department of Nissan and ask is there an alternative and if "Yes" get it in writing. If "No" that's it.

Don't  forget your insurance could be void also if fitted against manufacturers advice..

John has shown one thing that Nissan has said about WDH. In other times they have said they do not recommend using WDH on their tow bars. This only came about after some bars fell off Pathfinders and others cracked or distorted the ends of Navara chassis. In each case the tow bars were deficient (when used with WDH.) Rather than make any admissions about poor design they cam out with the statement I gave above.

Since then they have been selling upgraded bars. The Pathfinder one wraps around the rear cross member instead of only hanging off the bottom. The new Navara one attaches with 3 or more cap screws instead of the 2 per side in the old bars. Despite the upgraded equipment they still have not approved it for being used with WDH.

My recommendation is to use Hayman Reese bas and WDH. They warrant the use of their equipment on Nissan vehicles (except X-Trail.) You are covered for the equipment and mountings provided the equipment is installed and used properly.

Desert Dweller wrote:

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Nissan Navaras are no more prone to broken or distorted ladder chassis's than any other brand of twin cab 4x4 utes. Nissan are just a bit more cautious than other manufacturers. I've seen images of Tritons, Colorados & Rangers with ''broken backs'' on the internet many times while browsing particularly on 4WD sites. We tow our 1.6t van with a brand new MY15 D22 without a WDH just as we did for 40,000ks with our PK Ford Ranger. The whole rig sits dead level from front to back with a lot of gear in the tub & a ball weight of 160kg. Our Rangers manual also said do not use a WDH as well. WDH's are an Aussie tradition just like throwing another snag on the BBQ. Ask yourself do I really need one or am I just following everyone else? LOL.

eg:    www.4wdaction.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=99859

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 Gday...

I certainly agree that using a WDH in Straya has become something of a passionate religion. Often it is woe betide those who don't use them from zealous supporters.  

However, the WDH was devised and developed in the USA and is very widely used there as well.

I do agree that the use of a WDH with many vehicles, when towing a medium to large van, is a sensible, safe and prudent thing to do.

A WDH does transfer weight from the rear axles to both the front axle of the vehicle (improving steering and braking) and some back to the axle/s of the van.

A WDH can make the towing combination more stable and safe.

However, a WDH does not, and should not, be used to compensate for a badly loaded, or badly designed, van. 

Similarly, a WDH will not correct the shortcomings of the rear suspension of a vehicle not coping with towing a van. Supplementation, replacement, or improvement of the suspension is the only solution in that case.

Cheers - and happy and safe travelling - John