Trailer suitability check

predictive · 2025-09-26T15:55:30-0400

I'd like to ask someone to check my towing math before I buy a trailer. I have a 2023 Ascent Onyx Edition Limited and am about to buy a 2025 nuCamp 360 CS travel trailer. The trailer specs are:

Dry tongue weight: 294 lbs
Dry gross weight: 3,023 lbs
GAWR: 3,900 lbs

Based on what I've read here, a fully loaded trailer at 3900 should be under 80% of capacity for both towing weight (4000 lbs) and tongue weight (400 lbs) assuming 10% tongue weight. With the payload capacity of 1158 lbs, a tongue weight of 390 lbs will leave me with 768 lbs of payload, including the driver and one passenger.

While I don't ever intend to fully load the trailer or the vehicle, this trailer should tow well with the Ascent, correct? Thanks!

Jim_in_PA · 2025-09-26T19:00:27-0400

You will have zero issue towing that nuCamp with your Ascent. Yes, you do need a brake controller. You also need a ball mount with the correct drop so that the trailer is level when at average towing weight. Measure the trailer tongue while it's on the jack and level to get that approximate height. A 6" drop on the Ascent puts the top of the ball at about 18-19" off the ground. Do the math and choose your ball mount accordingly.

predictive · 2025-09-26T20:12:29-0400

Thanks for the confirmation! I installed a TowPro brake controller and have an adjustable drop ball mount, so should be good to go.

Robert.Mauro · 2025-09-27T23:36:56-0400

All of the above Jim said - and you need an OEM hitch - ESPECIALLY for that much weight.

DLM · 2025-10-01T20:06:26-0400

You want your ball mount to be as close to your bumper as possible to reduce sway. Kind of like the one that came with the OEM hitch. I purchased an 8" drop and had to shorten the insert end and drill a new hitch pin hole. Now it is snug to the hitch.

Trailer suitability check

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