The salesman at the dealership (in Ontario) told me that the hitch they install is a weight distribution hitch. Is this true? I'm suspicious.
Is there any difference between installing an aftermarket or Nissan supplied hitch (other than the price)?

"SEARCH" is a very powerful button here on XOC.

Probably but then maybe all hitches are weight distribution hitches.

The Nissan hitch is nice but you can go cheaper after market. I'm looking to get a Hidden Hitch. In fact I thought someone on this board said that's what Nissan sells as "their" hitch in Canada.

The dealer hitch (class III) seemed expensive ($416 Cdn + tax) for a regular hitch but cheap for a weight distribution hitch. That's what makes me think the saleman was just saying "yes" to my question, he didn't really know. I think if I asked if it was a non-weight distributing hitch (making it sound like it was good to be so) he also would have said yes
I'm new to the whole towing/hitch thing (just got an old trailer a couple months ago and have been pulling it about with our 93 Plymouth Voyager). Our little lightweight popup trailer isn't an issue, but I am looking to be set up for an upgrade.

I can confirm the Canadian Nissan Hitch, Part # 99998-6475-29 is in fact a Hidden Hitch.. its even stamped as such. My first dealer hitch cost me $169.40 + tax in 2000, my second (got rearended) $188.22 + tax. I also installed the same exact hitch on a 2002 SC. Install is very easy.
This price was for the hitch only since I already had a receiver & ball for them. (which would be cheaper at Cdn Tire)
If you don't know already, there is an Xterra Club in Ontario with loads of info. Hit the link in my sig,