Difference in TOW abilities

[smellin13]

I have an XE Crew Cab 4x4 off road, however the XE is only rated to pull 6500lbs as apposed to the LE/SE which is rated at or about 9500lbs. With the same exact engine that all Titans have, and the rancho shocks (OR package), why am I only limited to 6500lbs? I am finally getting my horses this spring and can't find any differences that should keep me from towing at least 8000lbs. I have tow mode and everything. Are the differentials different, what upgrades do I need, is the XE underrated? I have heard so many different answers that I really would like to know the truth, even 3 Nissan dealerships could not answer my question. The big tow package seems to add the class IV hitch and electric, I can do that, but I want to feel confident I am not missing something that will kill my truck. Please help. Thanks,
Shane

[rarjar]

I believe unless you have the big tow package the towing, regardless of XE, SE or LE, is around the 6500 lb range. I regularly pull 8500lbs +/- so I got the big tow.

[smellin13]

Right, but what does the Big Tow offer that boosts its rating?

[rjspitz]

It's about the money... You can only tow 9500lbs if you give us $8000 more for leather, power windows, floor shifter, captain's chairs...

Directly off Nissan's site:


Big Tow Package (SE and LE Only)
• Class IV receiver hitch
• Additional 7-pin wiring harness plug
• Trailer brake controller pre-wiring under instrument panel
• Heavy-duty battery (710 CCA)
• Lower final gear ratio (3.36:1); similar to 4.10:1 on a 4-speed automatic
• Extendable tow mirrors
• Transmission temperature gauge
• Increased tow capacity

SE: Requires Trac Package (4x2 only). In addition, SE Rockford Fosgate Package or SE Popular Package is required.

[Bill_n]

Originally Posted by smellin13

Right, but what does the Big Tow offer that boosts its rating?

The hitch ....

[rjspitz]

Most people buy vehicles ready-to-go. Most don't like to deal with having to buy a couple more parts for their car right after they just threw down $$ for the new car itself. It's all about marketing.
Just get any aftermarket Class IV hitch, tranny cooler, and brake controller.

[BigRedTitan]

The lower final gear ratio on the Big Tow is what makes the difference.

[QWIKWHIP]

Originally Posted by BigRedTitan

The lower final gear ratio on the Big Tow is what makes the difference.

That's correct. That is what makes the biggest difference. My SE with out big tow is rated for 7500 pounds. The only difference between the XE and nonbigtow SE/LE's that I could see may be the tires. The XE's 17" steelies with smaller tires may have a lesser capacity?? Just a thought.

[logicjunky]

Originally Posted by QWIKWHIP

That's correct. That is what makes the biggest difference. My SE with out big tow is rated for 7500 pounds. The only difference between the XE and nonbigtow SE/LE's that I could see may be the tires. The XE's 17" steelies with smaller tires may have a lesser capacity?? Just a thought.

I believe the tires going up on 17" for O/R or 18" are rated higher for more weight. This will get corrected if needed by others but I'm fairly certain. Gear ratio, tranny temp gauge are the 2 biggest factors right away other than tires...

[smellin13]

Thanks all

[Nr1 Qualifier]

Isn't the final gear on both the OR and BT the same
3.36:1? If Smellin13 has the OR and is only rated for
6500, then it's got to be more than the lower final gear
ratio that makes the difference

[QWIKWHIP]

Originally Posted by Nr1 Qualifier

Isn't the final gear on both the OR and BT the same
3.36:1? If Smellin13 has the OR and is only rated for
6500, then it's got to be more than the lower final gear
ratio that makes the difference

Maybe just marketing??

[Xelvic]

uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[greg w]

OR and Big Tow have the same final gear ratio and tran cooler. Just don't get tran temp gage and VDC w/o Big Tow. At least I think this is true for the 04's.

[Timba24]

I thought the big tow also came with a upgraded radiator