What makes the Big Tow?

[ChuhBaca]

Ok I see the options that come with the big tow package. What I want to know is, what part of the Big Tow package makes it capable of towing so much more? I don't see how a guage and VDC can make any difference. I'm trying to figure out if I can make an XE (which doesn't allow for the Big Tow package) capable of towing as much as a truck equiped with the Big tow from the factory. Thank you.

[Sammy Sandbag]

Lower rear end gear ratio.

[ChuhBaca]

I forgot to mention, I would get the Off-Road package, which does come with the same gear ratio as the Big Tow package.

[Dog_Party]

ChuhBaca-

I thought about the same thing. The only things that would be missing (getting the lower gear ratio w/Off Road pkg) are the HD battery, tranny temp gauge, trailer brake pre-wiring, tow hitch, and VDC. If you're getting a recently built Titan, Off Road pkg comes with electronic lockers, which negates the VDC option anyway, so you're only missing some equipment that you can add later if you feel the need. I say go for it!

PS - I spent my early years in Ft. Collins, CO. I'm jealous that you're going to get to play in real mountains with your Titan!

[ChuhBaca]

Hey Dog, don't be too jealous. While I will be playing in the mountains, I'm guessing it will be at least 6 months before it will be in a Titan.

Also, thanks for the info!

[keane]

I don't know if this is relevant, but if Nissan puts a sticker on your truck that says the GVWR or tow rating is so and so, and you try and pull over that and are stopped by the autorities (for whatever reason) you be in trouble. Now, I don't know if they specify different ratings on the truck for tow and non-tow packages, but if they do be careful. Outside of that, I don't know why they give different ratings. Why not call the 1-800 and ask for a definitive answer?

[ChuhBaca]

Wow, thanks Keane! I'm really glad you mentioned that. I don't think I would have taken that into consideration otherwise.

[JetTech]

Off the top of my head this is what the Tow package consist of:

1. Lower rear-end ratio 3.36:1
2. ATF cooler
3. VDC
4. Tranny temp. gauge
5. Class IV hitch with 7 pin wiring.
6. Extendable Mirrors with wide angle mirrors built in.

I may have missed an item but I think that's pretty much what it consists of and in my opinion a true bargain for what Nissan is charging for it.

Dale

[Dog_Party]

Good point Keane! I hadn't thought about that.

The Nissan website lists the following:

King & Crew Cab: 4X4 towing capacities (no Tow pkg)
XE = 6500
SE = 7400
LE = 7200
King & Crew Cab: 4X4 towing capacities (w/Tow pkg)
XE = N/A
SE = 9500
LE = 9200

Payload and tow ratings will be listed on the door-sill for each model. The Off Road pkg "should" increase the towing ability of the truck since it has the lower gear ratio...but "should" carries about as much legal weight as my 1.8 turbo can tow.

I realized that I left off one other thing that would be missing if you don't get the Tow pkg. The big mirrors. Don't know if that makes a difference to you, but I forgot to mention it before.

ChuhBaca - You could be driving a smoke-belching 78 Lebaron into the Colorado Rockies and I would still be a little jealous. :-)

Keane - Cute dog!

[cttitan]

Originally Posted by ChuhBaca

Ok I see the options that come with the big tow package. What I want to know is, what part of the Big Tow package makes it capable of towing so much more? I don't see how a guage and VDC can make any difference. I'm trying to figure out if I can make an XE (which doesn't allow for the Big Tow package) capable of towing as much as a truck equiped with the Big tow from the factory. Thank you.

This is from the Nissan website
__________________________________________________ _______________
Big Tow Package (SE, LE)
• Increased tow capacity
• Extendable tow mirrors
• Receiver hitch
• Lower final gear ratio (3.36:1)**; similar to a four-speed automatic 4.10:1
• Additional seven-pin wiring harness plug
• Trailer brake controller pre-wiring on IP.
• Transmission temperature gauge
• Heavy-duty battery (710 CCA)
• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)*

*VDC is designed to help improve driving stability, but does not prevent accidents dur to abrupt steering or by carelessness or dangerous driving techniques. Always drive safely.

**Similar to a 4.10:1 axle on a 4-Speed AIT
__________________________________________________ _______________
I don't know what they mean by increased tow capacity. The SE and LE are rated about 2000# more with the Big Tow package than without it. Why??? I don't know. For example my SE 4X4 CC is rated at 7300# without the tow package but 9300# with the tow package. Go figure....???

[TitanBill]

Originally Posted by JetForeman

Off the top of my head this is what the Tow package consist of:

1. Lower rear-end ratio 3.36:1
2. ATF cooler
3. VDC
4. Tranny temp. gauge
5. Class IV hitch with 7 pin wiring.
6. Extendable Mirrors with wide angle mirrors built in.

I may have missed an item but I think that's pretty much what it consists of and in my opinion a true bargain for what Nissan is charging for it.

Dale

I thought the big tow package came with a trans cooler, as well, but looking at my sticker, it doesn't include it in the description

Bill

[JetTech]

Originally Posted by TitanBill

I thought the big tow package came with a trans cooler, as well, but looking at my sticker, it doesn't include it in the description

Bill

It does but it's real hard to identify. Look at the top left (drivers side) of your radiator and you'll see an ATF line that suddenly disappears. The cooler is in between the A/C condensor and the Radiator.

[PHOEBISIS]

I wonder what makes the SE with no Big Tow a more capable tow vehicle that the XE?Could it be the prewiring for a trailer brake?They figure you had better have a trailer brake if you are towing over 6500??Does the XE have a tow mode button?
Heck,with the Tundra the heavier the Access Cab,the lower it was rated.The cheapest 2wd SR5 was rated at 7200,but the 4x4 Limited was rated 200-300 lbs less.
I bet the 2000lb jump with the Big Tow is because of gearing and the VDC.Towing almost twice it's weight is a load,you would need the gearing and you're more likely to have the trailer pushing you around.
I am more puzzled by the SE VS XE difference?Any idea?Thanks,Charlie

[Biscuit'sTitan]

Dealer told me that the XE does not have the Dana axle, which he said is what makes the SE able to tow more. I guess he was saying that the XE comes with a cheaper weaker axle.

[hawkeye680]

Originally Posted by Biscuit'sTitan

Dealer told me that the XE does not have the Dana axle, which he said is what makes the SE able to tow more. I guess he was saying that the XE comes with a cheaper weaker axle.

Dana axles are standard equipment

Rear axles that is