Do I need Big Tow?

Timmy Titan · 05-23-2004, 11:02 AM

I have been looking at getting a Titan for the last 2 months but can't seem to decide what options to get. Orginaly I was going to get a fully loaded LE Nav and dvd the works but after reading the post about the want to be RF system I decided to just get a base modle LE with only Big tow. Now I am not sure if i even need it. I have a 18 FT SeaRay motor boat with a single axle trailer. Not all that heavy about 2 tons. I dont think I would need any extra special towing package for that since my friends dodge towed it on the bumper with no problem. My questions are with out big tow does the titan come with tow hook ups and eletricl for lights. I dont mind spending the extra for the big tow but none of the trucks here in hawaii have the big tow package. Plus I think I would get better gas milage with out it.

Thanks Tim

**CaliforniaTitan** · 05-23-2004, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timmy Titan

I have been looking at getting a Titan for the last 2 months but can't seem to decide what options to get. Orginaly I was going to get a fully loaded LE Nav and dvd the works but after reading the post about the want to be RF system I decided to just get a base modle LE with only Big tow. Now I am not sure if i even need it. I have a 18 FT SeaRay motor boat with a single axle trailer. Not all that heavy about 2 tons. I dont think I would need any extra special towing package for that since my friends dodge towed it on the bumper with no problem. My questions are with out big tow does the titan come with tow hook ups and eletricl for lights. I dont mind spending the extra for the big tow but none of the trucks here in hawaii have the big tow package. Plus I think I would get better gas milage with out it.

Thanks Tim

For less than a 5k pound load you don't "need it". The truck will handle it fine without. You will have to get your own hitch and do the wiring for it. I forget who it is, but someone has already done this and posted where to get the parts ($200-$300 if I remember correctly).

But, ask yourself this...do you ever see yourself getting a larger/heavier boat OR towing something other than that may exceed the 5k pounds. IF that's the case, the Big Tow Pkg would pay for itself in the long run.

Chris

Timmy Titan · 05-23-2004, 11:31 AM

With payments on the Titan I wont be buying a biger boat any time soon. Maybe down the road I could see my self with a small yacht. (LOL) I wish one of the local dealers had a LE CC big tow truck in there lot. I guess I will have to order it from the factory or get it from a dealer in Cali. Add a few more wasted months of summer boating.

Thanks Tim

**CaliforniaTitan** · 05-23-2004, 11:43 AM

I see your Navy - Kudos and Welcome Aboard Shipmate.

IF you don't envision the change to a larger item to tow anytime soon go wtihout it. That way you could enjoy your truck and have your boat for the next few years to have fun with. Then (Hopefully after a promotion!) you might be in a better off position to buy a bigger toy and a '07-'08 model fully decked out :-)

Chris (CTRC(SW) Retired)

sleightofhand · 05-23-2004, 12:12 PM

I have an se 4x4 without the big tow. I have pulled a 24' searay sport cruiser fine with it. Its rated to tow 7800 and i put the nissan hitch on it that comes with the big tow package. Save some money on gas when not towing. You kinda get a tow package with any of them since they all have transmission coolers, and 379ftlbs of torque.

Austin · 05-23-2004, 01:41 PM

If you're going to tow anything, I'd get the big tow package. With the 3.36 rear end, it'll be much less stressed.

FRD ETR · 05-23-2004, 01:51 PM

I have the LE without Big Tow and hauled loads similar to what you have described in weight. Can't say that I missed having the tow package, if I towed all the time maybe I would but most of my driving is highway without a load. As for stress issue Austin could be correct but I'm not certain. Isn't the tow rating at 7400 lbs and we are talking 4,000? Seems this would fall well within the guidelines of factory specs. I'm sure the tow package would have more "get up" on take off or coming up a boat ramp but I can't see you drag racing with a boat behind you either.

bestatchess · 05-23-2004, 02:08 PM

You don't "need" the Big Tow, but I think it is one of the better deals among the option packages for the $. I would suggest that you check the after market price on the Big Tow package items before deciding. For example, the Big Tow mirrors are pretty expensive after market.

Bayou Titan · 05-23-2004, 02:27 PM

If you are "thinking" about getting the Big Tow, go ahead and get it. The Big Tow package costs only $850.00 and you get a class IV trailer hitch with wiring harness, Extendable Tow Mirrors (I like these mirrors even when not pulling anything), Heavy Duty Battery, Lower Final Axle Ratio, Transmission Temperature Guage, Vehicle Dynamic Control (w/Active Brake Limited Slip) and pre wire for trailer brakes from the dash to the hitch. Even if you don't have anything large to tow now, you will be able to two a friend's yacht and whatever you buy with the money when you win the powerball. For $850.00, I would rather have the Big Tow package and seldom use it rather than not have that option and want it later. You'll have better trade in value as well because most people that buy trucks want to pull something.

LastHurrah · 05-23-2004, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timmy Titan

I have been looking at getting a Titan for the last 2 months but can't seem to decide what options to get. Orginaly I was going to get a fully loaded LE Nav and dvd the works but after reading the post about the want to be RF system I decided to just get a base modle LE with only Big tow. Now I am not sure if i even need it. I have a 18 FT SeaRay motor boat with a single axle trailer. Not all that heavy about 2 tons. I dont think I would need any extra special towing package for that since my friends dodge towed it on the bumper with no problem. My questions are with out big tow does the titan come with tow hook ups and eletricl for lights. I dont mind spending the extra for the big tow but none of the trucks here in hawaii have the big tow package. Plus I think I would get better gas milage with out it.

Thanks Tim

MPG will be less but if you are still on the fence the Big Tow does seem like a bargain. Especially if you are dealing from invoice (for example invoice less $500, rather than MSRP less $3500) you will in effect get it for invoice which is just $738. Paul

dcrobt · 05-23-2004, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LastHurrah

MPG will be less but if you are still on the fence the Big Tow does seem like a bargain. Especially if you are dealing from invoice (for example invoice less $500, rather than MSRP less $3500) you will in effect get it for invoice which is just $738. Paul

I already have 2 big toes, don't need another one unless we are hauling towing etc. hehe

it drinks the gas
someone said in an earlier post he gets less than 10 mpg!!!!!!!!!!
wow 3.00 a gallon
the dodge ram srt-10 p/u with 505 ci 500 hp gets 9 city 16 hwy

JetTech · 05-23-2004, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LastHurrah

MPG will be less but if you are still on the fence the Big Tow does seem like a bargain. Especially if you are dealing from invoice (for example invoice less $500, rather than MSRP less $3500) you will in effect get it for invoice which is just $738. Paul

I wouldn't be so sure that overall mpg would be less with the big tow like you've stated. I know that looking at it on paper it would seem to use more fuel due to the difference in rear-end ratios but my mileage is great and I have it. I know we've had several threads now concerning gas mileage results, it would be interesting to see the overall tally on this topic because I'm not convinced there's ANY difference in gas mileage between the two.

jburson250 · 05-23-2004, 05:58 PM

With about 2500 miles on my LE CC 4WD with Big Tow, I'm seeing about 15 mpg with a best of 15.4. Big tow is a bargain that can't be duplicated over the parts counter. Check the price of the mirrors, alone. I ordered my truck and included BT eventhough I have nothing to tow. Whoever's saying "10 mpg due to Big Tow" needs to re-evaluate how he uses his right foot. Plus you get VDC, which in Hawaii may not be important. Where I live, it's a different story.

bestatchess · 05-23-2004, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jburson250

With about 2500 miles on my LE CC 4WD with Big Tow, I'm seeing about 15 mpg with a best of 15.4.

I am now up to 16.6 MPG mixed city/hgwy at 7,000 miles. I am thinking about using Mobil 1 in motor oil and in differentials and see if I can do a little better.

sleightofhand · 05-23-2004, 11:39 PM

Well it would appear that people who have it like it and people who dont, dont miss it. I would buy it if it is offered in one but i dont think you should hold out for it. They will probably throw in the hitch with purchase if you play your cards right. Also your boat only weighs 2100lbs dry so thats why the friends bumper pulled it good. You could pull that boat with a 4 banger no problem, I have an 18ft mariah that i used to pull with a 4 cylinder toyota. I hate to say this but living in hawaii and all the more towing needs you have what about a jeep wrangler rubicon. Take the top off and cruise pulling the boat, or a ferrari 308 oh forget it I am just day dreaming. I think i was supposed to be living magnum pi's life. I am sure higgins would have a titan, a jeep, and a ferrari for me to use at my will.
Oh the titan does come with tow hooks, atleast my 4x4 did.