Do I need Big Tow or OF package (newbie)

18psi · 06-16-2004, 08:49 PM

I’m currently looking at an LE CC 2wd and a SE CC 2wd, with intentions of occasionally towing a 19.5 boat that weighs roughly 3000lbs. After speaking with a friend of mine that has always been around boats and trailered them behind his truck, he said to be sure to get a truck equipped with a locker. He feels like I may have traction issues when pulling the boat out of the water and up the boat rame. My Titan will be for daily driving and towing the boat to a local boat ramp about 20 miles from my house on the weekends. Should I opt for the Tow or OF package both or neither, I know that if I had them it would not hurt but do I really need them. My dilemma is I don’t care for the wheel and tire package that comes with the OF package (and I’m not sure if you can get it on the LE CC) and I do not like the BIG mirrors that come with the tow package. Please advise if I should opt for these.

Big Platinum · 06-16-2004, 08:56 PM

I went through the same dilema. Honestly a 3,000 lb boat is not heavy so weight is really no an issue. Slippage out of the ramp can be a problem, but with new tires and easing it out, you should be fine. (I've never even slipped at all with my other trucks and about a 3,500lb boat) The only reason i would opt for either package is just for the rear gears(for performance). But for $250 you can throw on a reciever and be done with it.

Tough call, i decided to not opt for either because i don't off road and don't care for the tow mirrors.

avroflyer · 06-16-2004, 09:01 PM

I had a hard time finding an SE without the Big Tow Package if the Offroad Package was also desired. I ended up just going with it and actually I'm pretty happy with it since it has the VDC and I don't have the 4X4, plus the option is there for heavier towing, and the I imagine it might help resale a bit (trucks are for towing). Hope this helps?

Jim Reeves

18psi · 06-16-2004, 09:01 PM

Thats what I thought as well but he got me thinking when I warned me about the ramp being soaked with water. With the gearing on the other packages is the performance gain very noticable ie. acceleration with out a tow? And if so I would assume your mileage would suffer.

Big Platinum · 06-16-2004, 09:12 PM

Hard to say for sure about the slippage, the titan is a very capable truck but it's nice to have that extra assurance with the locker.

I have put gears on just about all my cars i've had, it should make a moderate improvement in performance, especially off the line and tip in, but it is not a huge step up in ratio so it wouldn't be a drastic difference.

i wouldn't worry about mileage, difference is hardly noticeable (especially with titan 5 spd auto)

radiokid · 06-16-2004, 10:35 PM

If there is no traction for one wheel there is probably none for the other. All my liimited slip does in this situation is make the *** end of the truck go sideways which further complicates the matter. If you pull up steep ramps or slippery ones and don't want to be embarrassed totally get the 4 wheel drive. Or you can do what the guys over on the hull truth do is this situation and carry a couple flats of shingles in the bed. The xtra weight helps the rear wheels and if the worst happens tear open the shingles and throw them under the tires and walk out

Titan Ken · 06-16-2004, 11:05 PM

By "locker", if you mean a true locking rear differential, you must have 4WD and for it to engage you must by in 4WD LOW. You mention you don't like the larger tire/wheel combo on the Off Road package. Actually the Off Road package comes with 17" wheels/tires rather than the standard 18". In my opinion the 17" wheels look better than the factory 18" wheels.
Anyway for what you're going to tow, I don't think "must have a locker" for pulling your boat outta the water.

Ken

18psi · 06-17-2004, 06:59 AM

Titan Ken,
if you add the OF package it includes Electronic Locking Rear Differential, at least this is what Nissan's site states, but I dont belive the OF package is available on an LE 2wd but is available on an LE 4wd. Thanks for the advice everyone, Im leaning towards the Big Tow, for the money you get alot.

avroflyer · 06-17-2004, 07:58 AM

With the Big-Tow and OR on the 4X2 and 200 miles thus far I am getting 14.78 MPG with mixed city/highway driving.

Titan Ken · 06-17-2004, 09:13 AM

18PSI:
Yes, Titans now being made include the E-Lock with the Off Road package. Earlier made Titans, like mine made in February did not have the E-lock.
Ken

Austin · 06-17-2004, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titan Ken

18PSI:
Yes, Titans now being made include the E-Lock with the Off Road package. Earlier made Titans, like mine made in February did not have the E-lock.
Ken

More correctly:

A Titan with the 4x4 offroad package will have the e-locker.

A Titan with the 4x2 offroad package will not have the e-locker.