Question(s) About Towing Capacity...

[Omega Supreme]

Alright, the manual says the 4x4 Crew Cab XE (mine) tows up to 6,500 lbs. An identically equipped (I believe) SE tows 7,500.

What's the SE got for towing that the XE doesn't? It doesn't make any sense at all.

Plus, I know the Big Tow Package changes the gear ratio to improve towing... BUT, I also know the Off-Road package uses the exact same altered gear ratio for improved off-roading. I have the Off-Road Package.

I'm thinking my truck can tow *well* above the manual's stated 6,500 lbs. I'm moving next weekend to Alaska, and I'm wondering about trailer weight considerations.

One final thing... I'm putting a hitch on the vehicle, and I'm pretty sure the Big Tow Package doesn't do anything FUNCTIONALLY different except change the gear ratios - no added transmission intercooler, or anything like that. So... I don't know why I should't be able to tow something much closer to the 9,500 lb limit, as opposed to the manual's stated paltry 6,500 lbs.
Comments?

[FLA-Titan]

What's the SE got for towing that the XE doesn't?

Nothing, just a sales gimmick. Thats it. You could easily tow 7500 LBS. I would just make sure you used trailer brakes and a weight distribution system on anything above 6000 pounds.

As for the big tow, the gearing is desirable for pulling power. It puts more of the torque where it's needed, at the wheels vs. at the flywheel.

[Treebasher]

That is strange... Hey at least you have a larger payload.

Crew cab
Capacities......................................XE .......SE.......LE
Maximum towing capacity (lbs.)3
.............Standard...........................6, 500...7,400...7,200
.............With Big Tow Package..........N/A......9,500...9,200
Maximum payload (lbs.)
.............................4x2.................. 1,545...1,480...1,288
.............................4x4.................. 1,404...1,339...1,162

3 Towing performance and speed are affected by vehicle payload, tow weight, road grades and weather conditions, including high temperatures. See owner's manual at dealership before purchase for details.

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


Off-Road Package (4x4 Only)
• Switch on-demand electronic locking rear differential
• Rancho® off-road performance shocks
• Lower final gear ratio (3.36:1); similar to 4.10:1 on a 4-speed automatic
• 17" x 7.5" 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels
• P285/70R17 B.F. Goodrich® Rugged Trail® OWL tires
• Skid plates – transfer case, lower radiator
• Fog lights (standard on LE)
XE: Requires XE Preferred Package

XE Preferred Package
• AM/FM/in-dash 6-CD audio system
• Overhead center console
• Sliding rear window (King Cab only)
• Rear privacy glass (standard on Crew Cab)
• Remote keyless entry (Crew Cab only)
• Vehicle security system (Crew Cab only)
• Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System (Crew Cab only)

[electricjohn]

The big tow package must have different springs because the service manual list different hieghts for the wheel wells.

[QWIKWHIP]

Originally Posted by electricjohn

The big tow package must have different springs because the service manual list different hieghts for the wheel wells.

The suspension is the same. The XE has smaller tires making it lower.