Pros/Cons of Big Tow

Bull · 03-21-2005, 06:57 PM

Hello, I am seriously considering making the move to a Titan after a long history of driving GMC trucks. I was hoping to get some feedback regarding the Big Tow option. I definitely need a 4X4 and plan on the Off-Road package, but am unsure about the B.T. At this point, I rarely do any heavy towing (typically just a utility trailer with 4-wheeler at this point). Is there much difference in fuel efficiency? Does anyone wish they had or had not gotten the B.T. package?- that kind of thing. Thanks for any feedback!

Clint · 03-21-2005, 07:02 PM

The offroad version has the same rear gears as the big tow. So from that standpoint it's no different in mileage. As far as towing capacity you never be sorry if you buy the big tow. You'll also get the larger mirrors, trans temp gauge etc. All in all it's a lot for the extra $400.

Clint

TYTAIN · 03-21-2005, 07:08 PM

Bull, depending on some differnet options you may have to get big tow. You may want to go to the Nissan's web site and spec your truck out to see what's avalible(SP) that way you know for sure what your up against. I have it on my 04 CC LE with OFFROAD, never hurts on resale if you ask me. Good luck!

Bull · 03-21-2005, 07:17 PM

Thanks, that has already helped a ton. I've built some different models on the website but completely missed the fact that the offroad has the lower gear ratio.

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 03-21-2005, 07:17 PM

I have to agree with the others here. Same gearing as the OR equiped truck so mileage isn't an issue. The hitch, wiring and controller wiring are there for when you want to move up to a larger trailer becuase now all your friends want you to tow their ATV or, like I did...lol...ended buying a camper trailer!
I'd have to say go for extra few $$$ and be comfortable knowing you CAN tow up to 9500 LBS rather than 7500 w/o the package. Good luck!

mtbendo · 03-21-2005, 07:32 PM

Pros - the big mirrors, you can see everything
Cons - the big mirrors, you hit almost everything

Serious, I have both options (Big Tow and Offroad). I've never towed anything big in the past but it's nice to know that you won't regret it later should you decide to do so. The trans temp gauge is a plus and so are the bigger mirrors on the freeway. The biggest plus for me at the time was that the early 04s had VDC as an option with the Big Tow. Since my wife would occasionally drive it I thought it was worth it.

MilesTeg · 03-21-2005, 08:57 PM

Pro's - Transmission temp guage!

This is really nice to have when towing in the mountains. The big mirrors are great. Plus it comes with a heavy duty battery.

Con's - Gas mileage. I'm not sure how much difference there is compared to the no tow models. I think there was a survey on this a while back.

Quad T · 03-22-2005, 06:32 AM

If you are already spending the money for the Off-Road Pkg you might as well spend the $400 to get the BT Pkg. As others have mentioned you will already be on the wider OR tires and have the lower final gear ratio, so the only diffwerence in mileage would be as it relates to the extra drag on the big tow mirrors and I suspect you would never see that in gas mileage.

Big Tow, a lot of stuff for $400 or less...
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.

TROGDOR · 03-22-2005, 07:48 AM

The mirrors after market are 150 a piece - so that's 300 bucks right there. Honestly, having not driven a full size before (coming from a Maxima), I don't know how I'd live without the mirrors. The wide-angle bottom mirror makes driving on highways and back parking a breeze ...

ptgarcia · 03-22-2005, 08:00 AM

I wouldn't buy a truck this size without the tow package. Like everyone has said the cost is minimal and there are no "cons" (in my opinion).

kevstitan · 03-22-2005, 08:12 AM

I think an additional aux trans cooler is part of the big tow as well.

QWIKWHIP · 03-22-2005, 08:17 AM

That is my only regret with my truck is not getting the tow package. It hasn't been a problem for me but it will limit my plans if I want a larger camper in the future. My reason for not getting it was that the mirrors would not fit in my garage without folding them in everytime. I guess I could have learned to live with that. Oh well. In a few years my next one will have the tow package.

QWIKWHIP · 03-22-2005, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevstitan

I think an additional aux trans cooler is part of the big tow as well.

They all have teh cooler, it's just the gauge that comes with the TP.

Justintoxicated · 03-22-2005, 10:44 AM

I got the big tow package with my OR equipped also. My Dad went out and bought a pimped out 21 foot toy hauler and gave me one of the keys so it ended up being a very good investment

I get about 16 MPG average on the street + freeway

ptgarcia · 03-22-2005, 10:51 AM

Quote:

I got the big tow package with my OR equipped also. My Dad went out and bought a pimped out 21 foot toy hauler and gave me one of the keys so it ended up being a very good investment I get about 16 MPG average on the street + freeway

Justintoxicated,

I'm looking to buy the same thing. How does it tow?