What makes a "Big Tow"

**Helinut1970** · 10-28-2005, 05:52 PM

What makes a Big tow package able to tow more than a regular configuration. Trans/oil coolers?

Sammy Sandbag · 10-28-2005, 05:56 PM

Lower final drive ratio. I believe both non-BT and BT Titans have a trans cooler, but the BT model has a trans temp gauge.

**Helinut1970** · 10-28-2005, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammy Sandbag

Lower final drive ratio. I believe both non-BT and BT Titans have a trans cooler, but the BT model has a trans temp gauge.

So thats it? If that was it I can only assume that a non-BT could really tow more than the 7500 they say. True?

37L1 · 10-28-2005, 06:00 PM

TOW PACKAGE
x x x
- Class IV 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
- Extendable tow mirrors (N/A on XE)
- Heavy-duty battery (710 CCA)
- Increased tow capacity

Sammy Sandbag · 10-28-2005, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 37L1

TOW PACKAGE
x x x
- Class IV 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
- Extendable tow mirrors (N/A on XE)
- Heavy-duty battery (710 CCA)
- Increased tow capacity

Right, but none of those things increase the towing capacity except for the gears.

Quote:

So thats it? If that was it I can only assume that a non-BT could really tow more than the 7500 they say. True?

Sure it can tow more than 7500lbs, but what a truck can tow, what it can tow safely, and what it's rated for may all be completely different ammounts.

**Helinut1970** · 10-28-2005, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 37L1

TOW PACKAGE
x x x
- Class IV 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
- Extendable tow mirrors (N/A on XE)
- Heavy-duty battery (710 CCA)
- Increased tow capacity

The increased tow capacity intails all the above not somthing additional though correct?
The reason I ask this is I have a aftermarket class IV hitch and a 7 prong wiring harness. Ive never towed more than 8000 lbs but I often wonder if I could with no probs!

37L1 · 10-28-2005, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helinut1970

The increased tow capacity intails all the above not somthing additional though correct?
The reason I ask this is I have a aftermarket class IV hitch and a 7 prong wiring harness. Ive never towed more than 8000 lbs but I often wonder if I could with no probs!

The info I posted is from NissanUSA. I know nothing else about the BT.

Smoke05 · 10-28-2005, 07:30 PM

You probably could tow over 8,000lbs with no big tow, but at what cost to the tranny and engine? The ratios are different for a reason and without the whole truck works harder. I'm sure the Big Tow could pull more than 9,500lbs, but the manufacturer placed that as a limit for a reason.

PA Titan · 10-28-2005, 07:56 PM

Titans with offroad have the same gear ratio as big tow. As far as tow capacity goes an ex with offroad should theoretically tow about 10000lbs based on the trucks weight and max combined weight rating. However Nissan artifically lowered the tow rating on ex to sell more se and le versions.

**Helinut1970** · 10-28-2005, 08:06 PM

I think I will keep the extra towing capabilities as a sort of reserve. Thanks guys for your input here!

JefeCinco · 10-29-2005, 08:29 AM

IMO it's risky to tow more than the weight for which the truck is rated. The rating is based upon more than final drive ratio, or tires, or hitch, or harness, or suspension, or temp gage, or oil cooler, or mirrors, etc. Tow capacity is based upon the integrated added capacity offered by the totality of the equipped truck... plus maybe a little marketing hype.

A very real risk of towing beyond capacity are the consequences of an accident or injury. If a lawyer gets wind of the fact that you've exceeded the tow rating of your truck it's going to give him/her a real lever to pry extra $$$ out of you or your insurance company. It may also give your insurance company a way to weasel out of paying anything for the damage or injury. Even if the police determine that you were not at fault overtowing can undo that determination.

YMMV.

**Helinut1970** · 10-29-2005, 08:35 AM

Good point! I dont plan on towing over. I just wanted to know if it could handle it and if I happen to be towing a 7000 lb boat and the gear, tanks, water, gas, etc. cause it to go over would it be ok. And is the frame or something like that stronger on the big tow trucks?

Sammy Sandbag · 10-29-2005, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helinut1970

And is the frame or something like that stronger on the big tow trucks?

No, everything is identical except for those things mentioned in this thread.

Bayou Titan · 10-29-2005, 08:46 AM

You have the benefit of living in a "flat" state which helps to take a lot of the strain off when towing. I realize that you will be on an incline coming out of the boat launch, but that is only a short distance, at slow speed, and you can use a low gear.

How far will your usual tow be?

**Helinut1970** · 10-29-2005, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bayou Titan

How far will your usual tow be?

15 to 20 miles.