Towing Capacity, Big Tow, Long Distance Towing

[PBR Streetgang]

New to the Forum just purchased a 2009 Titan SE 4x4. I bought the truck with the understanding that it had the "tow Package" (Which I assumed was the Big Tow) After reading 100's of post about "is or isn't it BT" I have come to the conclusion that might not have the Tow Package (Big Tow). I had the dealer run the VIn and it came back with no factory tow package installed.
I have a Nissan hitch, Transmission temp Gauge, 7 pin connector and Electronic Brake Wiring harness, however I don't have the Towing Mirrors. There is no sticker anywhere near my rear Differential. I jack the truck up and rotated the Drive shaft and 1 tire revolution = a little less than 3 revolutions of the Drive shaft, which I concluded that I am geared at 2.94, which is not the big tow.
(I guess) I bought the truck from Toyota dealer who sold the truck as the "tow Package" which is Why I bought it because I though it could go up to 9400lbs and 15,100 GCWR. I still have the sticker from the sales lot that says it has tow package on it. ( maybe I can take it back)
The truck and trailer combined weight (with wife and 3 kids in the truck) is 10,970lbs, which with the non big to I can go up to 13,100 or 13,300 (depending on your reference) I will need to add about 1000lbs of random crap that my family carries around with us, bringing the GCWR to approx 12,000.

I'm moving my family from Seattle, WA to Savannah, GA (can not wait) traveling through UTAH, to Vegas, grand Canyon, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, the Georgia.

Two questions:
1) From everyone's experience; will the titan perform well at higher Altitudes with the GCWR of approx 12,000lbs? I am I pushing the limits of what this truck can do, ie is this a safe? How will the truck perform on hills and is my gas mileage going to be <9 MPG?

2.) Would it be worth it to change the gears to 3.36, (I have a 26' boat in Georgia that weighs 6800lbs with the trailer) Again I bought it thinking I had the big tow. I really love my titan but if my families safety is an issue I'll part with this truck and upgrade to a big tow or a 3/4 Diesel.

I have a WD hitch and Sway bars, Prodigy P3 brake controller.Thanks for all your input in advance, I've been creepin' on this site for a few months and there is a ton of knowledge here. Sadly more than my dealer knows.

[FishnAlaska]

If all your numbers are correct, I would say you are within the specifications and should be good to go. Gas mileage will not be good, you will have at least 2 mountain ranges to cross. Once you cross the real mountains out west you should be fine. Depending on how far you have to tow your boat back east, again I think you will be fine assuming the weight of the boat is fully loaded with gear and fuel. Just my .02 worth.

[PBR Streetgang]

So just got off the phone with the dealer and they are recommending I get an additional Trans. Oil Cooler. (I guess in addtition to the factory Auxillary oil cooler)

My bottom line is I need to tow more than 7100lbs (or what ever the Non big tow package is ) I'd like to be up in the 9400lbs realm. I love my truck and don't want to spend an additional $10,000 for a used 3/4 diesel, with 60,000+ miles.

If I got a better air cleaner and maybe a programmer, how much more weight could I tow? Or is it all a product of the Gear ratio? My local 4 wheel parts said it would cost 2400.00 to install 3.36 gears (including front) and they recommend get a programmer which would cover the Cruise control issues.

I'm completely ignorant when it comes to chips, and programmers so for all I know they could be blowing smoke up my Butt. Bottom line is I need to get up to 9400lbs or as close as possible with the truck I have. Any recommendations?

[FishnAlaska]

If 9100# is your preffered range, then go for the bigger gears. Towing capacity is pretty much based on gearing - filters, programmers or coolers won't increase you capacity. I don't believe a programmer will fix the cruise issue, I'm pretty sure you do need to get the ECU (Electronic Control Module) reprogrammed by the dealership to have the cruise control work with the new gearing. A programmer will help you get more horsepower and torque out of your truck, which will help with overall performance. The engine can handle the towing load, but with the 2.94 gears you will work your tranny to much.

[desertruner09]

You don't need another cooler. All Titans (with or without the tow package) come with the same cooling, an internal cooler in the radiator and an external cooler sandwiched between the A/C condenser and radiator.

Can't you go after the dealership that sold you the truck? I mean you bought the truck thinking it had the tow package, they said it had the tow package, but yet it doesn't have the tow package. I would think you would have some kind of leverage with that one. Maybe they can pay for a gear or axle swap and some tow mirrors, or maybe another truck with the tow package.

BTW, welcome to TitanTalk! Lots of knowledge and good people on these forums.

[FishnAlaska]

Tow package and Big Tow are two different things, tow package on newer Titans are tow mode button, tranny temp gauge, hitch and trailer wiring. I have tow package on my truck, but not Big Tow, which generally adds mirrors and 3.36 gears.

[Anavrin351]

on all car adds it is stated that its the responsability of the buyer to make sure the details are correct. You wont beable to return it by any laws because its your fault for not making sure all specs were acurate before you bought it. But some dealers are understanding and dont want a bad rep so they may work with you on a return as well.

your truck will get around 8-10mpgs. climbing the mountians you may want a little extra fuel in the bed of the truck because there are some places where its over 250 miles before another gas stations comes around. let the engine do the work insted of the trans, drop gears manualy, keep it in 4th at crusing speeds until 70ish, and keep low gears up hills. the motor wont have any problem pulling the load. there was a guy on here who was hauling around a 12000# bobcat and trailer just fine. if you can swap the gears, that will make life alot easier

[PBR Streetgang]

Thanks guys, I was at the dealership where I bought it today, which is a Toyota Dealership. Basically they are willing to trade my Titan in for what I purchased it for. They only had two candidates for replacement; both Toyota's and it would cost me another 12k, for a 2010 Tundra Crew max. (33,500+tax) I asked them to foot the bill for a gear change or complete refund or find me another truck so we'll see. I called 4 wheels parts here in Tacoma, Wa and they suggested the new Gears and programmer. Does anyone know a good aftermarket shop in the South Puget Sound Area, that if I could get my hands on the 3.36 gear could make the swap? Anywhere between Chehalis to Seattle? I live in Olympia, WA BTW.

[Anavrin351]

post in the WA thread. a few guys might know. i have a shop i go to for all my work, but theres nothing special about them and they arent a specialized aftermarket shop

[PBR Streetgang]

Originally Posted by Anavrin351

post in the WA thread. a few guys might know. i have a shop i go to for all my work, but theres nothing special about them and they arent a specialized aftermarket shop

I didn't even know there was a WA thread! Thanks!