The first real towing experience

[TitanUS]

I finally got to tow something real in my Titan. We were able to take our new travel trailer out for the first time thanks to some unseasonably warm weather in PA (60 on new years day). It weighs about 6500 as it sits.

The Titan did great! Had to be careful to watch the speed. I woud have a tendency to creep up to 70 if I let it but I wouldn't recommed that for the faint of heart. It handled the uphill climbs on the turnpike well and was very controllable with a anti-sway bar and a little attention whenever a semi did pass me.

The only downside is that I got about 7.5 to 8.5 in gas mileage, about what I expected.

[BritGuy]

Its a great feeling isn't it I tow the Jeep and probably weigh about 500-1000lbs under what you have just experienced. I can certainly identify with what your saying re creeping up to 70mph or even slightly above, its very easy to do! Then commonsense kicks in and back down to 65 we go.
have fun with it i know I do
Ian

[ICE17N24]

Originally Posted by BritGuy

Its a great feeling isn't it I tow the Jeep and probably weigh about 500-1000lbs under what you have just experienced. I can certainly identify with what your saying re creeping up to 70mph or even slightly above, its very easy to do! Then commonsense kicks in and back down to 65 we go.
have fun with it i know I do
Ian

I was wanting to get some input as far as how the Titan towed. THANKS. I will probably tow less than half of what you guys do. But, it's good to know the Titan tows like a champ.

Thanks again
ICE

[MikeDeuce]

Originally Posted by TitanUS

Had to be careful to watch the speed. I woud have a tendency to creep up to 70 if I let it but I wouldn't recommed that for the faint of heart.

Aren't you supposed to keep it @ 50mph for the first 500 miles of towing for heat cycling the rear ends?

[Mr. Fisherman]

You are not suposed to tow intil you have 500 miles on your Titan, consult your owners manual.

I tow my 22' boat that weighs about 4500#. The first time I towed it I thought my boat shrunk! WOW, what a difference. Towing is almost a pleasurable experience now. I love when people lorry up to get around the slow looking boat and truck only to be surprised that nobody has to wait, especially up hills and over mountain passes. I really enjoy passing other tow rigs heading uphill. Is that wrong? lol...

[MikeDeuce]

I was referring to the portion of the manual where it states:

For the first 500 miles (800km) that you tow a trailer, do not drive over 50mph...

[CyBwRBill]

I love my Titan and have towed by 16ft utility trailer with it with ease.

However, I was getting pool chemicals about 4 months ago and the store owner came out and looked at my Titan. By the end of our conversation, he said he had to have one. He even went to my dealership on my recommendation (vs one that was in our city).

I saw him behind me in line at Sam's Club. I asked if he got the truck and he said Yes. I asked how he liked it and he said "great, until I towed something". I asked why he said that. He said he towed a trailer from Daytona to Miami and the rear end went out. It's been in the shop for over a month. He said they are trying to figure out what to do. He had it towed to the dealership in our city (Daytona Nissan).

I told him that now he knows why I recommend and use a different dealer.

Before I towed anything in a Titan, I would check...even change the differential fluid .

[TitanUS]

I definately agree with everyone that says to wait until after 500 miles. At 1000 miles I changed all of the fluids to syn just to try and help avoid any of the stories I have read on this board mainly because I new I would be trailering 6500lbs. I didn't even start until I had 5000 miles under the hood.

It does tow like a dream, and it is funny to see people surprised when you take off from a light

[Armada]

I think there may be a misunderstanding about the 500 mile thing in the owners manual. The first 500 miles YOU TOW, should not exceed 50 mph. It doesn't matter if you have one mile or 10,000 on the odometer. If you are towing a heavy load for the first time, you need to let the gears on the ring gear and pinion fully mesh under load and to "heat harden." They don't mesh completely during normal driving.

This is a standard towing break in for differentials and is not a reflection on the Dana 44 or Titans. Most axle and gear shops recommend this as well. You might get by just fine without doing it, if most of the driving was at 50 or less anyway, but taking the time to do this right the first time will add many, many miles to your towing pleasure.

[MikeDeuce]

Originally Posted by Armada

The first 500 miles YOU TOW, should not exceed 50 mph. It doesn't matter if you have one mile or 10,000 on the odometer.

That is exactly what I was trying to say

[drarlt]

I just came back from a snowmobile trip (750 mi each way) pulling a enclosed 4 place steel trailer. My worst was 8 mpg and best was 11 mpg. I averaged about 75 mph. The titan pulled well, although had some trouble keeping the 75 without kicking into 3rd gear. However once in 3rd, I could climb any mountain grade with ease. Overall I am impressed with the performance of the truck!

[gsphuntr]

I haven't bought my travel trailer yet, and will probably spend as long shopping as I did for my Titan (1 yr and several dealerships in Colorado). For the break in period, does it matter how heavy the trailer is to break in the Titan? For example, I have a 12' single axle, angle iron trailer in which I tow my ATV and miscellaneous other camping and hunting gear. I haven't weighed the rig yet (will do so soon), but suspect it weighs in around 2500 lbs when loaded. I've been logging my miles at 50mph while pulling this rig, but was wondering if this is sufficient if I plan on pulling a travel trailer that weighs around 6500 lbs? Or, should I borrow/rent a trailer with comprable weight to truly break in my Titan. Thanks for your help. BTW, it sucks driving 50 mph and having other rigs pass me thinking... that truck can't pull crap.