Towing a Camper trailer quetion.

**BULLTITAN** · 08-21-2005, 09:31 AM

The wife and I were out yesterday and was looking at camper trailers. Now my truck doesn't have the big tow package, however it is 4x4. I was doing some research about weight capacities of the XE and the Gross combined weight rating is 11,800 lbs. and the max. trailer weight is 6500lbs. w/ tongue load of 650lbs. I bought a class III trailer hitch receiver and a 1-7/8" ball. The trailer we were looking at weighted in at 7600lbs., thats the GVWS or what ever the abbrivation was. I think the salesman said it was wired for trailer brakes, if it is, then that would probably be to heavy for me to haul. If not, would it be suitable? Keep in mind I NEVER pulled w/ this truck. So my question is really should I go with the 6500lbs or the combined weight of passengers & trailer? This is probably a redondant question asked by many, but if you trailer towing experts can stair me in hte right direction, I would really appreciate it big. Thanks for your time

HighlandTitan · 08-21-2005, 10:49 AM

There is always talk of towing capacity on here - do a search and you will find more than you ever wanted to know and some of it is from people that know what they are talking about. Also check RV.net in the tow vehicle forum - same story there but maybe a little more detail. I have attached a very good spreadsheet that can help you figure out what you can tow. I have a SE w/o BT and I pull a trailer that weighs about 5600 without gear - you need to find out what your actual (not what the salesman or sticker says) dry weight. If the GVWR is 6500 it is probably 5500 or less because they have to give you room for your stuff. Since you have 4x4 you have the lower gear range so there is no "towing" difference with your truck and one with BT, but you don't have the mirrors or the Trans. Temp. gauge. So in my opinion, essentially you could have towed about 9500 as safe as with BT if you had the proper hitch(Nissan may have a different opinion if you have a warranty issue). I have also attached my towing pic for perspective. Good luck!

skyhammer · 08-21-2005, 11:58 AM

You are going to have to buy a class 4 hitch to safely tow that weight. You are, in all likely hood, going to have to get a larger ball also.

**BULLTITAN** · 08-21-2005, 12:12 PM

Thanks guys for your support and info. That attachment came in handy.

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 08-21-2005, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BULLTITAN

The wife and I were out yesterday and was looking at camper trailers. Now my truck doesn't have the big tow package, however it is 4x4. I was doing some research about weight capacities of the XE and the Gross combined weight rating is 11,800 lbs. and the max. trailer weight is 6500lbs. w/ tongue load of 650lbs. I bought a class III trailer hitch receiver and a 1-7/8" ball. The trailer we were looking at weighted in at 7600lbs., thats the GVWS or what ever the abbrivation was. I think the salesman said it was wired for trailer brakes, if it is, then that would probably be to heavy for me to haul. If not, would it be suitable? Keep in mind I NEVER pulled w/ this truck. So my question is really should I go with the 6500lbs or the combined weight of passengers & trailer? This is probably a redondant question asked by many, but if you trailer towing experts can stair me in hte right direction, I would really appreciate it big. Thanks for your time

Keep in mind that w/o the BT package, you're only rated to tow a maximum of 6500 LBS on the CC XE 4X4. But I can tell you that I easily tow a 28' camper weighing between 7 and 8k LBS. I do have the BT package but I don't see why the two trucks should differ so much in abilities, other than the gear ratios. The hitch on the BT equipped trucks is welded to the frame thru-rail...maybe that's the difference....I don't know.
The only problem I can see would be, god forbid, something happened while towing, and you're over the recommended tow rating and GVWR, you would be held liable and subject to some hefty fines.
You're also going to want to, if not already in there, change to the 140w gear oil and get a good weight distributing hitch. Also do the towing break-in EXACTLY as described in the owners manual. Good luck!

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 08-21-2005, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighlandTitan

There is always talk of towing capacity on here - do a search and you will find more than you ever wanted to know and some of it is from people that know what they are talking about. Also check RV.net in the tow vehicle forum - same story there but maybe a little more detail. I have attached a very good spreadsheet that can help you figure out what you can tow. I have a SE w/o BT and I pull a trailer that weighs about 5600 without gear - you need to find out what your actual (not what the salesman or sticker says) dry weight. If the GVWR is 6500 it is probably 5500 or less because they have to give you room for your stuff. Since you have 4x4 you have the lower gear range so there is no "towing" difference with your truck and one with BT, but you don't have the mirrors or the Trans. Temp. gauge. So in my opinion, essentially you could have towed about 9500 as safe as with BT if you had the proper hitch(Nissan may have a different opinion if you have a warranty issue). I have also attached my towing pic for perspective. Good luck!

Just so he doesn't think he has something he doesn't:

"Since you have 4x4 you have the lower gear range so there is no "towing" difference with your truck and one with BT"

This isn't correct, unless I'm missunderstanding you here. The 3.36:1 gear ratio that comes on the BT or OR equipped trucks, is not automatically available on 4X4 models. He'd have to have either the BT package or OR package to get the lower towing gear ratio. Again, I'm not so sure that would make all that much of a difference anyhow. Just wanted to clear that up.

HighlandTitan · 08-21-2005, 01:59 PM

Sorry, my misunderstanding - I thought the 4x4 came with the OR package. If not, then he won't have the lower rear-end and this may make a slight difference. Thanks for keeping me honest!

rtapia · 08-22-2005, 10:25 AM

You will also need a transmission cooler and a brake controller.

Here is a good link for towing info:

The Link

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 08-22-2005, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtapia

You will also need a transmission cooler and a brake controller.

Here is a good link for towing info:

The Link

All Titans come standard with the exact same tranny cooler.

**BULLTITAN** · 08-23-2005, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HudsonValleyTitan

All Titans come standard with the exact same tranny cooler.

Maybe its there and I'm not seeing it, but I have no Tranny temp. guage on my dash, that space where it should be is blank.

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 08-23-2005, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BULLTITAN

Maybe its there and I'm not seeing it, but I have no Tranny temp. guage on my dash, that space where it should be is blank.

The guage is part of the BT package only. But the tranny cooler is on every Titan. You'll see it by looking through the grill on the drivers side...just above the electric fan. Looks like a very small radiator.

JamesB · 08-23-2005, 12:43 PM

Per car and driver the BT

$600 Big Tow package (a Class IV hitch, extendable side mirrors, a transmission-oil temp gauge, and stability control),

I think it also adds the tow/haul mode. But then I only test drove BT trucks.

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 08-23-2005, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesB

Per car and driver the BT

$600 Big Tow package (a Class IV hitch, extendable side mirrors, a transmission-oil temp gauge, and stability control),

I think it also adds the tow/haul mode. But then I only test drove BT trucks.

The TOW/HAUL mode switch is another goody standard on all Titans. Stability Control (VDC) is no longer part of that package. It's in the Side Airbag Package now.