Looking for real towing experience - Page 2

KERR · 11-06-2006, 02:40 PM

i dont want to tell you what to do but if your use to a F350 then you will hate a titan.

I mean a F350 is designed to two what 20K lbs. the titan is desided to like 9100 with optional weight distribution hitch.

I have pull over 10K with my armada. and it did good but no comparison to my old F250 but it was diesel...

Heck even v10 F250 will tow 12K on the hitch now. Also the new 3v v10 run on regular, we drove one all day on saturday and it didnt get bad milage. The one we drove didnt have mpg computer but im sure it was well over 10 mpg becuas i put 10.00 bucks @ 2.50 a gallon and we 60 + miles and the gauge went from 1/4 to empty. I cant speak for the titan but the wife armada only get 12.8-13.1 per tank in town driving. Now on the highway is a different story with the tall over drive. We get 17 mpg at 85 mph.

CHEIF · 11-06-2006, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoAZ

There is a huge difference between a 9K equipment trailer and a 9K travel trailer. An aquaintance of mine had an 04 Titan. For hauling his 9K equipment trailer with a small tractor on it he had no complaints city or highway. However with his racecar trailer (fully enclosed) that weighed about 7500 lbs he thought the Titan struggled too much on the highway because of the wind drag. He ended up going upgrading to a Dodge dually with the Cummings.
Mitch

Good to hear someone else's input on the wind-drag issue Bronco. No one else ever mentioned it.

ralphkw · 11-07-2006, 03:43 PM

I have a 2006 LE and tow an 8000 lbs travel trailer about once/twice a month. I have a Reese Dual Cam WD hitch. I am generally satisfied but the wind resistance and hills are a problem. I could really use about 25 more HP/torque. I put up with it because it is a compromise. I drive this truck to work much more than I tow, and I love it in that capacity.
I have put 12,000 miles (about 2500 towing at 70 mph) and the only diff issue I have is a whine between 65-70 mph. I changed the rear grease at 5k and 10k. At 5K it looked awful, like dark grey paint. At 10K it looked fine. Not sure how I feel about the whine. Guess I should eventually take it to the dealer, but it has not gotten worse.
The creaking seat belt buckle is about to drive me nuts (but I digress off topic). I get about 6 MPG when I am trying to pull that barn door down the road at 70 mph. I guess I could slow down a little

but I have always been one to drive like a maniac.
My gut feel is you won't be happy towing that much weight on a regular basis.

BroncoAZ · 11-07-2006, 04:09 PM

Mine maintained 10 mpg at 70 mph on my last trip with the bronco on a smaller trailer (about 7600 lbs plus a bed full of steel).

Mitch

Titan4RV · 11-07-2006, 04:49 PM

I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion but those with experience are those that have the most credibility.

I have towed thousands of miles since the 70's and have always towed in "Drive" and with Cruise Control engaged. I also intend to maximize fuel economy so I tow at 55mph, which, BTW, is the max for autos & trailers in many states.

Since buying the Titan last year, to replace my Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland (4.7L HO), as we intend to buy a larger trailer to replace our 28' 8500#(loaded & wet) TT. I have switched all fluids to synthetics except the trans fluid J - (Jack up the price) Matic.

I have now put a few thousand towing miles on the Titan. Last fall from AB to CA to AZ to CA and this spring back to AB, mostly mountain driving at altitude. Around AB this summer and this fall from AB to IN so far. We have never had a problem even on the steepest grades, there is always a good bit in reserve. The transmission downshifts when it needs to and seldom into 3rd and only rarely into 2nd. We regularly blow by 18 wheelers on steep grades.

It does have a peculiar habit when upshifting from 4th to 5th if the grade only decreases or levels out. The RPMs drop from about 2500 (4th@55) to about 2000 and hang up. This indicates the torque converter isn't locking up. A tap on the accerator pedal causes the rpms to drop to 1500 (5th@55) immediately. This doesn't happen if the grade changes to downhill as the decreased load allows the torque converter to lock up immediately and the rpms to drop to 1500 with no hesitation.

We expected the Titan would not provide the fuel economy we got with the Jeep but in fact, its better. We have averaged about 11mpg (US gallon) with a low of 8.7mpg and best of 12.9mpg. I just wish the around town mileage was better than towing!

We are now debating on either a new 31-32 ft WBSO (white box with slide out) TT or a late model Airstream 34. Expect to decide in the next few weeks.

For more insight into tow ratings vs towing capability, I recommend: rvlifemag.com/hitchhints

Hope this helps.

PS The wheelbase isn't really an issue. Thousands of short box pickups towing TTs and 5Ws. If at all concerned get a Hensley Arrow Hitch. See: nosway.com

Yahooligan · 11-07-2006, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KERR

i dont want to tell you what to do but if your use to a F350 then you will hate a titan.

I mean a F350 is designed to two what 20K lbs. the titan is desided to like 9100 with optional weight distribution hitch.

Since you seem to be fairly new to towing, what a vehicle can tow is limited by the GVWR and GCVW. The GVWR limits the amount of cargo+people+trailer tongue weight, the GCWR limits the total weight of the vehicle combined with the weight of whatever is being towed.

An F350 doesn't have a GCWR much over 20,000lb and once you add in the weight of people and gear, that leaves about 12,000lb for a trailer. In a number of cases, a 3/4 ton truck will have a higher tow capacity than a 1-ton due to being lighter and having the same GCWR.

Quote:

I have pull over 10K with my armada. and it did good but no comparison to my old F250 but it was diesel...

Max tow capacity for an Armada is 9000-9100lb, so you're saying you exceeded the legal limit for the vehicle? Before you say it's not a legal limit, it is. The MFR certifies the tow capacities with the NHTSA and USDOT. If you're ever in an accident while towing and it is determined you exceeded the GCVW you will be in a world of hurt.

The limits are there for a reason, it's best to follow them and not give out flawed advice or very exaggerated tow ratings.

To the original poster, with the weight on the trailer properly balanced and staying within the ratings of the truck you should have no problems, especially for the limited distance and frequency you plan on towing.

Something else to remember is that tires do make a huge difference when towing, it's very important to make sure your tires have the correct load rating and that you keep them matched. By this I mean don't mix brands or models even if they have the same load rating. Each tire has its own characteristics, such as sidewall flex, and using mismatched tires can make for a very unpleasant, and unsafe, towing experience. Also make sure you have the tires properly inflated for a "loaded" truck vs. "unloaded" as they are not always the same.

Learjet · 11-08-2006, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titan4RV

It does have a peculiar habit when upshifting from 4th to 5th if the grade only decreases or levels out. The RPMs drop from about 2500 (4th@55) to about 2000 and hang up. This indicates the torque converter isn't locking up. A tap on the accerator pedal causes the rpms to drop to 1500 (5th@55) immediately. This doesn't happen if the grade changes to downhill as the decreased load allows the torque converter to lock up immediately and the rpms to drop to 1500 with no hesitation.

You are towing in 5th with a TT ?

steelhorse07 · 11-08-2006, 10:29 AM

What is the GCVW of the 07 Titan about 14500Lbs? What is included with the big tow option on an 07? A contractor friend of mine laughed when I told him I was considering a Titan. He said the jap V8s Have no top end and are only good off the line empty. From what Im reading on this fourm , it does not sound that way. My F250 with 5.8 - 4.10 rears and 9100LBS behind it pulls hard off the line but dies bad on the long hills, his answer was yeah but not as bad as a jap V8. I think he is confused with a toyota.The truck looks so much smaller then my 250 but has more hp &Tq, longer wheelbase and more cab room, just much lower payload. Hopfully the HD will have more payload.

kvoman · 11-08-2006, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoAZ

The dealer isn't going to let you tow your trailer with a not broken in truck, nor are they going to let you set up your WD hitch before the tow. If they do let you testdrive a brand new truck under towing conditions you probably don't want to buy from them because they are stupid.

I have seen some of the commercial truck dealerships allow trailer laden test drives with a similar demo truck that is already broken in, but not a new one on the lot.

Mitch

I don't see why not. Not many, if any, salesman, would know anything about the towing issue. And if they do, they wouldn't care if they can make the sale. Plus, it's only for a few miles, not over hills and mountains. I wouldn't buy that truck but I'd buy another if the towing pans out.

Titan4RV · 11-08-2006, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Learjet

You are towing in 5th with a TT ?

Sorry if I was not clear. Too used to RV forums. TT = Travel Trailer 5W = Fifth Wheel

I would be reluctant to tow a 5W with a Titan for 2 reasons. First, the Titan has the least payload capacity, which translates directly to 5W hitch weight, of all "1/2 tons". Secondly, the increased frontal area adds about 1000 lbs in resistance at 55mph, so the 5W would have to be that much lighter than a comparable TT.

The Titan has always been regarded as under rated by the motoring press. I see they have upped the hp & torque figures slightly for 2007. It will be interesting to see what develops with Toyota, GM and Ford (me too!) announcing 10500# tow ratings for 2007.

BTW. Ford increased their tow rating 400# after the Titan was introduced and now another 600# with the new Toyota and GM models coming out. Nobody at Ford will say how they found another 1000# of pulling power without changing the anaeemic 5.4!!

BroncoAZ · 11-08-2006, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelhorse07

What is the GCVW of the 07 Titan about 14500Lbs? What is included with the big tow option on an 07? A contractor friend of mine laughed when I told him I was considering a Titan. He said the jap V8s Have no top end and are only good off the line empty. From what Im reading on this fourm , it does not sound that way. My F250 with 5.8 - 4.10 rears and 9100LBS behind it pulls hard off the line but dies bad on the long hills, his answer was yeah but not as bad as a jap V8. I think he is confused with a toyota.The truck looks so much smaller then my 250 but has more hp &Tq, longer wheelbase and more cab room, just much lower payload. Hopfully the HD will have more payload.

I would have to disagree with your contractor friend. I had a 99 F-150 with the 5.4 V8. When towing the truck had good torque off the line and poor top end, but the transmission sucked for towing. The truck would not pull steep hills in third gear and was very prone to downshifting all the way down to second gear on long hills and trying to run over 5,000 rpm at 60 mph (redline of 5500 rpm).

The main difference I notice with the titan is that it has solid power off the line, and it really comes alive above 3,000 rpm. The other factor is the 5 speed automatic. When the Titan is faced with a long hill at 65 mph it will drop down to third gear and tach about 4000 rpm all the way up the hill. I have no issue with the higher rpm on the hill because it makes the cooling system work better.

The GCWR of the 2006 Titan is 14,600 lbs. The towing guide for the 07 isn't on the nissanusa site yet. I purchased my 05 4x2 SE king cab because it had the highest tow rating for that year. My Titan with 2 people in it scaled at 5500 lbs. Add my trailer (2960 lb plus a spare tire) and Bronco (scaled at 5500 lbs with basic tools/gear) at conservatively 8500 lbs, and I am at 14000 lbs not including any camping gear and some of my wheelin gear. That gear shouldn't exceed 600 lbs, so I think I'm legal (barely).

Mitch

aztitan4x4 · 11-08-2006, 03:09 PM

I have a 23' Toyhauler that when loaded conservativly came in around 9k. Scared the crap out of me to tow it. Long story short I ended up trading my titan in for a Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel. What a difference in towing. With the titan it felt like I was dragging half the state behind me. With the 3/4 ton sometimes I forget I have the trailer behind me. Dont get me wrong I loved my titan, but for towing I would stick with a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. If you only need 1 reason to make your decision on which truck to get: SAFTEY!!!

BroncoAZ · 11-08-2006, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aztitan4x4

I have a 23' Toyhauler that when loaded conservativly came in around 9k. Scared the crap out of me to tow it. Long story short I ended up trading my titan in for a Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel. What a difference in towing. With the titan it felt like I was dragging half the state behind me. With the 3/4 ton sometimes I forget I have the trailer behind me. Dont get me wrong I loved my titan, but for towing I would stick with a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. If you only need 1 reason to make your decision on which truck to get: SAFTEY!!!

I'd like to know what your "my own big tow" package consisted of. You had an 04 XE, which was only rated to tow 6500 lbs. The 4x4 with larger tires did not help things either. Unless you changed the rear axle gears you can not replicate the factory tow package. I'm sure comparing your Titan's towing with one properly equipped are 2 different animals. Not to say that the 1 ton won't do a better job, but at least make a fair comparison.

Mitch

kman · 11-08-2006, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelhorse07

I am currently on the edge of buying a titan king cab with tow package. I am looking for people who have towed at or near the 9400lbs max tow ,and how she does.I figure adding timbrens or airbags to help.I currently and since new, tow with a 97 F250HD 5.8L . My trailer is about 2000lbs and machines I put on it run about 7100lbs. I realize this is under the 9400lbs , but I wanted to hear from people who do it regularly. My F250 only rates at 7600lbs and GCWR is 13000 and handles the weight well just struggles on hills. I had very bad experience with a 2004 F350 and sold it due to many mechanical issues. So now Im looking at Nissan. Most of the time I will use the truck for transpertation and tools in the bed. The rear issue has me worried. Has anyone switched to full synthetic to help with the heat build up? Respond quickly my local dealer has a beautiful silver extracab with my name on it.

buy the Titan, because i know you want to, and you'll love it. Keep your f250 for the times you have to move equipment between jobs, use the Titan for hauling tools.

aztitan4x4 · 11-08-2006, 07:24 PM

If you look at my sig you would see I had the Offroad pkg. which consists of the same gear ratio as the Big Tow pkg! The only thing my truck didn't come with compared to any truck with the big tow was the hitch (which I purchased from Nissan) and the extended mirrors oh and a higher CCA battery which I'm sure makes a huge difference in towing. Yes I had the offroad tires(285-70/17 BFG) which back in 04 would have been the same tires if I got the big tow or not with the offroad pkg. The origanal post was for real towing experience and thats what "I" stated. Other people have probablly had better experiences, but for me I did not.