Towing HELP! Please...

kwellswriter · 07-09-2008, 05:33 PM

Hi, I have a 2008 Titan with tow package. I am getting myself confused and the owner's manual hasn't answered all questions. I took the truck and my trailer to San Diego in really hot weather last week. The truck got way too hot on the long I 8 grade and we nearly didn't get over the hill. I am headed for Colorado Rockies next week. I found out about the gearing down, which I did but not until it was too late to do much good. My question is, do I use the tow mode and also gear it down with the manual button? Or do I use just one or the other? I love this truck but it has to pull! I bought it to go to San Diego and CO every year. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks. Kathy

**Carbeaux** · 07-09-2008, 05:37 PM

Tow mode yes. Tow in 4th. And if you need to drop it down manually to keep the trans cool, then do so. This engine isn't afraid to rev up for towing. Don't be afraid to let it.

kwellswriter · 07-10-2008, 07:49 AM

Thanks! I was worried by the RPMs getting so high when it tried to pull. I am determined to take it to the mountains, though, so I appreciate the advice. Kathy

**vipzach** · 07-10-2008, 08:00 AM

How much are you towing? Don't be afraid at all, to drop it into third if needed to help cool the tranny!!

kwellswriter · 07-11-2008, 09:48 AM

Thanks for the info about 3rd. I was leery of putting into 3rd doing more than 50. That seems to be part of the problem. I cant wait to try out the mountains next week. Oh, and I have a v-nose trailer that is 6200 lbs. I run with the tanks empty and minimal cloths and dishes. With the truck rated at 9100, I should be well under that.

hunter · 07-12-2008, 01:24 PM

I've towed my 5,500 lb travel trailer several time thru the Canadian Rockies and when approaching a steep climb, I'll drop to 3rd gear and then cruise up the hill without losing any speed (a steady 100 kph). The Titan loves to rev - so do not worry about over-reving. This keeps the transmission cool.
Enjoy

HRTKD · 07-12-2008, 10:30 PM

I tow an enclosed V-nose utility trailer (6x6.6x12) through the Colorado Rockies without any problem. At the Eisenhower Tunnel (11,158' elevation) my Titan was working pretty hard in second gear with high RPM's. For that elevation that was normal.

I haven't had any problems with overheating. Probably because it has been below zero each time I was there.

eurohazard · 07-13-2008, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwellswriter

The truck got way too hot on the long I 8 grade and we nearly didn't get over the hill.

How hot is "too hot"? Was the needle pegged?

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwellswriter

Thanks for the info about 3rd. I was leery of putting into 3rd doing more than 50. That seems to be part of the problem. I cant wait to try out the mountains next week. Oh, and I have a v-nose trailer that is 6200 lbs. I run with the tanks empty and minimal cloths and dishes. With the truck rated at 9100, I should be well under that.

Is 6,200lbs the unloaded weight?

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 07-13-2008, 04:03 AM

Somethings either wrong or not being explained right. How hot is hot? And what's hot...the engine or tranny? You shouldn't have to downshift manually at all! If it needs 3rd, it'll go into 3rd (and no, it won't cool the tranny). Wanting to do it is different than needing to in order to keep it cool. With tow mode on, and towing in 4th (my guess is you're in 5th, "D" ), you should be having no heating issues at all.

kwellswriter · 07-13-2008, 10:45 AM

Hello, Thanks everyone for the comments. I really appreciate it. I am sure the problem was my not knowing the right way to go about this. I really love my Titan. The trailer is 6200 lbs. empty but I travel with the tanks empty and lightweight everything (clothes, dishes, etc.) balanced evenly in trailer. The engine heat went to the line just before being "pegged." The tranny got hot too though and the transmission would no longer shift gears by itself or with my help. I did start the grade in "D", so thanks to all your info, I will do that differently. Any last tips before I head north? Thanks again. Kathy

HRTKD · 07-13-2008, 12:54 PM

Before long I would get your engine oil changed and get either a transmission fluid change or a transmission fluid flush. If you pushed the transmission that hard then the flush (which is more expensive and more thorough) might be in order. Also, consider changing your differential fluid (rear) and the transfer case if you are 4x4.

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 07-13-2008, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwellswriter

Hello, Thanks everyone for the comments. I really appreciate it. I am sure the problem was my not knowing the right way to go about this. I really love my Titan. The trailer is 6200 lbs. empty but I travel with the tanks empty and lightweight everything (clothes, dishes, etc.) balanced evenly in trailer. The engine heat went to the line just before being "pegged." The tranny got hot too though and the transmission would no longer shift gears by itself or with my help. I did start the grade in "D", so thanks to all your info, I will do that differently. Any last tips before I head north? Thanks again. Kathy

If what you're saying is true, get it to the dealer before towing again! That is nowhere near being normal and I tow a very large TT myself. You engine should not be pegged in the hot range...I don't care if it's 100 degrees, A/C on and going up a 15% grade (done it). I'm sure others here that tow will agree that you should have the cooling system tested. Somethings just not right. Getting past the middle "normal" range is a feat even in real heat, but possible. "pegging" it is another thing entirely.

eurohazard · 07-13-2008, 07:20 PM

I am with Hudson, Have the dealership look over your Titan to make certain you don't have a problem.

Towing HELP! Please... - being discussed at Nissan Titan Forums in the Titan Towing & Hauling section.