Advantage to Big Tow Package?

5935 Views 23 Replies 19 Participants Last post by MZ3Cosmo, Mar 13, 2004

Bmosbacker

Discussion Starter · Mar 9, 2004

I anticipate ordering a new Titan either this summer or early fall, unless I decide to wait for the 2005 model.

Question, is there any advantage to ordering the Big Tow package based on how I will use the truck:

1. Commuting to and from the office
2. Occasional hauling stuff from Home Depot/Lowes
3. Deer hunting
4. I do not plan on towing anything in the new future.

However, are there stability, flexibility, resale advantages to the Big Tow package?

What about the off-road package--same questions. I will not be off roading except for the occasional trip to the woods on hunting trips.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

1 - 20 of 24 Posts

2670

· #2 · Mar 9, 2004 (Edited)

You can't get the XE package with the Big Tow. I wanted roll-up windows and a bench seat, I got the XE w/o the big tow. Towing capacity is still 6,500 lbs, and the transmission still has the tow mode.

You don't get the tranny temp guage, but you also don't get a bunch of wheel sensors to go bad. The non-big tow models have a higher gear ratio in the differential, so you'll turn a few fewer rpm on the highway and maybe save a little gas.

I tow a couple of motorcycle trailers and maybe a boat, max weight maybe 2,500 lbs. As strong as this truck is, I don't expect it'll be a problem.

COHawk

· #3 · Mar 9, 2004

The Big Tow has the VDC (stability control), which was enough for me to get it. I probably won't tow more than a couple of snowmobile's and a 4-wheeler so I really don't need it. For as much snow as we get it'll be safer on the road's with the VDC.

CaliforniaTitan

· #4 · Mar 9, 2004

Bmosbacker said:
I anticipate ordering a new Titan either this summer or early fall, unless I decide to wait for the 2005 model.

Question, is there any advantage to ordering the Big Tow package based on how I will use the truck:

1. Commuting to and from the office
2. Occasional hauling stuff from Home Depot/Lowes
3. Deer hunting
4. I do not plan on towing anything in the new future.

However, are there stability, flexibility, resale advantages to the Big Tow package?

What about the off-road package--same questions. I will not be off roading except for the occasional trip to the woods on hunting trips.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

For what your describing...the Big Tow is not a necessity for you. You can add a Class III setup later on and tow 5k pds and a tongue wieght on 500pds no problem.

For the Off-Road Pkg...Well depending on how 'sloppy' some of those trails into the woods are you may or may not want it.

Chris

Sabre66

· #5 · Mar 9, 2004

Another plus to the Big Tow Pkg is the big mirrors. They really help when parking. Also i believe the gearing ratio is different which allows more pull off the line, but may affect gas mileage. My main reason for getting the Big Tow was the VDC system.

So for only $600 you get the larger extendable mirrors, VDC system, Class IV hitch w/pre-wiring (9400/9500lb tow cap.), and transmission cooler. A class III hitch will run you $200 plus installation costs (generally $60-75/hr) and only allows 5000 lb tow cap.

Just food for thought when making your decision.

keane

· #6 · Mar 9, 2004

I would go for it.

For two reasons 1. resale - it might not get you a higher dollar, but it will widen your market.

2. The price is very cheap for the big tow - if you plan on putting any type of hitch on later, it is better to get the big tow now.

Judging by what others are posting about MPG, i don't think it affects it greatly so that shouldn't be an issue.

The offroad probably isn't needed for your needs.

Doghouse

· #7 · Mar 9, 2004

The number one reason I purchased the off road package was for the front tow hooks. We have clay down here, if you have ever gotten clay wet, you can just imagine what it is like, grease comes to mind. More than once I have used the hitch on my old truck to pull someone out by their tow hooks. It depends on what you have for dirt where you deer hunt.

dman

· #8 · Mar 9, 2004

I also second the larger mirrors...they help out tremendously in traffic, parking, etc., especially with that little convex (concave?) part on the lower section of the mirror. The negative though is increased wind noise travelling at 70 mph down the highway. I also don't tow much but thought that the big tow pkg. was a very good deal for the items I got with it.

2670

· #9 · Mar 9, 2004

According to Nissan, there is no difference in tranny coolers or radiators for the Big Tow and non-Big Tow models.

Optimist

· #10 · Mar 9, 2004

If those options are important to you go with it & you get a lot for what you pay for. I did not get the tow package & I tow once and a while but for short distances. Utility trailer, motorcycle, & some boats that may come close to maximum limits. However 95% of my driving is without trailer, I wanted whatever gas mileage benefit & I hate large mirror noise on the highway. I don’t really care about the trans temp.. if I’m not exceeding & my fluids & trans filter is fresh I feel ok about it, if it bother me later on I’m sure the sending unit is there. Aftermarket hitch options are reasonable. I suppose it not only comes down to weight but how often. @ 805 miles I did get 18.3 on the highway warm climate gas, 65mph avg. some AC use, could have done better if my ears & back didn’t need to reconfirm the power once & awhile.
1750rpms @ 70mph it's sleeping on the highway.

tbeecher

· #11 · Mar 9, 2004

Doghouse,

The guy who sold me my Titan bought one himself. He put the tow hooks on it. I talked to Chris at LeeAutoMall.com and they are about $44 each. I don't need them but I will get them to fill in the holes and get that (even more) aggresive look!

Tony

bestatchess

· #12 · Mar 9, 2004

"So for only $600 you get the larger extendable mirrors, VDC system, Class IV hitch w/pre-wiring (9400/9500lb tow cap.), and transmission cooler."

And the transmission temperature gage and don't you also get a bigger battery?

pluckyew

· #13 · Mar 9, 2004

handy for parking

larger extendable mirrors (two on each side) are really handy for parking & backing in..
not getting Big Tow AND not getting the Off-Road will likely result in better mpg milage, if that's a concern.

Bayou Titan

· #14 · Mar 9, 2004

bestatchess said:
"So for only $600 you get the larger extendable mirrors, VDC system, Class IV hitch w/pre-wiring (9400/9500lb tow cap.), and transmission cooler."

And the transmission temperature gage and don't you also get a bigger battery?

You also get a 710 CCA battery. Not listed on the sticker but also included is prewire for electric brakes from dash to rear bumper.

KATOOM4

· #15 · Mar 9, 2004

Big tow pkg

After reading all of your opinions and to throw in my 2 cents- the Big Tow pkg is by far the best pkg for the money of all the Titan pkgs options...... That's why I waited until my dealer got one in with it. Titan on!

twaldron

· #16 · Mar 10, 2004

Bmosbacker said:
I anticipate ordering a new Titan either this summer or early fall, unless I decide to wait for the 2005 model.

If you wait until summer or early fall, you WILL be ordering a 2005.

Click to expand...

Warren

· #17 · Mar 10, 2004

Bmosbacker said:
I anticipate ordering a new Titan either this summer or early fall, unless I decide to wait for the 2005 model.

Question, is there any advantage to ordering the Big Tow package based on how I will use the truck:

1. Commuting to and from the office
2. Occasional hauling stuff from Home Depot/Lowes
3. Deer hunting
4. I do not plan on towing anything in the new future.

However, are there stability, flexibility, resale advantages to the Big Tow package?

What about the off-road package--same questions. I will not be off roading except for the occasional trip to the woods on hunting trips.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

If you're not in a hurry, you'd be wise to wait for the 2005...let them get the bugs out and offer some varied packages.

It doesn't sound like you need the Big Tow pkg. The thing I like least about it is the gear ratio change. The vehicle is smoother and more car like without it. Sounds like as little as you tow, the truck is plenty strong already. The big mirrors will get in the way, too.

MZ3Cosmo

· #18 · Mar 10, 2004

bestatchess said:
"So for only $600 you get the larger extendable mirrors, VDC system, Class IV hitch w/pre-wiring (9400/9500lb tow cap.), and transmission cooler."

And the transmission temperature gage and don't you also get a bigger battery?

I agree with you guys that the tow mirrors are awesome, I wish that I had them. but :boxing: all Titans have a transmission cooler!!! The tow package only adds the cooler guage! That is why the standard truck without the tow package is rated @ 7500 lbs. The tow package includes a lower gearing (final ratio) which allows for the 9500 lbs towing capabilities.

I din't get the tow package for one reason. @ 60 mphs there is a 300 rpm diffrence between the trucks with and without the tow package. I travel a lot and that will eventually end up costing gas money. My boat is only around 3000 lbs and it is in Florida. (no mountains)! No need for lower gearing. Class IV hitch from my dealer is only 296.00 installs with bolts that I can handle. I will be buying one soon.

outahere

· #19 · Mar 10, 2004

According to this thread, the tow package includes a larger radiator, and stiffer springs:
http://titantalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9004&highlight=tow+package

Bayou Titan

· #20 · Mar 10, 2004

Bmosbacker,

Glad to hear from you again! I would suggest getting the Big Tow package. Generally, if something is not too expensive, I go ahead and get it. I would much rather have something and not use it often than have a dire need for something and don't have it. The Big Tow package is only $850.00. In the future you may want to tow something heavy. You may have a friend that buys a heavy boat or travel trailer and to share costs on an outing one of you might supply the truck and the other the RV. The truck will last you a long time and who knows what kind of toy you might want years from now. (right now I have the hots for a party barge) Also, the Big Tow package will help your resale. Another thing that gets my crawl; I HATE most of the aftermarket trailer hitches. They look real boxy, too much of the hitch shows, trailer wires show, etc. I know you can spend extra money to get past this, but most people don't want to because they've skimped on not getting it at time of purchase so they skimp again with aftermarket stuff.

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