I believe unless you have the big tow package the towing, regardless of XE, SE or LE, is around the 6500 lb range. I regularly pull 8500lbs +/- so I got the big tow. :cheers:

 

Right, but what does the Big Tow offer that boosts its rating?

 

It's about the money... You can only tow 9500lbs if you give us $8000 more for leather, power windows, floor shifter, captain's chairs...

Directly off Nissan's site:


Big Tow Package (SE and LE Only)
• Class IV receiver hitch
• Additional 7-pin wiring harness plug
• Trailer brake controller pre-wiring under instrument panel
• Heavy-duty battery (710 CCA)
• Lower final gear ratio (3.36:1); similar to 4.10:1 on a 4-speed automatic
• Extendable tow mirrors
• Transmission temperature gauge
• Increased tow capacity

SE: Requires Trac Package (4x2 only). In addition, SE Rockford Fosgate Package or SE Popular Package is required.

 

Right, but what does the Big Tow offer that boosts its rating?

The hitch ....

 

Most people buy vehicles ready-to-go. Most don't like to deal with having to buy a couple more parts for their car right after they just threw down $$ for the new car itself. It's all about marketing.
Just get any aftermarket Class IV hitch, tranny cooler, and brake controller.

 

The lower final gear ratio on the Big Tow is what makes the difference.

 

The lower final gear ratio on the Big Tow is what makes the difference.

That's correct. That is what makes the biggest difference. My SE with out big tow is rated for 7500 pounds. The only difference between the XE and nonbigtow SE/LE's that I could see may be the tires. The XE's 17" steelies with smaller tires may have a lesser capacity?? Just a thought.

 

That's correct. That is what makes the biggest difference. My SE with out big tow is rated for 7500 pounds. The only difference between the XE and nonbigtow SE/LE's that I could see may be the tires. The XE's 17" steelies with smaller tires may have a lesser capacity?? Just a thought.

I believe the tires going up on 17" for O/R or 18" are rated higher for more weight. This will get corrected if needed by others but I'm fairly certain. Gear ratio, tranny temp gauge are the 2 biggest factors right away other than tires...

 

Thanks all

 

Isn't the final gear on both the OR and BT the same
3.36:1? If Smellin13 has the OR and is only rated for
6500, then it's got to be more than the lower final gear
ratio that makes the difference

 

Isn't the final gear on both the OR and BT the same
3.36:1? If Smellin13 has the OR and is only rated for
6500, then it's got to be more than the lower final gear
ratio that makes the difference

Maybe just marketing??

 

uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

 

OR and Big Tow have the same final gear ratio and tran cooler. Just don't get tran temp gage and VDC w/o Big Tow. At least I think this is true for the 04's.

 

I thought the big tow also came with a upgraded radiator

 

uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

The XE is not available with big tow, so in order to get the 9500 tow capacity they have to upgrade you to an SE or LE model. And the SE/LE with out big tow might be rated higher because when you spend more you expect more. See what I mean? I think it could be just that....spend more = tow more.

 

So we are ultimately talking about the biggest difference is money and a few minor upgrades unrelated to the engine and gear ratio? I can do that. If this is it, then I think it might be cheaper for people with any OR to do minor upgrades than to add the Big Tow to their price. Cost effective and simple upgrades. Thanks

 

The XE is not available with big tow, so in order to get the 9500 tow capacity they have to upgrade you to an SE or LE model. And the SE/LE with out big tow might be rated higher because when you spend more you expect more. See what I mean? I think it could be just that....spend more = tow more.

Can they legally do that since the OR has the same changes? Mirrors and hitch/electrical don't change what the truck is rated for? I don't know, but I got the info I was looking for. Still love the truck, hopefully always will.

 

Big Tow is an upgraded battery, extendable mirrors, pre-wiring for trailer braking, tranny temp guage, modified rear end gear ratio, modified transmission shift points via a dashboard switch, and a Class IV receiver hitch. Basically that tow capacity is what they will warrantee if you are towing since they have upgraded the stressed components. Although you are welcome to try to pull a house with a VW if it breaks you are out some serious Dollar$ if its proved the damage came from towing beyond the stated limits (and yes this is a fine line to prove/disprove).

Other than that its also a marketing item. Ford proved this when they waited for Nissan to announce the Titan's towing capacity before adding 100 lbs and announcing the F-150s.