[mtnman]

What is it about the XE (CC 4x4) that makes it have a lower towing capacity (6,500 lbs vs 7,400 lbs) and GCWR (11,800 lbs vs 13,000 lbs) than an SE? Tire load rating? Also, if I did get an SE with Big Tow is it just the lower gear ratio or are there some suspension differences too that increase towing capacity to 9,400 lbs? Since the Big Tow only comes with a Class IV hitch, do you really have 9,400 lbs. with it or do you have to use a wt. distributing hitch? Thanks!

 

[Derwud]

SE vs XE is simply tires.

Big tow is gears, hitch and suspension.

With that kind of tounge weight, you would have to have a weight Dist. hitch.

 

[mtnman]

What specifically are the suspension differences that come with the Big Tow? The owner's manual towing chart also indicates a wt. distrib. hitch is needed so I wonder how they can claim 9,400 lbs with just the Big Tow pkg.? Thanks

 

[Derwud]

What specifically are the suspension differences that come with the Big Tow? The owner's manual towing chart also indicates a wt. distrib. hitch is needed so I wonder how they can claim 9,400 lbs with just the Big Tow pkg.? Thanks

Rear Spings..

again with 10% of trailer weight as tounge weight, that would nearly 1000 lbs on the very rear of truck on a class IV hitch. You need a weight dist. hitch.

 

[titanjbc]

Class III hitches are weight-carrying (no weight distribution, typically, although it can be used, depending on the tow vehicle) from 3500-5000#. If you have anything over 5000#, you should have a Class IV hitch with a weight-distribution system so as not to excessively weigh down the back end of the tow vehicle and possibly overload the rear axle.

 

[mtnman]

Is the class IV that comes with the Big Tow a wt. distributing type? Thanks

 

[Derwud]

Is the class IV that comes with the Big Tow a wt. distributing type? Thanks

Class IV hitch is only the hitch, the weight distribution is a separate add-on to your hitch. Nissan does offer both as accessories.

 

[mtnman]

Derwud-I appreciate the info. I just can't get it through my head what I'd really be getting hitch wise. They call it a class IV with the Big Tow but it sounds like what you get is the same as a class III and it's up to the buyer to purchase the rest of it to make it a class IV. Right? Thanks again!

 

[titanjbc]

Kind of...

The hitch is the part that is bolted onto the truck frame, with a square (2" for Class IV) receiver to accept a shank or ball mount. The hitch is classified by how much weight it can carry. A class IV hitch can carry up to 10000 lbs.

That doesn't mean you can tow a 10000 pound trailer because tow capacity is governed by the truck specifications (power, tranny, suspension, brakes, etc.).

A ball mount with a hitch ball is inserted into the receiver hitch. A weight-distribution system is actually installed onto the trailer A-frame and onto a special type of ball mount. The WD system usually consists of spring bars and chains (for adjustment) that transfer the tongue weight of the trailer to the front axle of the tow vehicle and the trailer axle(s).

So, with the Big Tow package, all you get is the Class IV hitch. If you plan to tow a trailer smaller that 5000 lbs., all you need is a standard ball mount and ball, hook up the trailer (with lights of course) and away you go. If you plan to tow a trailer larger that 5000 lbs. (like me), you need to buy a ball and special ball mount for the truck and a WD system for the trailer.

Take a look at the following websites for examples... www.reeseprod.com or www.draw-tite.com and look under "products" and then "WD systems."

Hope this helps... Let me know if you have other questions.

 

[mtnman]

Titanjbc-those websites were very helpful. I appreciate the links! I checked them both out and they both referred to the part that bolts to the frame as class III & IV so it seems that part of the hitch system is the same for both. It sounds like the XE will handle the 4k lb. boat/trailer I have now using a class III setup and a heavier bumper camper if I later add the class IV accessories. I wonder if the Big Tow would allow me to pull a 5th wheel? Of course I would have to go to the SE to get the Big Tow. I don't really want to lose some of the mpg with the lower gear ratio though. Tough decision! Thanks!

 

[CaliforniaTitan]

If your thinking 5th wheel...someone has been pointing out you need the KC vice CC for the bed length.

For a Travel Trailer...your going to find that a 26ft is about the most you going to be able to do safely unless you find a 28ft 'Lite'. Ideally, you want to stay under 7500pds on the trailer.

IF you want to stay class III setup, you can also use a 'Hybrid' trailer. Its a solid body that the ends fold out like a tent trailer for the beds. They are shorter and lighter.

Chris

 

[Derwud]

I pick up my SE (little Tow) CC next week. The truck will be towing the trailer in my signature. I don't plan on a bigger trailer until the HD is released.

 

[titanjbc]

I agree on weight and yes, a 4000# boat/trailer should be fine without a WD hitch.

Although the tow rating is 9500#, you must subtract all the gear, people, etc. in the truck and in the trailer, plus the wet weight of the trailer. See this thread for a GCVWR calculation I did for my future setup.

http://www.titantalk.com/showthread.php?t=9447

My father-in-law tows a small fifth wheel (you can not stand up in the front overhang) with a Ford F150 (3 years old, when he upgrades, I'm going to try to talk him into the Titan!!) SuperCab with a 6 1/2' bed. I think the 5 1/2' bed would not be long enough, even for his 5th. Believe it or not, he tows with the Ford 4.6L engine! That explains why I could accelerate up hills with my Honda Odyssey towing a 2200# pop-up (and a wife, 3 kids, dog, roof-top box, .....) and he could barely maintain speed towing his 5000# 5th.

 

[2670]

I got the XE to get the wind-up windows, etc. I didn't get the Big Tow (and required SE or LE package) because I tow a little open two-bike motorcycle trailer or an enclosed Haulmark trailer that weighs maybe 2,000 lbs with two street bikes inside. W/O the Big Tow, rated capacity is still 6,500, and I get the taller rear gear for a little better mpg and fewer rpms on the highway.

The dealer threw in the Class III factory receiver kit, which was a breeze to install. It even came with two extra relays for towing that I installed under the hood.

 

[Derwud]

The dealer threw in the Class III factory receiver kit, which was a breeze to install. It even came with two extra relays for towing that I installed under the hood.

What parts did you get with that kit?

 

[keane]

I don't think this is quite right.

... It sounds like the XE will handle the 4k lb. boat/trailer I have now using a class III setup and a heavier bumper camper if I later add the class IV accessories...

The class III receiver that bolts to the frame of the truck is not the same as the class IV receiver. The class IV is much stronger and that it why you can tow more with it. It isn't the accessories that make the difference between class III & class IV. I had a class III (5000lbs) on my Fronty and a weight distributing platform (this holds the ball) for my 23' TT and the weight dist. accessories were only rated for 5000 lbs.

SO, know you can't install a class III receiver on the truck and then later add the class IV weight distributing system (platform, chains, and steel rods) to get a full class IV system. You must change the receiver bolted to your truck to a class IV.

Hope this helps!

 

[2670]

What parts did you get with that kit?

The receiver itself, 6 bolts, two new relays, 7-pin connector that attaches to the hitch, and instructions. The capped-off harness was already under the rear of the truck, so it took maybe 20 minutes to install.

 

[Derwud]

The class III receiver that bolts to the frame of the truck is not the same as the class IV receiver. The class IV is much stronger and that it why you can tow more with it. It isn't the accessories that make the difference between class III & class IV. I had a class III (5000lbs) on my Fronty and a weight distributing platform (this holds the ball) for my 23' TT and the weight dist. accessories were only rated for 5000 lbs.

SO, know you can't install a class III receiver on the truck and then later add the class IV weight distributing system (platform, chains, and steel rods) to get a full class IV system. You must change the receiver bolted to your truck to a class IV.

Hope this helps!

The Titan and Armada get class IV hitches. Frontier/Xterra get class III hitches.

 

[keane]

good point

The Titan and Armada get class IV hitches. Frontier/Xterra get class III hitches.

But he said he was going to buy a class III hitch and then buy class IV accessories to make it class IV. That statement is incorrect. What you are saying is he is going to buy a class IV hitch (receiver) and buy a class III platform to start. Later, he is going to buy a class IV platform setup. My concern is if an aftermarket company makes a class III hitch for the Titan, he could buy it, then buy a class IV platform/distributing setup and he would think he has a class IV setup.

 

[Derwud]

But he said he was going to buy a class III hitch and then buy class IV accessories to make it class IV. That statement is incorrect. What you are saying is he is going to buy a class IV hitch (receiver) and buy a class III platform to start. Later, he is going to buy a class IV platform setup. My concern is if an aftermarket company makes a class III hitch for the Titan, he could buy it, then buy a class IV platform/distributing setup and he would think he has a class IV setup.

The dealer threw in the Class III factory receiver kit, which was a breeze to install. It even came with two extra relays for towing that I installed under the hood..

The Factory hitch is a class IV.