Towing related question ...

[Hollywood]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Towing related question ...

That trailer should have good working brakes too, go for it.

[kevfran99]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Towing related question ...

rent a Yukon and then you don't have any worries! well worth the extra couple of hundred in my book! it's not like your going across the street!

[jmo]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Towing related question ...

On the Xterra, does it have a towing hitch receiver that is bolted to the frame/integral with the frame or are talking about just dropping a ball into the bumper like some trucks allow? That would most likely be the difference between a tow rating of 5000 or 3500.

Another thing to check is whether your Xterra has a wiring harness already to plug in the lights, and if so what type of connector is it? you might need an adaptor to make it work with the trailer. Most boat trailers have a flat 5 pin connector, which will work with a flat 4 pin receiver on the truck provided the trailer doesn't have disk brakes. Most vehicles these days come with a round 7 pin connector, your local auto parts store will have a convertor to make it work with the 5 pin flat.

Lastly, my ramlin single axle trailer (for a NSS) weighs in at 1480 lbs.

HTH's,

JMO

[jmo]

Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Towing related question ...

On the Xterra, does it have a towing hitch receiver that is bolted to the frame/integral with the frame or are talking about just dropping a ball into the bumper like some trucks allow? That would most likely be the difference between a tow rating of 5000 or 3500.

I missed seeing jhiestand's post that it's the engine size and transmission that makes the difference in your case. Do you have a friend that has a full size pick up you can borrow? There is no substitute for a large vehicle with a V8 when towing.

[Stevelev]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Towing related question ...

No question a V8 would be ideal but $1,000. for a truck rental isn't in the budget - the mileage charge is a killer ! I'll just have to take it slow and frankly the Xterra works great for our club boat (also a 196 on Ram-lin trailer) and it is the V6 engine so all's good. For the record the hitch is a true class III with proper installation to the frame and electrical hookup.

[SGY]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Towing related question ...

You're not going to find or build a concensus either way on this issue. People differ on their comfort level with towing--especially over long distances. Go look at the RV forums. Some folks have to have a 3/4 ton truck to pull a 1000 lbs pop up. Personally, for the kind of trip you're planning, I would not be comfortable with anything less than a half ton tow rig. With that said, you'll probably make it safe and sound with the Xterra--as long as the trailer has brakes. (It should.) The problem, in my mind, is the 196 will push the Xterra or any similar sized vehicle around quite a bit. Heck, my 196 used to push my half ton Yukon XL around--compared to towing with a 3/4 ton truck. In any event, it will not be a comfy or relaxing drive home with the Xterra especially if its windy. I'd also be very hesitant to tow using overdrive. And, I'm not convinced the Xterra has any time of tranny cooler.

FYI, a buddy of mine did the same kind of trip by finding a cheap one way flight and then renting a truck for the drive home. Usually the mileage on a truck rental is unlimited. With the price of gas, you might find that method just as economical and quick. Then you're not putting wear and tear on your daily driver.

[SGY]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Towing related question ...

Check out this RV site on the Xterra. I just re-read your initial post and realized that your Xterra is a five speed. That reduces the towing capacity as well.

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fu...d/19711742.cfm

I guess the bottom line is that the Xterra will handle it in normal driving conditions. But you may find yourself in trouble if you have to peform an emergency stop or have high winds.

[Stevelev]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Towing related question ...

Thanks for the extra effort on providing info SGY ! Great idea of flying and then driving 1 way ... Since there are no cheap flights out of Ottawa's "international" airport, it appears that I'm stuck with the Xterra unless a buddy of mine gets back to town in time AND is willing to offer up his 3/4 ton truck ...

[chris196]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Towing related question ...

Hmm, that's interesting that they only give the 5000 rating to the automatic transmission.
I wonder what that's a statement of? Is it a concern about the clutch/transmission on the manual?
I don't thnk it would be the brakes, I would think they would be the same.

A side question:
When a vehicle is rated for certain loads, there are obviously many factors involved. But one of the primary ones is stopping distance, so the brakes are a huge issue here. Does the rating of the vehicle assume that the trailer has no brakes? I would think they have to assume no brakes on the trailer.
Anyone know?

[SGY]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Towing related question ...

Yup. My understanding is that unless you have a "granny gear", the rating is lowered with a standard transmission due to clutch failure issues. I had a 1998 F-150 with a normal 5 speed O/D standard transmission. The tow rating was around 3000 lbs because of the transmission. The auto equipped F-150 had a much higher tow rating.

Hey Stevelev, would the seller be willing to meet you part way? I know if I were selling my boat, I'd be willing to travel some distance. Offer your buddy lots of beer. He'll do it. Maybe you can get him to ride with you. Road trip?

[DanielC]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Towing related question ...

I have a 1997 Ski on a single axle Ryan trailer. I tow it with a 1996 Ford Aerostar extended length van, 160,000 miles. I live in Portland, OR. I have over 2070 hours on my boat, many, many trips to the local boat ramp, and several trips to Lake Shasta. I have to pay attention to the brakes, and obviously other maintenance items. I did have to have a head gasket replaced on the van during a Lake Shasta trip, at around 120,000 miles.
My opinion, use common sense, and do not be in a hurry, and do not follow too close, and I believe you will be fine with the Nissan.

When towing with the Nissan, since it has a manual transmission, do not be afraid to let the engine rev a little more. Translation, run about one gear lower than you normally would. Read your owners manual about towing. A lot of five speed transmissions in vehicles use an overdrive ratio in fifth gear. Fourth gear is a one to one ratio. Your vehicle will be much happier running slower, in a one to one ratio. Your transmission may differ. Read your manual.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Towing related question ...

Not sure about being able to rent a truck for towing. Not too many places are goin to let you do that. Most rental vehicles are hitchless because of this. I considered flying one way and renting a couple years ago to bring my SAN home. U-haul would rent me a moving truck to do it. That made zero sense. I would just use what you have and take it easy.

[Stevelev]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Towing related question ...

A truck from here was the only real option and it would cost approx. $1,000. for a 3/4 ton with class III hitch. Since I want to "water test" the boat, meeting part way just didn't seem like a great idea. I'll just crank up the tunes and take it easy ... thanks again for all the input guys !

[AirTool]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Towing related question ...

Please post a picture of how much that xterra sags in the rear when you put 400+ lbs on the hitch. Be careful when braking...especially in the rain. Your front axle load will go down with the trailer on and your front braking capability will go down.

You might also buy a clutch disc and cover now and throw it in the trunk. That way, when your clutch goes out on the way home you won't have to wait on the parts. If you don't need them, take them back for a refund.

Finally, when you pass a black cat scale on the way home....pop in a weigh your assembly together and separate. It will cost you less than 20 bucks.

AirTool

[SGY]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Towing related question ...

Stevelev, where is the boat? Give us details on the boat when you have a chance.

Drive safe and follow Daniel's advice. I wouldn't buy any clutch parts. You can't afford the extra weight. Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

Good luck and enjoy the new boat.