nissan xterra

[mtnbrook]

Need some opinions, before pulling the trigger on a 17 bh grey wolf 2015.
i have a nissan 2014 pro 4x exterra, v6 auto , 5000 tow capacity. Dealer obviously saying it will be fine, with wd, sway, brakes etc. My wife and 6 and 9 yr old love the layout, doing calculations its gonna be close, just packing lightly and not carrying water. I saw someone on here was pulling this with a pathfinder, which i believe has the same engine. Its 22ft, says dry wt 3700, but....options with the limited edition will push it 4000 im guessing.

guys experienced chime in please, i know theres bigger trucks to pull it,

my other option is my restored 1983 f150 351 manual v8 4 speed 1st gear granny though.
anyone know the tow capacity on that, would have to carry gas its my toy though, wife has the xterra
thanks for help
convenience would be to tow with xterra, thanks again, fighting with numbers on the 17bh with dealer, getting close to purchase.

Mike

[Smitty72]

Hey Mtn Brook,

You would be close but if you are doing some calculations that will help. In these situations, where numbers may come close to max, I would ask myself, "what are our travel plans"? How far will I be travelling? Mountains of just some hilly areas... I think knowing this will make all the difference. If you are staying fairly local I would think you would be fine. If you're planning that cross-country gettaway with the family... it might be a good idea to think twice (which your're currently doing) to make sure you're secure. I have the same number in my family....and the weight does add up quick!

PS - If you are looking to justify to yourself or your wife about upgrading your tow vehicle... you've come to the right place!


Happy Camper
Nova Scotia

[Ken K.]

Honestly, while technically you are under your tow limit, with family and all the gear in the truck, you are probably exceeding your gross vehicle combined weight. This is just as bad if not worse than exceeding your towing capacity. Those weight distribution hitches with trunnions weigh a lot, gas, people, pets, food, clothes, etc.. Now if you are just going to pull it a few miles to the local lake, or state park, you are probably still OK. Like the other fella said though, if you are gping to drive more than a couple of hours, I would upgrade your tow vehicle. That last thing you want to do is damage your new travel trailer with the flying parts of your transmission.

[backin15]

What is hurting you is the short wheelbase. The Frontier has the same engine and drivetrain but is rated to tow 6,300#.
Nice truck!

[Bamamax]

Same as the others said, if your only going a short distance with no big hills you will be just barely OK. It is NOT a nice feeling to be towing something to large and as you go to change lanes or even worse STOP and you get that OH S#!t feeling of your truck NOT going where you want it to.
Where are you located and where will you be towing to the most?

[trikebubble]

So, I have a 2007 Off-Road and a Mini Lite that weighs just over 3000 pounds dry. I figure that fully loaded I am towing 4000 pounds. The Xterra is a great veicle (one the most underrated off-road performers I'd say) and it will tow our trailer pretty much anywhere we want to go. We live in BC, so traversing multiple mountain passes are a fact of life here. I have a weight distribution hitch, and that is a must.

I love my Xterra and for every other application it is the perfect vehicle for me, but to be perfectly honest, I am now looking into replacing it with a more effective tow vehicle.
While it does the job (and I have towed our trailer from here in BC down the Oregon Coast among other places), it is stressed doing it. The long hill climbs and interstate drones are where I really feel it lacking, straight mid-speed type roads aren't really a major issue. I watch and monitor every pound that I load into the trailer or into the back of the Xterra when heading out. I can feel the difference when towing with a full or empty fresh water tank.

So it depends really on where you plan on towing your trailer, how often you plan on towing it, if you are ok taking your time towing, and how comfortable you are towing with a vehicle at it's upper limit of capabilities.