New tow vehicle!

[bensinc]

I just picked up a 2014 Pathfinder to replace my 2012 Murano as a tow vehicle. The Murano actually did really well, but with a 350lb maximum tongue weight I wasn't able to put much on the BH's front deck. The pathfinder is 500lbs, so I can carry my bikes and maybe fill both propane tanks now.

I'm headed out boondocking next week and am looking forward to seeing how it handles!

Also for the first time I'll be trying out the fridge on LP, and using the water pump and water heater. I have a 100W solar setup that will hopefully keep me running!

[MtnGuy]

Sweet !!

[Pill Billy]

Congratulations and enjoy.


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[Happy Vibe]

I would make sure everything works on propane before you go. Easier to fix in your driveway then boondocking. Have fun

[Pooneil]

Always nice to get a new tow vehicle. Have a great trip.

[1A Camper]

New is always nice.
The 100 W Solar should be more then you need, I think you will be happy with it.

[mickrock]

and I would like to see an after-trip report.

Interested in the solar power meeting your needs,

and also wondering about the variable-speed auto transmission.

[bensinc]

I'll be sure to post an after trip report! This is an astronomy trip, so the solar will be used to charge both the camper battery and a separate battery for powering telescopes and equipment.

I previously towed the camper with my Murano, which also has the CVT, and it performed very well. No hunting for gears and plenty of power.

The Pathfinder has a newer version, and has a tow mode, though I'm told it's not really needed with a camper this light.

I'll be a bit of a Nissan cheerleader here... This Pathfinder is my 5th CVT-equipped Nissan, and the CVTs (and everything else) have always been trouble-free.

[vinmaker]

I am going to consider the Pathfinder as well for next vehicle. I need something that will tow at least 5,000lbs. Just not sure if I want a car frame or a truck frame. Cost is also a factor. I would like to keep the cost around 30K for an SUV within a couple of years old. Not looking to spend $40K for a 6 year old SUV. Just do not want to part with the cash. Gotta draw a line somewhere.

How heavy is your unit? Let us know how it tows.

Vin.

[bensinc]

Loaded up (but without water) my 122BH is 2300lbs and around 290 on the tongue.

I'll let you know how it tows, but I'm expecting it to be good! I've browsed the Pathfinder forums and people seem to have pretty good luck with it.

[bensinc]

I just got back from my trip, and it towed great! It really didn't even feel like it was back there.

I tried the tow mode, though I didn't notice too much difference with it on or off. Braking with tow mode on does rev up the engine to help brake, which was kind of neat.

I actually ended up filling my water tank at home, as I didn't know for sure if water was available at my destination. For some reason I thought the water tank was in front of the axle, so I didn't want to add all of that tongue weight, but on closer inspection it sits right on top of the axle and extends toward the rear.

The 100W solar panel worked great, and I used it to charge both the camper battery and an external battery. I would run the fan all night, and I used the water pump here and there. The propane fridge worked great too! With this solar panel I could probably stay out there indefinitely.

[Jnaom]

Nice setup. Your tv squats quite a bit. Air bags are a great solution. Happy camping.


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[D-mo]

got to love nissan ... ive been towing our Aframe for about 90 thousand miles .. without any real issues ,,, expect bearings ...
if i were you i would purchase Super chips Cortex ... bypasses the Wide Open Throttle restrictions ... and all the other programs that Nissan pushes into their SUVs and trucks to reduce performance ...

d-mo

[Manypalms]

Mid-sized tow vehicle are becoming few and far between. Most are now car frames with front wheel drive. Let us know how it works out and congrats.