Can a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder Safely Tow a 4,850 Pound Trailer

Question

Question:

I too have a V6 pathfinder which as noted in a previous post has a 6000 lb towing capacity. Below are additional specs. Truck weight=4,450lbs GCWR=11,133lbs Tongue weight 600 lbs Im looking at a camper with a dry weight of 4,850. Im wondering if thats too much for the truck. I know 4850 is less than 6000 but what about wind/drag. Is my wheel base too short for pulling a 26inch trailer? To reduce weight, the wife and kids are prepared to drive separately. Passengers would account for 500 lbs.

asked by: Jansen D

0

Expert Reply:

When properly equipped your 2009 Nissan Pathfinder can tow the trailer just fine. I do recommend the use of weight distribution if both the hitch and owners manual for the vehicle say that you can.

If we can look at the numbers for a second, you mentioned the gross combined weight rating is 11,133 pounds. If we subtract the weight of the trailer and the vehicle from that you are left with 1,833 pounds you can still carry on the trailer and in the vehicle. So as long as the fuel, cargo, and passengers and anything else you are loading do not exceed 1,833 pounds you will be within the vehicles capabilities.

Wind drag I would not worry about because presumably you would not drive the same way or speed while towing as you would without the trailer attached. You are likely to take it more easy and drive slower which is the right thing to do. Your owners manual probably has additional recommendations for towing.

The main issue with towing additional weight is the stress it puts on the motor and transmission so I also recommend a combination engine oil and transmission cooler.

So lets look at what you need. Starting with weight distribution to choose the best system for your set up you will need to know the total tongue weight of your set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

Tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight so that would be a range of 485 to 728 pounds. When you add in the weight of cargo behind the rear axle of the vehicle that number is going to increase.

If you do the math or, even better, use a tongue weight scale like # e99044 (or follow one of the methods in the help article I linked) and find that your total tongue weight will be less than 800 pounds I recommend a system rated for up to 800 pounds, # RP67509. You can add sway control to this system use # 83660. You will also need a ball, # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch.

If you find you will be over 800 pounds tongue weight then go up to the next highest system, # PS49583. It comes with everything you will need including a 2-5/16 inch ball and sway control. If you need a 2 inch ball use # A-90.

For a combination transmission and oil cooler I recommend # D15902. It includes multiple threads to fit various engine sizes. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you. The extra stress of towing is going to make the motor and transmission work harder which means they will get hotter. A cooler is going to help lower that temperature to a more normal level so you do not wear out the transmission or motor.

If you go with these items and take care driving you will be good to go. I have included some help links for you.