QX4 as a tow vehicle?

[plundccre]

Anyone have any thoughts or experience using their QX4 for towing? I have a 2001 QX4 and need to tow a sports car from Los Angeles to Las Vegas (about 300 miles each way). My sports car weighs just under 3,000 lbs and I would use a trailer. I'd need to have a hitch installed. Any suggestions?

[Towncivilian]

The factory/OEM hitch has two additional securing points. Read more in this post. I would try to get one of those (used would be fine I'd guess) if possible.

Some other considerations for towing:
Install an auxiliary transmission cooler in-line with the stock cooler. A B&M 70264 is rated at 24k GVW and will fit with no issues. See this photo album for my mounting setup.
A Magnefine in-line transmission filter to help keep the fluid cleaner and prolong the fluid and transmission's life.
A complete transmission fluid exchange. Steps on performing one (as well as info about the Magnefine in-line filter) can be found in the general information thread linked in my signature.
Change differential(s) fluid using any synthetic 75W-90 gear oil. Also change transfer case fluid if applicable; any synthetic ATF will work well there.
Grease the driveshaft more often.

[plundccre]

Thanks for the information. This is to be a "one time" towing of a car about 300 miles. I figured that installing a hitch on the QX4 would be less expensive that renting a pick-up for 2 days and I would be able to go at my leisure rather than having to stick to a rental schedule. I was looking at a Reese hitch, rated at Class III (5,000 lbs) and am looking to tow a car that is just under 3,000 lbs. Were I to install a transmission cooler, change the fluids, etc. it becomes more economical to simply rent a pick up from UHaul and go that way. Truck rental comes to about $250 for 2 days. Hitch, receiver, ball and wiring comes to about $185 with free installation (special through this weekend).

In any case, UHaul is not recommending their car trailer for my car. Don't know why. It can't be the weight. May be ground clearance of the car. I'll have to check that you further.

[Towncivilian]

Ah, I had assumed you would be towing regularly. For a one-time tow, just the hitch (any) will be sufficient. The vehicle will be fine without any additional maintenance or upgrades. I am not very familiar with towing equipment, so I'm not sure why they do not recommend their car trailer, sorry.

Nonetheless, the items I mentioned above would still be beneficial even if you do not tow and I still recommend them, at your convenience of course.

[plundccre]

Thanks again for the reply. I have to figure out the trailer situation.

[Chuck Tribolet]

I have the Reese hitch on my '01 Pathfinder since new, and it's been fine, except for getting rusty from
having launched my boat in salt water about 600 times. I've towed my boat (about 2000 pounds with
the trailer) about 50,000 miles.

This time of year, I think I'd tow that weight in the cool of the night with a stock automatic (I have a stick).

Your Pathfinder has some interesting company.

Most rental places will rent a car hauler trailer.

Don't forget that you need wiring for the trailer lights. There are plug and play kits.

[plundccre]

Thanks Chuck. I was planning to tow on a Sunday evening so I am there for business first thing on Monday morning. Cooler in the evening and less traffic.

"Your Pathfinder has some interesting company."? Assuming you mean the other cars? The QX4 has become my "Home Depot" run vehicle. Looking to sell the Bronco sometime soon as the Ferrari has become my new toy and don't have the room for both.

[Chuck Tribolet]

Ferrari F355 Spider
MBZ CLK 320
MBZ GLK 350