QX4 Towing Capability

[thezimms]

We are in the process of buying a 2002 QX4 and are wondering about its towing capability? We want to pull a camper and we want to do it comfortably without over-stressing the vehicle. Yes, the specs say 5000 lbs but just wondering if this is a conservative 5000 or an absolute maximum? The nature of our camping experience will be generally pretty flat terrain, short weekend hauls and our biggest enemy will probably be the wind. Any experienced haulers out there who can weigh in with a little advice?

[alexf20c]

i did quite a bit of hauling (including a pop-up camper) with my '00 Pathfinder, which has the 170hp 3.3-liter V6. it did it just fine, but it didn't really agree with the big hills.

your QX4 has plenty of power and should do great pulling a pop-up camper. do you know the curb weight of the camper?

[Densetsu]

With heavier loads, 4000 lbs and greater, I've only done short trips with low-profile trailers, e.g. hauling a load of dirt or hauling stuff to the dump with a utility trailer. Say, up to 100km / 60 mi. Even with 7500 lbs, the engine wasn't struggling too much. The transmission I'm not sure of, but it didn't overheat and when I swapped out the fluid I didn't notice any metal shavings / filings in there.

Longer trips with a lighter load, like a boat + trailer at 2500 lbs, were no problem at all, even in the mountains.

With 240hp, you're not going to have problems with engine power. If you're doing longer hauls, it might be wise to add in an additional aftermarket transmission cooler, just in case. And, of course, turn off O/D, since that gear's not meant to take the stress of heavy towing.

[WPGQX4]

Hi thezimms

Where in Winnipeg are you? I'm in NK. Good to see some more winterpegers on this forum.

[jfm07]

And, of course, turn off O/D, since that gear's not meant to take the stress of heavy towing.

I'm a little puzzled by this suggetion. Is this the Factory recommendation? I didn't find it in the Owner's Manual and I can't imagine traveling long distances at 65 mph or so without OD.

I've towed a +4,000-lb race car trailer for several thousand miles over the last four years and never turned off the OD. Mileage isn't great, 10-12 mpg, and would probably shoot below 10 mpg without overdrive. Power was somewhat lacking while attacking some pretty steep inclines around Chattanooga, TN, and driving into a stiff headwind is no picnic.

But the PF has been completely reliable, engine temps remain normal and the truck pulls just fine at 65 mph or less. Again, that's a 1,000-lb Trailex aluminum trailer, 3,000-lb race car, 8 spare tires and tire rack. FWIW, I installed an Air Lift 1000 load-levelling kit to support the rear, use a Nissan tow hitch and the Trailex is equipped with electric brakes.

[fleurys]

Almost all car manufacturer, including nissan and infiniti, recommends turning off the OD while towing. This is to prevent the trans from shifting in and out of the OD gear and therefore building alot of heat (when you're towing, the heat rises up even faster)...eventually this heat will eat your clutchpack material plates inside the trans.... While towing , you want the trans to stay the longest on 1 gear...