Towing with the Rogue --Update

[BillLewis]

One of my biggest concerns when purchasing the Rogue was its towing capicity. I purchased a 2008 AWD SL / no premium package. The big question which I really never got answered from Nissan or the dealer was why the change from 1000 lbs. to 1500 lbs with the Premium Package. I got answers that is was AWD vrs. FWD, Paddle shifters, etc. I don't tow a lot. Once or twice a year we trailer our motorcycle to a rally. Trailer is a 4 X 8" landscape (500 lbs ?) and the bike is a Yamaha Tour Deluxe (850 lbs.) Add in the two of us and our gear. My previous car was a Ford Windstar and despite its crappy reliability it did the job well. To prepare for this years trip I installed a high quality dry air filter (don't remember the name but I did notice a slight difference in throttle response and fuel mileage with it), I've been running synthetic oilsince day one and I had the wiring and class 3 hitch installed by a truck accessories place here in NJ.
Well we just got back from the Americade Motorcycle Rally in Lake George NY. 235 miles from us here in NJ. The Rogue was fantastic!!! The week before we left I did a short test run with the bike/trailer to a friends house for some service on the bike. Got on the highway and even kicked in in the AC. When we left on the trip I was careful to accelerate and brake slowly and used the OD lockout. When we hit the NY Thruway I cruised at about 65-70 and even hit 80 passing a few trucks. Coming home I was much more confident and did 70-75 all the way. Again doing some passing up to 80 mph.

I'm going to use the trailer for some furniture moving in the future and am glad it all worked out so well..
Great car that Rogue!!

Bill in NJ

[philipa_240sx]

Congratulations on the successful trip!

I got answers that is was AWD vrs. FWD, Paddle shifters, etc.

The difference in towing rating has to do with the auxiliary CVT oil cooler that comes with the paddle/manual shift equipped models. This option was part of the SL premium pack for both FWD and AWD models and varies depending on year. I'll repeat it again for those that have not read the FAQ:

Paddle/manual shift models with aux oil cooler and higher 1500lb tow rating:

2008 - SL AWD and FWD Premium Pack equipped models
2009 - USA: SL AWD Premium Pack only, Canada: SL AWD and FWD Premium Pack
2010 - USA: no longer available, Canada: SL AWD and FWD Premium Pack

[philipa_240sx]

The lack of a CVT oil cooler is the primary reason for the lower towing rating on some models.

Towing a trailer higher than the recommended tow rating may overheat the transmission fluid. If this happens, the ECU will limit vehicle speed to protect the transmission. From pg 5-17 of the owners manual:

High fluid temperature protection mode:
This transmission has a high fluid temperature protection mode. If the fluid temperature becomes too high (for example, when climbing steep grades in high temperature with heavy loads, such as when towing a trailer), engine power and, under some conditions, vehicle speed will be decreased automatically to reduce the chance of transmission damage. Vehicle
speed can be controlled with the accelerator pedal, but the engine and vehicle speed may be limited.

[wifes rogue]

This weekend I helped my father work on his boat. I had to pull the boat out of the water and up to their trailer, (maybe at most 500 yards) I put the Rogue in AWD Lock when pulling out and Low gear, boat came out like a breeze. Boat is a 16ft alum with a 25 hp outboard. Attached a picture. I would not even think of towing the boat anywhere far by any means, but to help inside a campground for a trip or two its no problem.