Holding tongue weight steady
I am looking at buying a twin axle TT and all the weights are ok, except the tongue weight is close to the max for my Pathfinder. The stated tongue weight is 479# and my max is 500#. I know that addin...
Forum Discussion
atreis wrote:
I disagree with the engine power argument. The Pathfinder has plenty of horses (and torque) under the hood for reasonable performance at the recommended 60 mph (100 kph) maximum towing speed. I'd worry more about exceeding the axle/tire capacities and disagree about exceeding the hitch rating. (Check to see what the hitch rating with WD is. Usually it's higher.)
I've climbed 1 mile 9.5% grades while towing my trailer at 45 mph, and 6.5% long grades at 60-50mph (starting at 60, letting it drop to 50 during the climb), I don't exactly have an overpowered vehicle, and end up passing semis and much larger trailers/TVs and RVs. One does have to be properly equipped for heat handling, know their engine, it's power bands, and how to make proper use of them. (One should also know how to go downhill without over-using the brakes.)
Tire capacity, you worry the TV will go over ~8,000# with a mid sized TT???
I think it likely has enough power too and the Pathfinder would pass the SAE towing spec which is largely based on power, but there are a lot of people who hate spending much time in lower gears....and we don't even know the trailer type really and the trailer profile can make a huge difference. Wear and tear from wind resistance often tends to be higher than from the weight in a mid-sized trailer.
