dlos wrote:
gmw, you bring up an interesting point, all vehicles have their limits. It also sounds like you have experience towing things. I do believe the manual trans helped your situation.
One thing not mentioned here by the OP, or you, is how many people and how much gear was going in the Frontier cab and bed. Even at 4000lbs, the tongue weight is going to start chewing heavily into the Frontier's payload which is not all that much.
If the OP is planning to pull more than 4000lbs and has wife, 1-2 kids, full tank of fuel - payload is maxxed or exceeded. That is unless mods have been made to the truck.
The Frontier is strong, it'll pull more than its recommended weight. I love mine, just wouldn't put myself on the road with a big box and a full or over weight load in the truck.
I'm not suggesting the OP get a new truck, just a camper that better matches the abilities of the truck and maybe leaves some room for the truck to perform better and have some reserves in power and brakes.
dlso,
Those are all fair and valid points. I have driven ( empty ) a couple of Frontier's with automatic trans, but I have not towed with the automatic version. The auto, being just five speeds ( my manual is six ) has the ratios probably spread a little wider, and worse, the auto trans trucks are geared taller ( lower numerically ) with a 3:32 if memory serves me correct. The manual trans trucks come with 3:69 gears, so are more suited to towing. However, in the real world, what it likely means is places where I am in third, the auto trans truck would be in second, so they still should work.
One myth that is often perpetuated is that the gas engines "are working hard" when they are spinning let's say 3000 to 4500 rpm. That is simply incorrect. That is not hurting them at all, especially these VQ series Nissan engines. This basic engine design is used in many of their car lines, including the Z series sports cars, and the engine is designed for reliable high RPM operation.
From a standpoint of internal stresses (block, crank and rods ), it's actually pretty much impossible with stock tuning to "work this engine too hard", as long as you don't overrev them. This basic engine can be reliably built to 400hp and can safely spin 6500rpm.
We could get into piston speeds, piston mass, and rpm and then start comparing the stresses in the Frontier engine vs the powerstroke diesel....but I suspect most would find that not only off topic but also boring as all get out !
Suffice to say your advice to the OP to consider a trailer well within the limits of the truck ( any truck ) is good advice. And for sure, we all want to take a few things along with us when we go camping, so payload has to be watched.
An enjoyable trip is certainly more likely if we choose a good match of truck to trailer, and equally important is correct rigging with a good WD hitch with effective sway control. And lastly, most important is good driving skills while pulling.
Safe towing to all....see you all in the campground, 'cuz after all....that is what it's all about.
