Tow Vehicle Nissan Armada

payload (look in door for it, towing capacity means nothing) - weight of everybody/everything in the car - 80-100 lbs for a weight distributing hitch = whats left for tongue weight.

Loaded trailer weight (not dry weight this number also means nothing) x 0.15 = tongue weight. I suspect you are going to be over payload but you need to run the numbers. good luck.

The Armadas payload is between 1500 to just over 1700 pounds before any options are included, no passengers or cargo. As Jebby14 noted, it will probably be tourlimiting factor.

That being said, I towed a 3500# tt for years with a mid sized suv and never had an issue. I was probably right at the payload. It was a much shorter trailer, though, with a 17’ box.

I would look at the Armada, paying close attention to the payload on the individual vehicles. When you shop for the trailer, understand your limitations.

Btw, I upgraded to a pickup and am amazed by the towing difference. While a pickup is still not my first choice, and I miss my suv, it’s hard to argue with their capabilities.

I looked at Armadas earlier this year and didn’t like them. The interior felt cheap and already had parts loose.

It can do the job, I am sure. I’d just want some more wheelbase and some more payload.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Start by reading up, this is a good place to start: clicky

The Armada is the worst of the full size SUV's for towing. Its suspension is way too soft and under-damped. Power is good. Transmission was pretty nice too. But even with just a heavy load in the back, it got excessively floaty on highway, with excessive squat. I went into the Armada for work after 6 weeks in a Ford Flex, and the Flex handled 1,500 payloads far better. (Note, I realize the Flex is not in the same class, and can't tow as much, which is kinda my point.... The Armada should have hauled weighed much better)

carringb wrote:
The Armada is the worst of the full size SUV's for towing. Its suspension is way too soft and under-damped. Power is good. Transmission was pretty nice too. But even with just a heavy load in the back, it got excessively floaty on highway, with excessive squat. I went into the Armada for work after 6 weeks in a Ford Flex, and the Flex handled 1,500 payloads far better. (Note, I realize the Flex is not in the same class, and can't tow as much, which is kinda my point.... The Armada should have hauled weighed much better)

What year Armada did you have? After 2016 alot has changed (or so they say?) What SUV would you guys recommend then? It can't just be pickups :( . The Armada has a 1,700 lbs payload. Trailer tongue weight of 850 lbs. Here are the three we are interested. I will end up with one of those (just not sure which)
COLEMAN LIGHT LX 2125BH - Length 25.8ft - Hitch weight 542lbs - dry weight 4,380 - cargo weight 3,220.
Coachmen RV Apex Nano 193BHS - Length 22ft - Hitch weight 370lbs - dry weight 3,467 - cargo weight 1,250.
KEYSTONE BULLET 243BHS - Length 27ft - Hitch weight 530lbs - dry weight 4,880lbs - cargo weight 1,660lbs

Friends tow a 6200 pound dry TT with a 2018 Armada. Tows very well once WDH is adjusted. Yes, you may be slightly over GVWR/payload with a larger family, but it can tow well.

If you are looking at saving money, check out Nissan's NV3500. 2WD only and not as high end features available, but very good values, lots of payload, and same strong engine/trans as Armada.

Texas51 wrote:

carringb wrote:
The Armada is the worst of the full size SUV's for towing. Its suspension is way too soft and under-damped. Power is good. Transmission was pretty nice too. But even with just a heavy load in the back, it got excessively floaty on highway, with excessive squat. I went into the Armada for work after 6 weeks in a Ford Flex, and the Flex handled 1,500 payloads far better. (Note, I realize the Flex is not in the same class, and can't tow as much, which is kinda my point.... The Armada should have hauled weighed much better)

What year Armada did you have? After 2016 alot has changed (or so they say?) What SUV would you guys recommend then? It can't just be pickups :( . The Armada has a 1,700 lbs payload. Trailer tongue weight of 850 lbs. Here are the three we are interested. I will end up with one of those (just not sure which)
COLEMAN LIGHT LX 2125BH - Length 25.8ft - Hitch weight 542lbs - dry weight 4,380 - cargo weight 3,220.
Coachmen RV Apex Nano 193BHS - Length 22ft - Hitch weight 370lbs - dry weight 3,467 - cargo weight 1,250.
KEYSTONE BULLET 243BHS - Length 27ft - Hitch weight 530lbs - dry weight 4,880lbs - cargo weight 1,660lbs

as an example your first choice has a weight of 4380+3220=7600 lbs x .13 = 988 lbs loaded to go with 13 percent tongue weight add 100 lbs for the WD hitch and that only leaves 4-600 lbs for all of your family and stuff depending on the specific vehicle. your call. ive been there. suv loaded to capacity. notice I now have a half ton and my trailer is a lot less than what you are looking at. much more than I have now id id be going 3/4 ton

APT wrote:
Friends tow a 6200 pound dry TT with a 2018 Armada. Tows very well once WDH is adjusted. Yes, you may be slightly over GVWR/payload with a larger family, but it can tow well.

If you are looking at saving money, check out Nissan's NV3500. 2WD only and not as high end features available, but very good values, lots of payload, and same strong engine/trans as Armada.

WoW!! Your awesome. I looked at the NV200 a while ago as a camper van. Had no idea the NV3500 beast excited. That is a great idea. I appreciate the advice everyone. I ha e read alot but experience is a big factor so thanks! Anyone have any of the brands or models for the TTs I listed? You like them?

Texas51 wrote:
What year Armada did you have? After 2016 alot has changed (or so they say?) What SUV would you guys recommend then? It can't just be pickups :( . The Armada has a 1,700 lbs payload. Trailer tongue weight of 850 lbs. Here are the three we are interested. I will end up with one of those (just not sure which)
COLEMAN LIGHT LX 2125BH - Length 25.8ft - Hitch weight 542lbs - dry weight 4,380 - cargo weight 3,220.
Coachmen RV Apex Nano 193BHS - Length 22ft - Hitch weight 370lbs - dry weight 3,467 - cargo weight 1,250.
KEYSTONE BULLET 243BHS - Length 27ft - Hitch weight 530lbs - dry weight 4,880lbs - cargo weight 1,660lbs

Using your numbers listed here is what you have...I am only using half the listed cargo weight for this computation. But we know in reality that nature abhors unused cargo weight and unless you are very strict on your weight payloads, it will most likely get used.

Coleman:

4380 + (3220 / 2) = 4380 + 1610 = 5990 x 0.15 = 898.5 TW

Coachman:

3495 + (1205 / 2) = 3495 + 602.5 = 4097.5 x 0.15 = 614.625 TW

Keystone:

4880 + (1660 / 2) = 4880 + 830 = 5710 x 0.15 = 856.5 TW

So using half cargo weights, two of the trailers are already over the 850 Tongue Weight you have listed.

According to the specifications listed for a 2018 Armada, the Dead Weight and Distributed Weight ratings for the tow assy is 850 lbs max. So with or without a WDH, you are limited to a maximum of 850 lbs TW.

So while my computations may be off depending on the actual Real World ratings of the vehicles and trailers, in my humble opinion, the Armada is not going to be an optimal tow vehicle for at least two of the trailers you have listed.

Your mileage may vary, see dealer for details...