Forum Discussion

JonHightshoe's avatar
JonHightshoe
Explorer
Jan 15, 2016

What can I pull with a 6 cylinder Dodge Nitro?

My mother is retiring and plans to go around and visit family pulling her own private space to be comfortable.

She has a 6 cylinder Dodge Nitro. I believe a 2011.

What are her options as far as what she can pull with this vehicle?

Thank you for your advice.
  • THIS is an older list, but worth the look. Several small teardrops type trailers with a max of 2000 or under. Check out the floor plan for a sidekick 12...





  • "Load it up and get it weighed" really isn't necessary here.

    The car has 1150lbs of payload capacity.

    15% of 2000lbs is 300lbs of tongue weight.

    That leaves 850lbs for her, and anything she brings along in the car. She would have to work HARD to get 850lbs of people and stuff in that little car.

    She could bring along her own accommodations, but they likely won't be terribly comfortable, especially if she has any physical limitations. You really don't say if she's a fit 50-60-70-something, or maybe has some arthritis going on.

    Smallest fully self-contained units that don't require a ton of set-up are the single-axle travel trailers like the AR-ONE series and similar. Those require a midsize SUV with at least a 3500lb tow rating.
  • I've pulled a little 1200 pound (loaded weight) with one and it struggled. I wouldn't even consider a small pop up. Look for a better tow vehicle.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Don't rule out the tear drops and similar type small hard-sided trailers... Doesn't have to be just a POPUP which could be somewhat tricky to setup with one just one person...
  • 2011 Dodge Nitro

    Gross Vehicle Weight Rating-----5,600 lbs. GVWR
    Payload-------------------------1,150 lbs. payload
    Max Trailer Weight--------------2,000 lbs. towing capacity

    As with ANY tow vehicle. Load it up ready for travel and get it weighed.
    Real world payload is difference between actual weight and GVWR

    Max trailer weight is a mfg. magical marketing tool.......you will exceed GVWR and run out of actual payload long before reaching max tow rating

    A very lite trailer............
  • Thank you for your quick reply. I will pass this on. We had been told a pop-up. I will let her know a very small one. Sounds like she may new a new ride. ;)