Ryan01463 wrote:
Any worries here?
MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY** 6000 lbs.
MAXIMUM PAYLOAD** 1564 lbs.
GROSS WEIGHT 6000 lbs.
CURB WEIGHT 4446 lbs.
Maybe, maybe not.
These max capacities are manufacturer advertised numbers. They only apply to properly equipped versions of Pathfinders. All others will have max tow capacity of 5000 lbs.
If your vehicle did not come with factory tow package, it's not in the group with 6000 lb tow capacity. There may be some modifications needed, to get it there.
Look for a tire / loading sticker on your drivers door jamb. It should show a max occupant / cargo (payload) weight. That number is your Pathfinder's capacity to carry aftermarket accessories, people, cargo, weight distributing hitch (if needed), and trailer tongue weight, combined.
As you add accessories, people, and cargo, your max available payload and max towing capacity are going down, pound for pound. Example: Put 200 lbs of luggage on the roof rack, and 500 lbs of people and stuff inside the vehicle, it's max towing capacity is 700 lbs less.
The need for a weight distributing hitch is based on trailer weight. If loaded (key word = loaded, not UVW) trailer weight is less than 5000 lbs, WD hitch is not required. Though it may be desired when loaded weight is close to 5000. WD hitch will add approximately 100 lbs to your tow vehicle cargo (takes away from payload and tow capacity) weight.
The hitch receiver must be class III / IV with 2" receiver to have more than 5000 lb capacity.
Average trailer load (dealer options, battery, propane, camping gear, dishes, bedding, water, groceries, etc) is approximately 800 - 1000 lbs.
Average tongue weight is about 12.5 percent of loaded trailer weight.
Here's a link to another thread about towing with a Pathfinder. It may shed some light on your questions.
