2004 Nissan Titan LE 5.6L 4x4

[jkryan]

I am trying to properly understand the true towing capacity of a vehicle I am looking at to tow a new travel trailer (TBD). I am new to camping and towing and looking for the facts on what I need to pull a 7500lb trailer.

It is a 2004 Nissan Titan LE 5.6L V8 4x4. What do I need to know to determine it's true towing capacity so I can ask the dealer the correct questions.

Thanks

[APT]

A 7500 pound (loaded) RV is really pushing the most capable half tons, and you may not have the most capable half ton. Payload, receiver rating, and rear axle ratings are likely to be exceeded well under the tow rating. If you are considering a 7500 pound dry TT, then you need to get into a 3/4 ton truck.

Does your truck have the big tow package with trans cooler and shorter axle ratio?

[mrp116]

I owned the same truck for 8 years. If your truck does not have the tranny cooler, that is a definite no-go with that tranny, truck, and trailer combo. Also, if the 7500 lbs is the dry weight, it is too much for that truck to pull comfortably and safely.

[Steamguy]

I have the same truck, in SE trim. I routinely tow a 7000# Arctic Fox (provisioned, packed, watered, and ready-to-go weight) with the truck and it handles it well. The truck is rated to tow up to 9500 pounds in SE trim, up to 7500 pounds in any other trim. The difference in the ratings in that year was all in the tire-and-wheel combination. If you have truck rubber on it, you can tow as much as an SE.

This has been the subject of much debate in some forums, and it comes down to this: brakes, transmission, rear axle (from bearings to springs), shocks, frame, are all the same on all models. ALL Titans have a separate transmission cooler; it was designed-in when the trucks were designed. NONE are without a transmission cooler. ALL are capable of the full towing weight of 9500 pounds, provided you have a minimum of 18" wheels and heavy-duty rubber.

There was a Big Tow option which gave you a lower axle ratio, which changed *nothing* in regard to load-carrying and towing capability, but only allows the engine and transmission to spin faster at all speeds, resulting in better cooling.

There is a Tow Mode button on the lower center dash and some people think that means you have the Big Tow option. Not so. They all have that button, all years, all models. The one easily-findable, visible difference in 2004 was the presence of a transmission temperature gauge. You can't add that to a non-Big-Tow package.

As far as my particular opinion goes, after more than 9 years of experience with my particular truck and trailer, your truck will tow it, but I'd watch how much stuff I packed. You're starting already with 500# more weight (non-provisioned) than I have, all ready to go.

Technical info begins on page 308 HERE.

Hope that helps.
(edited to clarify the two other responses)

[skipnchar]

Your Nissan dealer should have all the information you need to determine the tow rating for the truck. It's THEIR warranty that's involved in the rating so only THEY can determine where they draw the line. The SAFETY numbers you need to keep in mind are the trucks GVWR and the trucks axle ratings (those numbers can be found on the door plate of every vehicle and are required by law). When the fully loaded trailer is hitched up your truck must weigh under it's GVWR and all axles must be under their axle ratings. Calculating your trucks "payload" is pretty easy. It is the weight of the truck (taken at any time) subtracted from the GVWR. THAT is how much weight your truck can safely handle and it includes weight from all sources. That's passengers, driver, cargo, optional equipment, trailer tongue weight etc.
Good luck / Skip