Jan-03-2015 05:28 AM
Jan-04-2015 03:16 PM
john&bet wrote:
I can only guess Cummins must have upgraded the hitch on thier NV3500 test mules pulling a concrete ballast loaded trailer while testing the 5.0L diesel. Yip I saw them running around Columbus.
Jan-04-2015 03:06 PM
Jan-04-2015 03:00 PM
Jan-04-2015 02:02 PM
ElementZero wrote:
Yeah I have the 2014 NV 3500 SL but I can't see the 1000 (or anything for that matter) stamped on the hitch, just that sticker that says look at the manual. I'm not sure if you have a 2013 one (since you talk about downshifting in the pm whereas I would just put on the tow mode) and it used to be stamped on there and now it's not? I also didn't see it listed on the towing package for 1000 - do you have a link (not that I don't believe you but would like to show it to a Nissan guy when I call them so they can't just brush me off - I tried calling them yesterday but just tossed around between sales and the mechanics haha).
And no, they don't have a different listing for non-WD and WD in the manual, something I thought was interesting as well since all the other third-party hitches I could put on the van have that distinction.
I really think Nissan just might be being super conservative and/or taking the easy route by just setting the tongue weight to 10% of the max tow power which should force you into never going past the max towing capacity for multiple reasons *shrugs*.
Jan-04-2015 07:46 AM
Jan-04-2015 06:12 AM
Jan-04-2015 05:53 AM
Jan-03-2015 05:00 PM
Jan-03-2015 10:30 AM
Jan-03-2015 09:09 AM
ktosv wrote:
Did the van come with a hitch from the factory? Is the 870# also what is printed/stamped on the hitch?
Have you called Nissan to see what they say? If the hitch is rated at 870#, that might be why they put it in the manual. But, with it being in the manual there is no way to know if there is really some other reason why you couldn't put a higher capacity hitch on your van and have a higher tongue weight.
Jan-03-2015 08:53 AM
Jan-03-2015 08:35 AM
coolmom42 wrote:
Towing capacity of your vehicle is listed at 8700 lb with the addition of a class IV receiver. If you look for a trailer no more than 80% of that, about 7000 lb, (a good guideline) your tongue weight of the empty trailer will be 700-1000 lb, plus add another 100 lb or so of tongue weight for contents of the trailer. So at 1100 lb tongue weight MAX you will have 1300 lb of cargo capacity left for people and stuff.
Jan-03-2015 08:01 AM
coolmom42 wrote:
I've never seen a vehicle spec that listed tongue weight. Are you sure you are reading that right?
The tongue weight of your trailer is part of the cargo of the vehicle. So your vehicle cargo weight less the tongue weight of the trailer, has to leave room for people and other stuff.
The cargo van probably has a stiffer suspension than the passenger van, thus the higher towing capacity. Towing capacity is not the same as pulling power!
The tongue weight of the trailer will depend on how much you put in it, and how the contents are arranged. Any water you carry is part of the trailer cargo, too. The only reliable way to get an accurate tongue weight is to weigh the trailer as loaded.
For good towing characteristics, the trailer should be loaded so that the tongue weight is 10-15% of the total trailer weight. And most of the time that's achieved with a little common sense. Don't put your heaviest stuff in the back of the trailer.
I'm looking at the NV3500 passenger specs here.
Your vehicle is listed with 2460 lb payload. The tongue weight of the trailer is part of that payload.
Towing capacity of your vehicle is listed at 8700 lb with the addition of a class IV receiver. If you look for a trailer no more than 80% of that, about 7000 lb, (a good guideline) your tongue weight of the empty trailer will be 700-1000 lb, plus add another 100 lb or so of tongue weight for contents of the trailer. So at 1100 lb tongue weight MAX you will have 1300 lb of cargo capacity left for people and stuff.
You should be able to find a nice trailer in the 5000 lb range, and that's what I would stick with in your shoes. You will also want a good weight distributing hitch like an Equalizer. Don't push the limits of your vehicle and you will be much happier.
Jan-03-2015 07:54 AM
Jan-03-2015 06:59 AM