Towing Newbie

[Meechy]

Hey All,

I'm brand new to this wonderful world and want to thank you all for all that you contribute to this site. I've learned so much and am so eager to continue to learn.

Now we just purchased a 2015 Coachmen Viking 17RD.
We are planning to do some cross country traveling and are looking for a Tow Vehicle.

What I'm wondering is if we need a V8 for our cross country trip in a 3705lbs CVWR trailer. We were looking at a V6 like a Pathfinder or something with a 6,000lbs tow capacity. After reading some posts I'm starting to wonder if we need a V8 to be on the safe side. We plan on getting a weight distribution hitch with sway and brake controls.

I appreciate your opinions and am sure the will help in our decision.

Thank you

[kvangil]

Meechy wrote:
Also someone mentioned air bags for the rear? Any thoughts on this folks?

Thanks,

Wouldn't hurt to have them if you're so inclined. Just for comparison, on our '05 we do not have airbags and tow with more tongue weight than you'll be carrying, and do not have any noticeable sag. A lot depends on how well dialed-in your WD hitch is.

[Meechy]

Also someone mentioned air bags for the rear? Any thoughts on this folks?

Thanks,

[Meechy]

Thank you all for taking time to help our family.

To answer some of your questions:

It is a 2015 with a single axle and 13" tires.

We are in no hurry to get anywhere so we'll be taking our time and steering clear of the speed limit.

It's just my wife and I and we pack extremely light. I know there's equipment we'll need to bring but we keep the amenities pretty low.

The GVWR is listed at 3705lbs
Dry Weight 2989lbs
Tongue weight says 390lbs

The payload is at 1300lbs
Passengers 350lbs
Gear 100lbs
Hitch 100lbs
Tongue Weight 400lbs
=950lbs

Is there anything else to consider, weight wise, in the TV?

Thank you all once again!!!

[Need-A-Vacation]

Tvov wrote:
I would think the tires on the camper will be fine... a 2015? Did you buy it new? Even if it is used with some miles on it, I can't imagine the tires will be in that bad condition. Obviously make sure you have a spare tire - AND the tools to change a tire on your camper - jack, lug wrench, etc that fit correctly. You'll be fine!

It is because more than likely they are the cheapest tire the manufacture could get at the time, with a 65mph rating. That is why some stated to use caution concerning the speed at which was being driven to not overheat the tires. As a result, I posted an alternative option regarding tires with a higher speed rating so there is a "safety cushion".

As a side note, we unfortunately have no idea how the tires were "treated" during delivery of the trailer. Ran with proper pressure, or low pressure, at about 65mph, or higher exceeding their speed rating? Only thing that can be check is the manufacture date of the tire to see just how old it is already.

While it hadn't been mentioned before, it is important to have the right tools to change a tire.

[Tvov]

I would think the tires on the camper will be fine... a 2015? Did you buy it new? Even if it is used with some miles on it, I can't imagine the tires will be in that bad condition. Obviously make sure you have a spare tire - AND the tools to change a tire on your camper - jack, lug wrench, etc that fit correctly. You'll be fine!

[Tvov]

kvangil mentioned it, but be ready for really low fuel mileage. A V-8 engine vehicle may actually get better mpg while towing.

[Need-A-Vacation]

Any extra cooling you can have for the motor or trans is only going to help.

My question(s) about going with a mid sized vehicle like that: With about 800lbs for payload in the trailer (what is the yellow sticker in the trailer state dry weight with propane is?) and you are planning some longer trips, will you have the available payload for the required amount of clothes, food, and needed items? I understand at some point you will need to do some shopping for food and necessities, just wondering? And IF the trailer doesn't have enough payload for such trips, will the vehicle handle the overflow of goods?

Also, with a gvwr of about 3700lbs for the trailer, loaded at say 3500lbs (rough estimate) you could have a tw (tongue weight) of about 420lbs- 520lbs (12-15% of loaded trailer) depending on what your trailer likes for a stable tow. Some trailers need less tw, others like more tw. So as mentioned, make sure the yellow sticker in the drivers door jamb that states "All passengers and cargo not to exceed xxx(x)lbs.... is enough for the weight of all passengers, cooler(s), gear, ~100lbs for the wd hitch, and the estimated tw. Also check the receiver hitch for the max tw rating, and trailer weight to be sure you are good to go.

As for keeping the speed down, it is the best when pulling a rolling brick down the road due to higher center of gravity, stopping distance increasing, etc. But if you are so inclined, you could always swap the tires to a set of Carlisle RH's which have a higher speed rating than 65mph for the extra "cushion" between travelled speed and the tire's speed rating. We have had good luck with them the last couple yrs on our last trailer. The new 32 BHDS will get a set of RH's (or maybe the new model tire they are supposed to release) in the Spring.

I do not suggest you can fly down the road if you buy a new set of tires, just the peace of mind driving at about 65(ish) mph on a set of tires rated at 65mph, or a set rated for 81mph. Same as if possible, stepping up the weight rating of the tire for more reserve capacity which I will be doing as well, LR E from a LR D.

Good luck!

[kvangil]

eluwak wrote:


The problem isn't cooling, it's radiator failures that cross contaminate the trans fluid with coolant and it destroys the trans pretty quickly. Nissan extended the warranty on the radiator, but if it destroyed the trans they were denying folks the trans repair. The best way to fix it is to bypass the radiator, install a gauge, and then see if you need an aux cooler.

It should do fine, but install some airbags in the rear to keep it off the ground. And like said, don't be afraid to tow in 3rd for extended periods of time. Ours had no problems holding 60 mph towing a TT too big for the truck.

You are correct about the radiator failures, and some Pathfinder owners did go that route that you suggested as a preventative measure. We did have a radiator crack at one point but luckily it did not result in fluids mixing.... Currently, we've continued to use the stock trans cooler, and have added a temp gauge. So far, so good. **knock on wood**

[eluwak]

kvangil wrote:
You DON'T need to add an aftermarket trans cooler. The stock cooler is plenty sufficient.

The problem isn't cooling, it's radiator failures that cross contaminate the trans fluid with coolant and it destroys the trans pretty quickly. Nissan extended the warranty on the radiator, but if it destroyed the trans they were denying folks the trans repair. The best way to fix it is to bypass the radiator, install a gauge, and then see if you need an aux cooler.

It should do fine, but install some airbags in the rear to keep it off the ground. And like said, don't be afraid to tow in 3rd for extended periods of time. Ours had no problems holding 60 mph towing a TT too big for the truck.

[kvangil]

I tow with a 2005 Pathfinder, 147K miles and counting.... Our current trailer is 5000lbs gross. We use an Equal-I-Zer hitch with built-in sway control and don't have any issues with sway or being pushed around, etc. You should be ok with the trailer you're considering. Keep OD off and on most roads, you'll be fine. In strong headwinds or through hills/mountains, you may need to drop to 3rd gear and let the engine rev at 3500rpms. You DON'T need to add an aftermarket trans cooler. The stock cooler is plenty sufficient. The fuel tank is relatively small, so expect to stop for gas every 120-150 miles depending on the mpg's you're getting (anywhere from 7-11mpg towing). Acceleration will be "ok" but take it easy and don't punch it too hard.

[LakeN]

Yes, as said....keep your speed at 60-63 to avoid blowouts. Happy trails!

[kknowlton]

If the vehicle doesn't have a tow package that includes it, then yes, a transmission cooler would be helpful. Extra engine cooling, if possible, would also be good.

[Meechy]

Thanks all,
It is a used 2006 Pathfinder 4.0 V6.

All the info is great and it's a huge help. it seems the V6 would work and at times might be a little struggle, which seems to be the price we'd pay for the V6

Would anyone recommend maybe a transmission cooler to help?

[IdaD]

Are you buying new or used? I don't know much about the newer Pathfinders but I think they are a crossover design these days. The previous ladder frame version with the 4.0 V6 would work well for that trailer, as would a 4Runner. A midsize truck would also work. You won't win any races going uphill but you should be able to maintain adequate speeds in most cases.

I would be sure to invest in a good hitch with sway control as your trailer is going to be more prone to sway with just one axle.