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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Posts
    20

    Default Tow Vehicle Capacity

    I have decided to get the 05 XLV. Our 04 Nissan Xterra has a towing capacity of 5000lbs and a hitch wieght of 500lbs.

    My roomates 4runner has the same limits.


    So the question is, is this enough to pull the XLV and trailer? I know the XLV is 3600lbs, but coulnd't find info about how heavy the trailer is.

    This is only for occasional use, and it's only 10minutes to the lake. We have rented a slip at the marina.

    If it's to much I can borrow a F250, but would prefer not to.

  2. #2

    Default Replying to Topic 'Tow Vehicle Capacity'

    I would guess the trailer is in the #800 lb range. I think that would be pushing an Xterra. Does it have a 4 or 6 cyl. engine? If you don't have any hills, and the boat ramp isn't too steep, you might be okay. Since you are spurging on a new boat, I would trade the Xterra in for an Armada!

    Good luck with the new purchase!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Cinci-Dayton
    Posts
    1,014

    Default Replying to Topic 'Tow Vehicle Capacity'

    Part of the calc is the stopping as well as teh pulling. I would think 10 min would be fine in most cases. You will want 4x4 on the ramp.

    SD2
    Naked red and white 2005 Moomba LSV
    Teaching my kids to Ride, Shoot Strait and Tell the Truth

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Posts
    20

    Default Replying to Topic 'Tow Vehicle Capacity'

    Yeah it's the V6 supercharged 4x4

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Posts
    340

    Default Replying to Topic 'Tow Vehicle Capacity'

    From looking at Nissan's web site, I noticed that it only lists one towing capacity for all the models of the Xterra even though there is as much as a 400 pound difference in the curb weights of different models. Kind of leads me to believe that they've left plenty of "safety factor" in their towing capacity figures. The weak point will probably be the transmission and possibly the rear end depending on how heavily it's built. You should have plenty of power for the drive you're describing. Just make sure you take it out of overdrive when you're towing to keep the tranny from getting too hot and shortening it's life, but I don't think you'll have any problems.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    t-town
    Posts
    718

    Default Replying to Topic 'Tow Vehicle Capacity'

    Brianw21, If it is a single axle trailer the weight is close to 1000 lbs. I tow with my Toyota Sequoia with no problems. Girlfriend just bought a 05 Pathfinder and it pull the boat great. As smokedog said, make sure with that light of a vehicle you have it in 4X4 when pulling it off the ramp.

    Good luck with your new boat.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Posts
    1

    Default Replying to Topic 'Tow Vehicle Capacity'

    Straight out of the 05 Moomba owners manual. (Located on this site)

    Boat and Trailer weight: 4800lbs (I would assume empty)

    So add more weight for fuel, oil, gear, etc.

    Thats pushing it if you ask me. Be smart borrow the F250.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Minnesota and Wisconsin
    Posts
    1,197

    Default Replying to Topic 'Tow Vehicle Capacity'

    If that manual is true and the 5000 lb rating is correct I would think that you are undersized.
    I have pulled boats with underpowered vehicles and pretty much ruined all of them.

    I can't give you a good technical reason, but I don't think I would ever pull a 4800 lb boat with a 6 banger, regardless of how it was rated (maybe a diesel??)

    I would think the mfg assumes people are going to push the rating so they under rate their vehicles, but to be on the safe side I would think that boat/trailer/fuel/gear should add up to no more than 80% of the published rating in the manual, 75% prefered.

    My 2cts.
    Dave
    If you believe something to be true, it will be - in it's consequences.

    2009 MasterCraft ProStar 197 - DD - 5.7L - 325HP - Zero Off

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Posts
    4

    Default Replying to Topic 'Tow Vehicle Capacity'

    I to had an Xterra and had to consider the same question of tow capacity and ability. I choose to replace the Xterra with a new Titan and wait for the boat til next year. After I made the truck purchase I was discussing boats with the Nissan sales manager and he said that the 5000lb rating on the Xterra is very generous. Basically he was saying that if you are towing with any regularity don't push the max limit. Once in a while is ok but not to often. Good luck with the Xterra.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Posts
    20

    Default Replying to Topic 'Tow Vehicle Capacity'

    Well we did the first few trips with the F250, then tried the Xterra with the F250 on hand (just in case!). Xterra did just fine.

    While I think long trips would be a bad idea, from the house to the slip was fine. In 4 low it pulled the boat out better then the 2WD F250.

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