Thinking of buying an 05 to tow

hostigator · Jun 5th, 2005, 12:41 AM

Hello, My husband and I are considering buying an 05 Pathfinder as a Tow Vehicle for a lightweight Trailer. The GVWR of the trailer is less than 5000 pounds loaded and it is approx 23 feet long. We have been told by both the trailer and Nissan Dealers that this arrangement will be fine. Not that I don't completely trust the ethics of salespeople, but, I would appreciate if anyone is towing a trailer with their Pathfinder that they share their experiences both good and bad?!?!?!

Animal · Jun 5th, 2005, 08:53 AM

I tow a 17' bass boat with my '92 (manual transmission). The one main problem I've had is forgetting the trailer is there! It is even less noticeable since I chaged to Rancho shocks, titanium/carbon front break pads and 31" tires.
Though the total length is close to what you plan to tow, the weiight is considerably less, but the 2005 Pathfinder shouldn't have a problem with its larger, more powerful engine. Towing capacity is rated at 6000 lbs. And Ranchos shocks are now standard.

2fastdre · Jun 8th, 2005, 06:00 PM

I tow a 20ft ski boat with my 01 Pathy 3.5 SE. I live in North Denver, so towing up here is pretty tough - but the Pathy does fine. The boat and traiIer weigh about 3600 lbs. I definetly know that the trailer is there while towing. I mean: the suspension is working overtime and I have to turn off Overdrive most of the time even at about 60-65mph to prevent the transmission from shifting gears too much in search of more power.

But the 05 Pathy has a real truck frame, good suspension, and more power (while it also weighs more). So I think that it will do just fine towing 4000 - 5000lbs.

Good luck.
2FastDre.

blitZ · Jun 8th, 2005, 08:50 PM

I have done a good bit of towing with my '01 Pathfinder and other vehicles. I'm sure you will have no problem moving the trailer, the bigger issue is stopping. I strongly suggest you have brakes installed on the trailer if it does not have them already.

I replaced the drum brakes on my trailer with Kodiak disc brakes. They work great and should be easier to maintain than the drums.