ekim952522000

Ok guys been looking at the new nissan Xterra for a daily driver/tow vehicle for my race car. I really like it and am hoping it will work for my towing needs.

Is case ya don't know the specs

106.3 inch wheelbase
weights 4387lbs
5000lb tow capacity
265 HP & 285 LB-FT OF TOQURE
6 speed manual transmission

Will be using 15 or 18FT open deck trailer weight 1350lb to 1500lb dual axle with electric brakes on both axles
Towing 2000LB Civic

My only concern is if the short wheelbase well make for iffy towing

I am also looking at the nissan frontier which has the exact same specs except a 125.9 inch wheelbase and rated at 6100lb tow rating

But if the Xterra would work I would much rather get that I like it alot better. Let me know what ya guys think.

WWDTrackRacer

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ekim952522000 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">My only concern is if the short wheelbase well make for iffy towing</TD></TR></TABLE>

I towed the Civic using my RX300 on a dolly and on a car hauler. I'm assuming the RX300 has a similar wheelbase if not smaller! The dolly wasn't too bad. I didn't have any problems except tail sag. The car hauler had major tail sag, and I used a WDH to offset this. In heavy winds, the trailer would wander at any speeds above 50mph. Is that the wheelbase? dunno.

You can get anti-sway attachments... and they apparently help out a lot.

Here in California, you won't be going much faster than 55mph when towing. CHP love to write tickets for over 55mph and lane violation. So you really ought to be driving slow when towing so I don't think wheelbase will be an issue for you.

rickpeak

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ekim952522000 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ok guys been looking at the new nissan Xterra for a daily driver/tow vehicle for my race car. I really like it and am hoping it will work for my towing needs.

Is case ya don't know the specs

106.3 inch wheelbase
weights 4387lbs
5000lb tow capacity
265 HP & 285 LB-FT OF TOQURE
6 speed manual transmission

Will be using 15 or 18FT open deck trailer weight 1350lb to 1500lb dual axle with electric brakes on both axles
Towing 2000LB Civic

My only concern is if the short wheelbase well make for iffy towing

I am also looking at the nissan frontier which has the exact same specs except a 125.9 inch wheelbase and rated at 6100lb tow rating

But if the Xterra would work I would much rather get that I like it alot better. Let me know what ya guys think.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

I am towing the exact same thing (2000 lb Civic) on about the same trailer (16 ft., 1300 lb.) with an '02 Xterra (supercharged). I would say that road manners are very good. It seems to be more stable than my previous tow vehicle (Mountaineer V8), although power is just adequate. The new Xterra has a lot more power and torque so I am sure it will do very well.

Honda318dx

Just buy a Ridgeline. I LOVE mine...

whiteturbohatch

Ever think of buying a vehicle made for towing like a diesel pickup? yeah yeah its redneck, get over it its the best for the job. You have to remember its not just the power that you need when towing. the ability to stop and do emergency manuvers is far more important. With less power you go slower and you still get there. With less braking and mauverability you have the potential to create a serious problem.

Just think about the idiots that cut you off on a daily basis. The fact that in your car you only had an inch or two to spare...with a trailer you would have been a foot into that idiot and maybe side swiped a few more cars beside you.

yes, I am listing the extremes but think about it. It can and DOES happen. Besides you can get a slightly used 4 door diesel pickup for the same price as a x-terra/4runner/ridgeline. They have more room, and are better on fuel especially when towing. If you don't belive me, tow with a mid size SUV then come tow with my diesel pickup. You wont look back at that xterra.

Travis

ekim952522000

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by whiteturbohatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ever think of buying a vehicle made for towing like a diesel pickup?.................</TD></TR></TABLE>
I will only be towing one or two weekends a month the rest of the time I will be commuting to work and going up snowboarding and 4-wheeling in the mountains when I go camping. I have no interest in a big diesel truck I understand it would not be optium to tow with the xterra but I am willing to compromise a little on the towing to have a nice vehicle to drive.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Honda318dx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Just buy a Ridgeline. I LOVE mine... </TD></TR></TABLE>

I have thought about that and plan to test drive one but I really need somthing good off-road and I would like a stick. How does the Ridgeline handle towing your race car?

Also the ridgeline is aboout 2ft longer then the xterra and I rather have a small suv/truck instead of a large one. But I will definetly be test driving one.

maks

I've always wanted an Xterra, and I am hoping to buy a bigger vehicle that can tow, some time next year. Lately, I have been leaning towards the Toyota Tacoma (2005+). You can get the SR5 TRD, with 4wd, crew cab, and all the goodies, towing capacity is 6500lb.

The Xterra although nice, is a bit unrefined, but then again, isn't that its appeal? Just something to think about

WWDTrackRacer

Toyota is blowing them out. $2500 rebate or 0% for 5 years(?)
I wonder if they are doing those killer lease deals still.

davidnyc

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Honda318dx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Just buy a Ridgeline. I LOVE mine... </TD></TR></TABLE>

Can you give a write up? I read a blog (autoweek blog) about towing with a Ridgeline and the guy totally bashed it. He was very disappointed not only in performance but the fact that he only got about 9MPG. I think he was towing approx. 4000lb (http://www.autoweek.com/apps/p...CHIVE)

ekim952522000

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by davidnyc &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Can you give a write up?............</TD></TR></TABLE>

that would be great to get a write up on the pro's and cons of towing with the Ridgeline

Honda318dx

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ekim952522000 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I have thought about that and plan to test drive one but I really need somthing good off-road and I would like a stick. How does the Ridgeline handle towing your race car?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I was NOT a fan of this truck at all until I drove one, after that, you know why testers rave about it.

Go drive one, after you do, you will be sold if you plan on driving it every day. It handles incredible, drives smooth, quiet. The ridgeline does come with VTM-4 which is a full diff lock that works at low speeds. Unless you plan on some major offroad where you need huge ground clearance and articulation, the Ridgeline is great. There are lift kits available for around 250$ which are basically 2" spacers between the shock top hats and the chassis, it does not effect the ride or towability. If anything, it just raises the roll center a little.

I have not towed yet with it, but will soon. I can see it WILL have problems if you try to compare it to any type of large truck with a big gas or diesel engine. It does not have a lot of low end TQ. I'm going to do a long tow in 2 weeks, I'll let you guys know how it does through the mountains of PA with a 18" open trailer, 2400lb racecar, and about 500# of parts with it. It will downshift a lot, and it will be reving a lot. I'll do a fuel milage check as well.

Right now, I get about 18mpg on E10 fuel, 20 on non E10, and 22 out of BP fuels (yes, George and I both noticed that both our cars get better MPG on BP fuel.)

I know you can pick up "06 Models for 2000 under invoice, and as we know, thats huge for any honda vehicle.

The lockable/waterproof trunk and huge cab are awesome

I've had a few hot laps around Summit Point with it.. It just feels liks a big WRX when you take the traction control off, its pretty damn fun.

Its funny, all the guys at work have Duramax Diesels, Powerstrokes and so forth. Yea, you know what truck they want to take when we go out for lunch, mine...

ekim952522000

I don't need a ton of off-road ability just so failry rocky trails to the campsites.

I will test drive one today on the way home still don't know how I feel about the automatic transmission I prefer a stick for daily driving and towing.

jsi

I went through this whole decision process just a couple of months ago, not wanting a red-neck truck etc... And ended up with a shorty Sierra 4x4 crew-cab cuz GM basically is giving the things away now. Monthly payments were like $175 less than a Ridgeline and $125 less than XTerra. So far only towed once with it, 4500# trailer+car + 600# equip + a crew of 3x260lbs including myself. On even ground it's like there's nothing back there. Towing through the hills in VT and NH the tranny did drop down to 2nd once or twice on really big hills when the speed dropped to 50-55mph or so. This the small 4.8 too. Got an avg of 15mpg at 60-65mph through pouring rain and the trip back got 13.5mpg at 70-75mph. Drive the thing everyday and love it, other than the mileage and occasionally bouncy ride with ther HD suspension and tow pack...

FlyZlow

I tow with my '99 4Runner SR5, which is similar size-wise, but has even less power. It's honestly not that bad. You should look into a sway control, but a weight-distributing hitch isn't necessary for towing an open trailer. Braking has never been an issue with the trailer brakes and manueverability is pretty good actually. All-in-all, I think it makes a great daily driver and occassional tow vehicle. I would seriously hate to drive around a big diesel truck everyday and I don't have the option of having another car, so I understand your predicament. I think that you would be happy with th Xterra.

- Scott

ekim952522000

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by FlyZlow &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">....... I would seriously hate to drive around a big diesel truck everyday and I don't have the option of having another car, so I understand your predicament. I think that you would be happy with th Xterra.

- Scott</TD></TR></TABLE>
I agree about driving a land barge everday, I will be getting a sway controller for sure I appreciate the real world expierance towing with a similar vehicle.

ITAcelica

Get a 2005+ 4 runner. The V6 tows 6900lb and the V8 tows 8900lb. Its about the same price.

rallybird

Great thread! I bought my 05' Frontier for the exact reasons! Wanted gas milage commuting and wanted to tow my race car 6-8times a year. Almost exact setup. Also wanted a manual trans. so I did'nt fall asleep at the wheel. The 6 speed is great! There's comfortable room for 4 and it tows very respectably. I've towed with Big diesel trucks and there nice, but excessive, and were never mine....
Other's considered:
Ridgeline (no manual, also $$)
Dakota (lower gas milage, dealers would'nt go crazy low)
GM Colorado (not enough power/TQ)
Toyota tacoma ($$)

The only thing that would make it perfect is if it had a nice quite direct injected 5cyl turbo diesel. But the 265hp V6 sounds great, it's basically the same engine as the 300Z with more stroke. It's a great truck for the $.