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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Ive been looking at getting a 2016 Pro4x. Ive found a decent deal on a truck that doesn't come with the factory installed hitch which doesn't really bother me since i currently have nothing to tow. I looked up some installation videos and it seems pretty straight forward as the wires are all already there you just need to install the relays up front and the harness in the back. It actually seems like a cheaper route also since the tow package adds $580 to the price but it also includes the bed extender which is a little funny since i dont think you can tow with the bed extender out. I dont really need the extender either since im going to be putting a cap on the bed anyway. Does the tow package add anything else mechanically? Like i know the tacoma it adds ATF cooler, engine oil cooler, power steering cooler and a 130-amp alternator. If the frontier just adds the hitch and wire harness id have no issue getting a truck without it and adding it later. Is there any advantage to the factory installed hitch over the aftermarket ones?
 

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Discussion Starter · #3 ·
Have the dealership throw in the hitch and wiring installed. Get the best price you can and then hit them with that. I got my fog lights and hood deflector that way.
I could do that but even then its still not factory installed and the dealer i found the truck at is 2.5 hours from me so i wont be going back there to have them install a hitch. Plus i feel more confident when i install something over a dealer, now when its factory installed id feel comfortable. Plus its not a rush since i dont own a trailer and the only thing id even think about using it for is a bed step or one of those extra cargo holders for when i go camping since my dogs will ride in the back of the truck.
 

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Tow package is hitch and wiring only - all have oil coolers - don't know amps on alt. but nothing else available. There is no advantage to Nissan hitch - use any name brand available but use only Nissan wiring harness and relays.

Plus its not a rush since i dont own a trailer and the only thing id even think about using it for is a bed step or one of those extra cargo holders for when i go camping since my dogs will ride in the back of the truck.
Various ways, but get receiver rig to provide tow point in back - already have tow hook in front.
 

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Discussion Starter · #5 ·
Tow package is hitch and wiring only - all have oil coolers - don't know amps on alt. but nothing else available. There is no advantage to Nissan hitch - use any name brand available but use only Nissan wiring harness and relays.


Various ways, but get receiver rig to provide tow point in back - already have tow hook in front.
Thanks!
 

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Tow package is hitch and wiring only - all have oil coolers
Yep - Every V6 Frontier comes factory-equipped with external coolers for the engine oil, power steering and ATF (on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission).

The stock alternator produces 130 amps - No "upgrade" required.

(Yet another example of Nissan beating the ever-lovin' ferk out of Toyota on value...)
 

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Discussion Starter · #7 ·
Yep - Every V6 Frontier comes factory-equipped with external coolers for the engine oil, power steering and ATF (on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission).

The stock alternator produces 130 amps - No "upgrade" required.

(Yet another example of Nissan beating the ever-lovin' ferk out of Toyota on value...)

Thats definitely what had steered me to the fronty. At first after looking at it compared to the the taco it definitely looks dated and smaller but the value ratio is unbeatable. A taco equally equipped as a pro4x you're talking close to 6k more. Ive actually started to appreciate that it hasnt been redesigned in 10 years after reading all the issues the new taco has had, not to mention the smaller 3.5 engine. The dated frontier has all the kinks worked out and still has a powerful engine for people who dont really care for the mpg rating. I havent been able to find any issues with the late model frontier, only issues that arise are the cross contamination but im buying a stick so even if it was an issue still it wouldnt be an issue for me. My only gripe is the silly location of the oil filter with terrible access but the taco has a canister filter so thats even worse no matter where its location. Subaru has it right with having the filter right up on top.
 

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I purchased a Class III receiver hitch made by Hidden Hitch for $119.95 ( Drawtite and Curt were the same price) easy installation (6 bolts)

I also purchased the Vehicle Wiring Harness with Relays and 7-Way Trailer Connector for $68.95 (plug and play install)

If you're looking to save money this may be an option for you or... just buy the truck with these options and call it a day.
 

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Yep - Every V6 Frontier comes factory-equipped with external coolers for the engine oil, power steering and ATF (on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission).

The stock alternator produces 130 amps - No "upgrade" required.

(Yet another example of Nissan beating the ever-lovin' ferk out of Toyota on value...)
What year did they start installing external oil coolers? My 2008 doesn't have one.
 

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Discussion Starter · #10 ·
I purchased a Class III receiver hitch made by Hidden Hitch for $119.95 ( Drawtite and Curt were the same price) easy installation (6 bolts)

I also purchased the Vehicle Wiring Harness with Relays and 7-Way Trailer Connector for $68.95 (plug and play install)

If you're looking to save money this may be an option for you or... just buy the truck with these options and call it a day.
Any particular reason you went with class 3 over class 4? Only ask since the factory one is a class 4.
 

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Any particular reason you went with class 3 over class 4? Only ask since the factory one is a class 4.
I didn't want to wait 10-12 days for the Class 4 hitch (none in stock), plus the Class III was less expensive, same quality workmanship and meets the towing and weight distribution capacity standards that I'm looking for. Buy a hitch according to your needs.
 

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Just wait and one will pop up used in here (classifieds) for $50ish, then go to amazon and buy the relay and harness and boom, ready to go for $100ish
 

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What year did they start installing external oil coolers? My 2008 doesn't have one.
Are you sure about that?

It's a fluid-to-fluid design, and not very conspicuous:



I have no idea what year Nissan first started including it.

Even the 4-bangers have it.
 

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One advantage of the factory hitch is that it comes with a bracket for the wiring harness. When I looked a while back, none of the aftermarket ones came with one.

A popular mod on here is to place it in the rear bumper by drilling a hole in it:

http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/f23/hitch-plug-relocated-bumper-30484/
You will no longer consider it an "advantage" after you rip it off when going off road.

Buy the after market hitch and do the bumper install mod, you will be VERY happy.
 

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You will no longer consider it an "advantage" after you rip it off when going off road.

Buy the after market hitch and do the bumper install mod, you will be VERY happy.
Or when you bend it all to hell backing up to the hill on your Dad's side yard in order to load a heavy snow blower.... :serious:
 

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I have a spare factory harness (4-pin, as well as the relay harness and all relays)
The dealer installed the 4 pin, I needed the 7 pin so when I got home I swapped themy out. The 4 pin comes with its own little mount as well. Imy not sure how classifieds go on this forum but I would take $40 shipped for it and I can send pics and tracking number
 

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I just brought home a '16 King Cab SV last weekend. I'm in the same position in that I have no immediate need to tow. One thing I'm considering is putting the six mounting bolts in (size M12 x 1.25 x 35) to keep the threads from corroding. I'd also like to protect the exposed wiring plug. Does anyone know if there's a dummy plug that fits?
 

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I just brought home a '16 King Cab SV last weekend. I'm in the same position in that I have no immediate need to tow. One thing I'm considering is putting the six mounting bolts in (size M12 x 1.25 x 35) to keep the threads from corroding. I'd also like to protect the exposed wiring plug. Does anyone know if there's a dummy plug that fits?
From what I understand there is a dummy plug in there already.
 
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