Towing

Saltey · Sep 26, 2017

Not sure if posts already but need advice on towing.
I'm interested in buying a new boat for trailering to our favorite boat launches.

I'm very protective of my 2014 Frontier Pro4X with the 4.0 L engine. Love the truck and want the boat.
I have calculated that boat, trailer, passengers and gear will be around 4000 pounds.

With the truck rated at 6100 pounds I believe it is a safe limit appreciating that quick stops are not in the book.

Comments please as need to make decision on the boat.

Junior9 · Sep 26, 2017

Saltey said:
Not sure if posts already but need advice on towing.
I'm interested in buying a new boat for trailering to our favorite boat launches.

I'm very protective of my 2014 Frontier Pro4X with the 4.0 L engine. Love the truck and want the boat.
I have calculated that boat, trailer, passengers and gear will be around 4000 pounds.

With the truck rated at 6100 pounds I believe it is a safe limit appreciating that quick stops are not in the book.

Comments please as need to make decision on the boat.

I've towed a 1995 18' Bayliner that was around 3.8k lbs. If it were on flat terrain it wouldn't have been an issue but it was in the Ozarks when it was 90* out. Truck was a dog on those big hills. I have a tune on it too. Trans temp was around 190* which made me uneasy. I did it a few times but I wouldn't do it on a regular basis. Don't use OD. I probably got around 10mpg too. Hate to tell you but I wouldn't do it. As the saying goes, there's no replacement for displacement.

greystone · Sep 26, 2017

it will shift down on hills but you will be fine.

Barcin · Sep 26, 2017

I have been towing a boat with my truck (Lifted 07 SE, 4.0L) for 10 years and have had no problems. My boat is roughly around the 3.5k lbs. Heading to the lake is mostly uphill, up to 5k elevation. I have done the towing in winter and summer. I drive with an auto and I make sure my OD is off. I also have found a sweet spot for the truck and RPM, so I know I am not beating on the truck.

Just remember, it's not a competition with the other drivers on the road. Just do your thing and take care of yourself and your truck. The truck is quite capable of the towing you are mentioning.

AFguy05 · Sep 26, 2017

My new camper weighs 4500lbs dry. With all the crap my wife put in it I'm sure it's pushing 5000lbs. My truck strained but pulled it just fine. It's an 05 with 162,xxx miles. I wouldn't worry at all about 4000lbs. You will be fine.

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Junior9 · Sep 28, 2017

Well I'm overprotective. Did my truck do it? Yes. But it was a MAJOR challenge to keep it up to speed with the AC on. I'm talking greater than 45* inclines. Perspective I suppose. We all have the same engine. So conflicting advice says you may or may not like it. Can you do it? Yes. Will you cook your transmission in the process though??? Not according to other posts but I'm going for 200k plus and I choose not to. Other's will say they're there and tow 57 loads of doo doo everyday.

greystone · Sep 28, 2017

45 degree inclines??? you towing straight up the side of a mountain???

Foggy4X · Sep 28, 2017

TFL did a pretty steep climb with a frontier twice. once in 2014 and more recently in 2017. I can't remember the weight they say in the video (can't listen right now) but I remember it doing OK on the climb.

https://youtu.be/faeNdHIuYLU

Junior9 · Sep 30, 2017

greystone said:
45 degree inclines??? you towing straight up the side of a mountain???

Southern MO and northern AR roads are ridiculous if you haven't experienced them. Two lanes, blind turns, huge hills and valleys, it's crazy. No shoulders. Known a couple of folks who have died on the roads down there. You go off the pavement Much you're Likely to Hit a Tree. I drove an Eclipse down there and it was fun. Driving a lifted truck not familiar with the roads is not fun. Towing a boat, I'd start a hill at 65, I'd be at 40 by the top of it at 4-5k rpm.

V8 man · Sep 30, 2017

You are fine. Well within limits.

Junior9 · Sep 30, 2017

V8 man said:
You are fine. Well within limits.

Well there it is. It's been settled.

AFguy05 · Oct 1, 2017

The truck can handle 4000lbs with ease. Nothing to worry about. Get the boat!

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tm5150 · Oct 9, 2017

I'm going for it too

I have a 14 Frontier Crew and have been nervous about towing a 4700lb travel trailer (30') we are looking to buy. Doing all the math I will be fully loaded about 90% of GCW for the truck. So, not ideal but I think we can do it. East coast camping so mostly flat with some hills.

If anyone thinks I'm nuts please talk me out of it now! About to sign the check....

Also - I want to add as much as I can to the truck to make it safe. Any recommendations for a weight distribution hitch or EBC? Anything else I should do?

-TM5150

greystone · Oct 9, 2017

tm5150 said:
I have a 14 Frontier Crew and have been nervous about towing a 4700lb travel trailer (30') we are looking to buy. Doing all the math I will be fully loaded about 90% of GCW for the truck. So, not ideal but I think we can do it. East coast camping so mostly flat with some hills.

If anyone thinks I'm nuts please talk me out of it now! About to sign the check....

Also - I want to add as much as I can to the truck to make it safe. Any recommendations for a weight distribution hitch or EBC? Anything else I should do?

-TM5150

I just purchased a travel trailer. 3400# dry and it tows pretty well. I struggle in a strong headwind and long hills but rarely see the engine go above 3000 rpm. We looked at a larger one similar to the weight you are considering. It will pull it but you will likely not be very happy. It will be stressful the entire time. I would suggest a lighter trailer.

mtyler11 · Oct 11, 2017

Foggy4X said:
TFL did a pretty steep climb with a frontier twice. once in 2014 and more recently in 2017. I can't remember the weight they say in the video (can't listen right now) but I remember it doing OK on the climb.

https://youtu.be/faeNdHIuYLU

They run the Ike gauntlet with 6100 lbs for midsize trucks. They gave it pretty high marks and liked it towing. It did work hard (stayed above 4k rpm whole time)

shoalsgary · 2022-11-03T14:05:01-0400

Junior9 said:
Well I'm overprotective. Did my truck do it? Yes. But it was a MAJOR challenge to keep it up to speed with the AC on. I'm talking greater than 45* inclines. Perspective I suppose. We all have the same engine. So conflicting advice says you may or may not like it. Can you do it? Yes. Will you cook your transmission in the process though??? Not according to other posts but I'm going for 200k plus and I choose not to. Other's will say they're there and tow 57 loads of doo doo everyday.

"up to speed" speed limit? WHY???

ubertalldude · 2022-11-03T14:06:40-0400

shoalsgary said:
"up to speed" speed limit? WHY???

This thread is over 5 years old. You likely won't get a response.

JVRaley · 2022-11-03T14:15:00-0400

shoalsgary said:
WHY???

Yes, WHY do you keep asking questions on old threads?

Zedbra · 2022-11-04T11:58:47-0400

JVRaley said:
Yes, WHY do you keep asking questions on old threads?

Hey - we were all once new and eager here. Cut the guy some slack, please.

Towing

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