Well my friends, just wanted to reopen a thread, for our new members.

It seems there was a big question on the Armada's towing capabilities. Nissan claims with the Tow Package, that it can tow 9100lbs. Some skeptics say that doesn't make sense, since the GVWR is around 7000lbs and the GCVWR (Armada + Trailer) is only around 14,000. They say theoretically, it should only be able to TOW around 7,000lbs.

So we need to address this a bit. Can anyone get an explanation from Nissan, or someone.. on how since the GVWR's don't change much from an Armada with or without the Tow Package............ How can the Armada without the Tow Package tow 7000lbs, and w/Tow Package, tow 9100lbs.

NOW.. here is MY personal scenario. I bought a 2005 Fleetwood Wilderness Advantage 34' Travel Trailer. Empty it weighs 7500lbs.. full, it weighs 9600lbs. I don't carry any liquid, only propane, and about 750lbs of cargo.. so I pull around 8500lbs. My Armada is a SUPERHERO pulling that thing. No problems.. I have a weight distribution Hitch, and the auto leveling rear suspension keeps me straight horizontally. I just came back from Albuquerque last week (May 3, 2006), went through Ludlow, CA where the temp was 95 degrees, traveling uphill, with the AC on, pulling my trailer.. I was passing Semi trucks and RV's, and my engine and Tranny temp gauge never even made it to the half mark. That is one tough cooling system.

I say, buy a big trailer with confidence.. until someone else says otherwise.. if you pull 8000lbs and your back end falls of, then you can go after Nissan for that one.

Thanks for reopening this topic. I do not currently own an Armada, but will be buying one upon returning from overseas. A friend of mine has one and he RAVES about it. I have a Chevy Silverado 1500 that I currently use to tow my Jeep Wrangler. It doesnt tow as well as I would like, along with an addition to the family, a SUV is more sensible. So thanks, and keep the reply's coming!!

Erik,
I have been researching on Titantalk, RVNET, etc. and am finding such an array of claims of the Armada's real life capabilities. I am looking for it to pull a 2006 Jayco Eagle 314 BHDS (7800#). I need it to be able to do 6% grades. I have been looking at getting the Hensley WD hitch. What WD hitch are you using for your setup? Also have you thought of putting air bags on your TT's suspension? I know you love your Armada, but what are the negatives of your towing experience?

P.S. Sorry for so many questions, but I prefer to hear from those that are living what I am inquiring.

Red:

I tow a 26' bunkhouse at about 5500 dry. Have pulled it about 1000km so far this year as I learn more about towing.

My only complaint I have with the Armada (and my 97 Pathfinder ...) is that even in tow mode, the vehicle is in an incredible hurry to get down to lower rpm's. Even climbing mountain grades, it keeps going down to 2K rpm. I find I have to be much too active in keeping relentless pressure on the gas pedal. It really is an odd behaviour.

Beyond that irritaion, it has been a pleasant experience.

GVWR is how much it weighs with a full payload in the rear. The weight is in the low 5000s, but with a full payload of something like cinderblocks, it can go up to 7000. Its tow rating with a full payload would probably be more like 7000, but with a normal passenger load, its 9000-9100 depending on the drivetrain. This is exactly how every maker rates their vehicles and matches closely the same numbers for F150, Ram 1500, etc. and blows current TOYotas out of the water. ;)

My only complaint I have with the Armada (and my 97 Pathfinder ...) is that even in tow mode, the vehicle is in an incredible hurry to get down to lower rpm's. Even climbing mountain grades, it keeps going down to 2K rpm. I find I have to be much too active in keeping relentless pressure on the gas pedal. It really is an odd behaviour.

Beyond that irritaion, it has been a pleasant experience.

I can definitely relate to that experience in the Pathfinder, yet it is a lot better than with the Xterra however. I am hoping that the Armada is yet a better experience pulling the same ratio of TT weight to vehicle weight. I just experienced that feeling during my Memorial Day camping trip to Penn. from VA. with both the Pathfinder and Xterra coming with me.
What WD/Sway do you use?

Personally, I wouldn't tow more than 7500#'s loaded with the Armada. A good rule of thumb is to stay within 80% of the mfr. tow rating, since that is based on a vehicle without options, and with only the driver in the vehicle. Add extra people, a couple of bikes, some firewood, etc., and all of that comes right off the tow rating.

I tow about 5500#'s, and I can pull most grades at 60 mph, if I can afford the gas.:D

We have a 2005 Armada LE with the tow package and tow a 2007 Outback 31-RQS. The dry weight is 7200 lbs. Loaded, we are around 7800 lbs. I wouldn't want to pull much heavier than this. It pulls nicely, but I do feel it back there.

I would definitely recommend the Hensley. Especially for the longer trailers. The wheelbase is short on the mada for a 30'+ trailer, and the Hensley eliminates all sway. We had an Equalizer with our a 26', but wanted something better for the 34'. There is absolutely not sway with the Hensley.

Kelly

We have a 2005 Armada LE with the tow package and tow a 2007 Outback 31-RQS. The dry weight is 7200 lbs. Loaded, we are around 7800 lbs. I wouldn't want to pull much heavier than this. It pulls nicely, but I do feel it back there.

I would definitely recommend the Hensley. Especially for the longer trailers. The wheelbase is short on the mada for a 30'+ trailer, and the Hensley eliminates all sway. We had an Equalizer with our a 26', but wanted something better for the 34'. There is absolutely not sway with the Hensley.

Kelly

Kelly - have you actually weighed your trailer loaded? I'll bet you're a lot heavier than you think you are. My trailer is listed at 4300 dry. I weighed it empty, with only my battery and full propane tanks. I was at 4700 lbs! I don't know where you got your empty weight (from the brochure?), but they are always lower than actual. Even so, pretty impressive for an Armada, that's a pretty big trailer!!!

Keith

I truly, truly, really hate to keep bringing this up but these cowboys are going to ruin someones life. It is ILLEGAL to tow overloaded and you can be held financially AND criminally responsible for any incident AND your insurance company can leave you "high and dry", its called negligence. If you want to risk prison time and possibly lose everything you own, by all means go ahead and be a irresponsible RVer, just don't hit a car-load of lawyers or you will be toast.



Well my friends, just wanted to reopen a thread, for our new members.

It seems there was a big question on the Armada's towing capabilities. Nissan claims with the Tow Package, that it can tow 9100lbs. Some skeptics say that doesn't make sense, since the GVWR is around 7000lbs and the GCVWR (Armada + Trailer) is only around 14,000. They say theoretically, it should only be able to TOW around 7,000lbs.

So we need to address this a bit. Can anyone get an explanation from Nissan, or someone.. on how since the GVWR's don't change much from an Armada with or without the Tow Package............ How can the Armada without the Tow Package tow 7000lbs, and w/Tow Package, tow 9100lbs.

NOW.. here is MY personal scenario. I bought a 2005 Fleetwood Wilderness Advantage 34' Travel Trailer. Empty it weighs 7500lbs.. full, it weighs 9600lbs. I don't carry any liquid, only propane, and about 750lbs of cargo.. so I pull around 8500lbs. My Armada is a SUPERHERO pulling that thing. No problems.. I have a weight distribution Hitch, and the auto leveling rear suspension keeps me straight horizontally. I just came back from Albuquerque last week (May 3, 2006), went through Ludlow, CA where the temp was 95 degrees, traveling uphill, with the AC on, pulling my trailer.. I was passing Semi trucks and RV's, and my engine and Tranny temp gauge never even made it to the half mark. That is one tough cooling system.

I say, buy a big trailer with confidence.. until someone else says otherwise.. if you pull 8000lbs and your back end falls of, then you can go after Nissan for that one.

Quick question to all you tow experts. I got my armada to pull a new 2006 Starcraft 30ft. travel trailer. It is 6,500 lbs. dry. I plan to keep everything under 7,500 lbs. and am going to weigh my loaded trailer to ensure I'm within that. Get delivery of the trailer next week and am going with equalizer hitch and not sure on brake controller yet. Does anyone have concerns re: my setup? Thanks in advance, Brian

Quick question to all you tow experts. I got my armada to pull a new 2006 Starcraft 30ft. travel trailer. It is 6,500 lbs. dry. I plan to keep everything under 7,500 lbs. and am going to weigh my loaded trailer to ensure I'm within that. Get delivery of the trailer next week and am going with equalizer hitch and not sure on brake controller yet. Does anyone have concerns re: my setup? Thanks in advance, Brian

You're going to be pretty close. I'll bet you will end up a lot heavier than 7500 when you're done! That dry weight (assuming it's from the brochure) will be up by 500 or so before you add anything to your trailer (options, battery, propane, residual water in your tanks, etc.). Don't forget to add the weight of your Equal-i-zer as well (100 or so). Finally, keep an eye on your tongue weight; that is probably the most limiting factor on our Armada, it's real easy to exceed that, and also the Armada GVWR.

As far as a brake controller, I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy. Make sure whatever you buy, it is a proportional controller. For more info on this, and other things related to RV's and trailer towing, take a look at www.rv.net/forums (if you haven't already).

Good luck, and let us know what you come up with.

EDIT: noticed in your sig you have an equalizer hitch. Is this the brand name Equal-i-zer, or some other brand?

Keith

Thank you for the quick reply and the advice. I'll let you know how it comes out. One thing I won't do is tow overloaded so we may have to travel pretty light. :)


You're going to be pretty close. I'll bet you will end up a lot heavier than 7500 when you're done! That dry weight (assuming it's from the brochure) will be up by 500 or so before you add anything to your trailer (options, battery, propane, residual water in your tanks, etc.). Don't forget to add the weight of your Equal-i-zer as well (100 or so). Finally, keep an eye on your tongue weight; that is probably the most limiting factor on our Armada, it's real easy to exceed that, and also the Armada GVWR.

As far as a brake controller, I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy. Make sure whatever you buy, it is a proportional controller. For more info on this, and other things related to RV's and trailer towing, take a look at www.rv.net/forums (http://www.rv.net/forums) (if you haven't already).

Good luck, and let us know what you come up with.

EDIT: noticed in your sig you have an equalizer hitch. Is this the brand name Equal-i-zer, or some other brand?

Keith

Its is the Equal-i-zer brand name.


You're going to be pretty close. I'll bet you will end up a lot heavier than 7500 when you're done! That dry weight (assuming it's from the brochure) will be up by 500 or so before you add anything to your trailer (options, battery, propane, residual water in your tanks, etc.). Don't forget to add the weight of your Equal-i-zer as well (100 or so). Finally, keep an eye on your tongue weight; that is probably the most limiting factor on our Armada, it's real easy to exceed that, and also the Armada GVWR.

As far as a brake controller, I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy. Make sure whatever you buy, it is a proportional controller. For more info on this, and other things related to RV's and trailer towing, take a look at www.rv.net/forums (http://www.rv.net/forums) (if you haven't already).

Good luck, and let us know what you come up with.

EDIT: noticed in your sig you have an equalizer hitch. Is this the brand name Equal-i-zer, or some other brand?

Keith

Second the Prodigy, great controller and you will be heavier than you think. Nice hitch, it will help in heavy cross-winds with all that sail area you will have. My toy box is relatively short by comparison but nearly as heavy and I still feel cross winds with it, but I only have a friction type sway control device, it helps a lot but does not eliminate the side wind push.

Second the Prodigy, great controller and you will be heavier than you think. Nice hitch, it will help in heavy cross-winds with all that sail area you will have. My toy box is relatively short by comparison but nearly as heavy and I still feel cross winds with it, but I only have a friction type sway control device, it helps a lot but does not eliminate the side wind push.

Cillyone - the Equal-i-zer doesn't stop the side wind push; but what it does do is make is so the tow vehicle and the trailer are pushed as one unit, rather than wagging the trailer behind the tow vehicle. I highly recommend it; probably the best investment I have made related to my trailer. You will be amazed how much better than a friction type sway control it is. Wish you lived local; I'd let you give it a try. I think you'd run right out and buy one.

And, no, I don't work for the company that makes them.....

Keith

Its is the Equal-i-zer brand name.

Without spending $2K on a Hensley, you have the best hitch on the market!!!

Without spending $2K on a Hensley, you have the best hitch on the market!!!

That's good to hear! A previous post of yours talked about watching tongue weight and GVWR of Armada. I hear you ..... I figure if I can keep the tongue load around 12% of my trailer, that will give me enough cargo capacity on the mada to basically carry me, my wife, two girls and two small dogs -- and nothing else. That puts me just under the 7K cap, barely.... I'd have a bunch of towing capacity left but no way to keep it under the GVWR of the mada. I'm a little worried about the tires after reading some of the posts... I'm going to look into the LT's....

Cillyone - the Equal-i-zer doesn't stop the side wind push; but what it does do is make is so the tow vehicle and the trailer are pushed as one unit, rather than wagging the trailer behind the tow vehicle. I highly recommend it; probably the best investment I have made related to my trailer. You will be amazed how much better than a friction type sway control it is. Wish you lived local; I'd let you give it a try. I think you'd run right out and buy one.

And, no, I don't work for the company that makes them.....

Keith


I would like to feel the difference someday, but I could not buy one right now anyway, I kinda used up all my slush (and honey-do's) funds buying my tractor (see sig). I will keep using what I have now, which is all tuned for my rig and it actually works pretty well. Thanks for the thought though.

I would like to feel the difference someday, but I could not buy one right now anyway, I kinda used up all my slush (and honey-do's) funds buying my tractor (see sig). I will keep using what I have now, which is all tuned for my rig and it actually works pretty well. Thanks for the thought though.
Great little tractor. I bough mine new 15 years ago. The only thing I wish I would have changed would have been to buy turf tires instead of the knoby off-road tires. Unfortunately it is not being used too much any more lately, since all the brush has been cleared and now have a nice established lawn. Make sure you get a roll bar for it (if you haven't got one yet), I had a few close calls.
Cheers

Great little tractor. I bough mine new 15 years ago. The only thing I wish I would have changed would have been to buy turf tires instead of the knoby off-road tires. Unfortunately it is not being used too much any more lately, since all the brush has been cleared and now have a nice established lawn. Make sure you get a roll bar for it (if you haven't got one yet), I had a few close calls.
Cheers
Did you turn the tires/rims around to widen the stance?

Did you turn the tires/rims around to widen the stance?
Yes i did. Almost flip it going up hill. Had to stop to move an obstacle out of the way, when i got back on it and tried to continue on, the tractor rolled back a few feet before I could get the clutch engaged when it did it really lifted the front end up. If it would not have been for the bush hog in the back it would have been lites out. Several minutes later I tried again, same thing could not get it going without rolling back first. This time I hit the brakes instead, and since the are only brakes on the rear wheels it was the same reaction. This time though I had lowered the bush hog, just to be safe.
I gave up, my wise A$$ brother-inlaw, was going to show me how its done - same deal. we ended up rolling it backwards to the bottom and started again with out stoping. Next opertunaty I got the roll bar. I never attempted to drive it sideways across an incline, just seemed to dangerous, even with a roll bar.
Better save than sorry, is my motto.

That's good to hear! A previous post of yours talked about watching tongue weight and GVWR of Armada. I hear you ..... I figure if I can keep the tongue load around 12% of my trailer, that will give me enough cargo capacity on the mada to basically carry me, my wife, two girls and two small dogs -- and nothing else. That puts me just under the 7K cap, barely.... I'd have a bunch of towing capacity left but no way to keep it under the GVWR of the mada. I'm a little worried about the tires after reading some of the posts... I'm going to look into the LT's....

Just got back from the first camping trip in the new Starcraft. Had a GREAT time! First of all, the Equal-i-zer hitch + Prodigy brake controller worked incredibly well. I couldn't believe how well it towed and how smoothly the mada performed. Really impressed. I haven't checked the mileage yet but am expecting 10-12. I didn't go over 50 very much at all since it was the first time out.

I was worried about weight so I had the trailer / truck weighed at the local truck scale. Here's the stats (took a few trips....and $20...but worth it):

-- Mada unloaded with me (190 lbs.), full tank of gas - 5,720 lbs.
-- Trailer unloaded (minimal residual water, full propane) - 6,750 lbs. UVW on label said 6,523 unloaded...so I was surprised it was close.
-- Weight of loaded trailer (almost all load on or behind axles): 7,283
-- Weight of mada fully loaded with trailer hitched (cargo: me, wife, two daughters, two small dogs, pack of chewing gum..:) ): 6,880
-- Tongue weight fully loaded: 875 lbs., a hair over 12%...

Some of you might be thinking....I went to too much trouble doing so many weights. I just wasn't comfortable otherwise. Also, I've found with a trailer this size, I'm not going to be able to:

o travel with water or anything in black or grey tanks
o travel with any firewood
o load practically anything into the mada.

A bit of a bummer, but I'm willing to live with it. Sorry for the long post. I hope this information is useful.

p.s., I've already heard a few times at the campsite ...."that SUV big enough for that trailer. I just smile and say, "yep!"....

Cheers,
Brian

Very helpful .. and I'm (or was) worried about a car hauler ....

LOL

Very helpful .. and I'm (or was) worried about a car hauler ....

LOL

So does that mean your car hauler is heavier? or a breeze compared to what I am pulling?

Also -- checked the mileage earlier tonight. 10.05 MPG. Not good but I expected such. I think on interstate I'll do better. This trip was pretty close to home...2 lane roads through small towns. Lots of speed changes, etc.

Bstephans - I’m new to this forum and really appreciate you sharing the information on your weights. I haven’t purchased a trailer yet but I am looking at a Ragen FS2500 Toyhauler (25', 5732# dry with options).

Your setup is longer than what I am looking at, but it doesn’t look to be any heavier once I get it loaded. I also have been going over how much I “should” be able to safely tow based upon the numbers, but I really prefer to hear other’s actual experiences. I will be traveling with my wife and two young children. The biggest concern I have is the 7,000 GVWR. Because of the high tongue weight of a Toyhauler I will be right up near the limit. My weight with me, the family and a full tank of gas was 6,120. I know my kids are only going to get bigger in the future, which means I’m going to have to cut down on the burgers and fries!:(

Based upon the many positive comments on this forum, I have already purchased an Equal-I-zer hitch. Who installed and set yours up, you or the dealer?

Did you have any hills in this maiden voyage? If so, did you feel you had adequate power?

And finally, how did your engine and transmission temperatures do on the trip? Was it as hot there as it was here(about 108 today)?.

Have fun, and good luck.

Bstephans - I’m new to this forum and really appreciate you sharing the information on your weights. I haven’t purchased a trailer yet but I am looking at a Ragen FS2500 Toyhauler (25', 5732# dry with options).

Your setup is longer than what I am looking at, but it doesn’t look to be any heavier once I get it loaded. I also have been going over how much I “should” be able to safely tow based upon the numbers, but I really prefer to hear other’s actual experiences. I will be traveling with my wife and two young children. The biggest concern I have is the 7,000 GVWR. Because of the high tongue weight of a Toyhauler I will be right up near the limit. My weight with me, the family and a full tank of gas was 6,120. I know my kids are only going to get bigger in the future, which means I’m going to have to cut down on the burgers and fries!:(

Based upon the many positive comments on this forum, I have already purchased an Equal-I-zer hitch. Who installed and set yours up, you or the dealer?

Did you have any hills in this maiden voyage? If so, did you feel you had adequate power?

And finally, how did your engine and transmission temperatures do on the trip? Was it as hot there as it was here(about 108 today)?.

Have fun, and good luck.

Thanks for the post. To answer your questions. The dealer installed the hitch and the brake controller. I wanted to do it myself, but it came down to a matter of time I had to get it done. I ran out -- so the dealer did it.

Regarding hills. Minimal hills on this trip. I live in ILL so its pretty flat. The only hills I encountered were small grades going over overpasses and the mada had no problem with it. Based on other comments on this site, I towed in 4th, not overdrive. The transmission temp guage didn't even get to 1/2 way up. Worked great. Engine temp was normal as well.

One thought....I don't know about toy haulers, but the tongue weight on my trailer went down a bit once it was loaded. Toyhaulers are probably different but my tongue went from around 940 down to 875. This was due to putting most of my load near or behind the back axle.

Hope this helps.

Cheers.

Just got back from the first camping trip in the new Starcraft. Had a GREAT time! First of all, the Equal-i-zer hitch + Prodigy brake controller worked incredibly well. I couldn't believe how well it towed and how smoothly the mada performed. Really impressed. I haven't checked the mileage yet but am expecting 10-12. I didn't go over 50 very much at all since it was the first time out.

I was worried about weight so I had the trailer / truck weighed at the local truck scale. Here's the stats (took a few trips....and $20...but worth it):

-- Mada unloaded with me (190 lbs.), full tank of gas - 5,720 lbs.
-- Trailer unloaded (minimal residual water, full propane) - 6,750 lbs. UVW on label said 6,523 unloaded...so I was surprised it was close.
-- Weight of loaded trailer (almost all load on or behind axles): 7,283
-- Weight of mada fully loaded with trailer hitched (cargo: me, wife, two daughters, two small dogs, pack of chewing gum..:) ): 6,880
-- Tongue weight fully loaded: 875 lbs., a hair over 12%...

Some of you might be thinking....I went to too much trouble doing so many weights. I just wasn't comfortable otherwise. Also, I've found with a trailer this size, I'm not going to be able to:

o travel with water or anything in black or grey tanks
o travel with any firewood
o load practically anything into the mada.

A bit of a bummer, but I'm willing to live with it. Sorry for the long post. I hope this information is useful.

p.s., I've already heard a few times at the campsite ...."that SUV big enough for that trailer. I just smile and say, "yep!"....

Cheers,
Brian

Sounds like you did everything right. Good luck, and safe towing.....

Keith

Sounds like you did everything right. Good luck, and safe towing.....

Keith

Thanks Keith. I'm curious if you or anyone else ever tows using cruise control. I read somewhere that using cruise control is not good but it didn't really explain why. I can understand not using CC on grades, but what about on flat open road? Any thoughts? I've been towing in 4th without cruise control.

Another question I had for you guys. Have you guys experienced a delay in the airbags deflating once you unhitch? What is the best way to take the load off the mada and remove the Equal-i-zer bars? Any suggestion on a process to follow? It seems to take a bit before the air bags deflate.

Thanks,
Brian

p.s., I've tried to unhitch with the engine off....and the airbags don't deflate. This causes a real problem because the back end jacks up when I take the trailer load off so its practically impossible to get unhitched. So...i'm unhitching w/ the engine running but it seems to take awhile before the bags deflate.

I typically don't tow with cruise control, it's too easy for the engine to start lugging down without you noticing it on a slight grade, and then downshifting hard to keep a constant speed.

As far as unhitching, I haven't experienced this problem. I've always been able to jack the back end up high enough to get the bars off. ?????

Keith

So does that mean your car hauler is heavier? or a breeze compared to what I am pulling?

Also -- checked the mileage earlier tonight. 10.05 MPG. Not good but I expected such. I think on interstate I'll do better. This trip was pretty close to home...2 lane roads through small towns. Lots of speed changes, etc.

Whoa .. lost track of this thread.

My comment referred to "learning a lot" regarding trailering in general. I don't have a car hauler "yet" .. but I'm hopiing that the car haulers (at least the one's I'm looking at) don't have the signficant weight issues/challenges of the trailers most of you are towing ...

Just an update guys. I headed up to Lake George from NYC this past weekend. Towed the Baja 33 Outlaw which weighs in at about 10,000lbs. Set the cruise at 69mph with the cruise control on and averaged right at 10mpg which is pretty darn good. Towed like a champ w/o any sag in the rear or anything. Very pleased with it's performance!

-mike

http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/76123251.jpg

I would have LOVED to have seen you going down the road with that Baja!!!! :D

I would have LOVED to have seen you going down the road with that Baja!!!! :D

I got some looks and at least 10 people said "you dung towed that with a Nisssssan? You need one of them there Diesel F350s or Duramax" haaaa.

Nissan power baby! Oh it's stock except for the tires too. Upgraded to the AT Revos in stock size.

-mike

I have been a long time Titan owner pulling a 24ft chaparral weighs appprox 7000lbs loaded. My Titan always ran hot up to the max but no overheating. This weekend I towed the same boat with the same amount of bear over the same pass and the temp gauge did not move at all. I was very happy with the performance and the cooling system this thing has.

i towed my toybox with 3 streetbikes in it, all of our camping gear, and 4 30-packs of beer down to laguna seca this winter. highway 17 from san mateo to santa cruz was a little iffy, but other than that it was great. but boy did i have a pulsation in the brakes when i got home!!! quick turn of the rotors and its back to normal. gonna tow the thing loaded again over to eureka in july, and that should be a test, as hwy 299 has 7% grades all the time!!!

hi all, I was wondering what kind of gas milagae you guys are getting? please indicate the size of the trailer you are towing and the avg. speed. for me i am getting 10.9 miles/gallon going at 120km/hr (75 miles/hr). i am towing a 28 ft, est 5300lbs dry.

i tow about 70mph with a 7500 or so weight, and get about the same as you. a lot of guys are towing only in 4th gear, but i leave it in 5th, so down the highway i'm turnin less than 2k rpms. from redding south its all flat land, so i dont have to worry about hills.

Paisan, someone may have said this to you already, so my apologies if that's the case--but we would be remiss not to remind you that that's an overweight tow setup, exceeding the Mada's rated capabilities. (you're saying your loaded trailer is 10k pounds, right?) Whether the vehicle may be able to do that under some or most conditions, it's likely that sooner or later, overweight setups will encounter a driving condition that will result in an accident. One can speculate how much damage and/or injury may or may not occur.

We CA members just have to keep it real for each other, to help keep each other safe!

I agree with the following -- too much weight. I posted here awhile back while setting up my trailer. I tow a 30ft. Starcraft, 6,500lbs unloaded. I loaded everything up and then headed to the truck weighing station. No problem with overloading the trailer. It has a 10K max and I don't come anywhere close to that. I think I was in the low 7Ks fully loaded. However, it is EXTREMELY easy to overload the Armada with the tongue weight. I am right at the max 7K load with nothing in the mada but wife, kids and two little dogs. Wish we had a bit more payload in our madas... would make life simpler. My rule of thumb is "everything goes in the camper".

p.s., I just got back from camping last weekend. Didn't weigh but my guess is I was in the 7,500 lbs area with the load. Was VERY windy on the way down and I got only 7.5MPG. Not so windy coming back and got 9.55MPG. I never went over 60-62MPH.




Paisan, someone may have said this to you already, so my apologies if that's the case--but we would be remiss not to remind you that that's an overweight tow setup, exceeding the Mada's rated capabilities. (you're saying your loaded trailer is 10k pounds, right?) Whether the vehicle may be able to do that under some or most conditions, it's likely that sooner or later, overweight setups will encounter a driving condition that will result in an accident. One can speculate how much damage and/or injury may or may not occur.

We CA members just have to keep it real for each other, to help keep each other safe!

We just towed our 30' Keystone Travel Trailer from VA to FL last week. I averaged 11mpg at 70mph. Temp never moved, tranny temp never moved. I love this truck...

We noticed alot of Titans towing along I-95 but didnt see any Armadas with a Travel Trailer. When we got to Disney, we saw 3 Armadas with TT camped out. The guy in the campsite next to mine came over and was talking to me while I was setting up. He was very curious about my tow experience with the Armada. He was towing with a F-250. He asked alot of questions as to how it towed, mileage. He said he has had his eye on the Titan for a while. I think I talked him into the Armada instead of the Titan. He was very impressed, especially after I told him I averaged 11mpg from VA. He said, "if the japanese come out with a 3/4 ton truck, the domestic truck industry is doomed". I agree. Although I read somewhere the Titan technically has a 3/4 ton rearend.

Hey guys - just got back from 2 weeks holidays - including Yellowstone. Here is a picture to cheer up all you Armada owners towing an RV:

http://www.r-visioncamping.org/modules/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=20924&g2_serialNumber=1

This is a 26' BHSS that is about 5500# DRY - ~ 7000# loaded.

Did a 4000km loop from Calgary. Nice tow machine - but wouldn't add a lot more weight for the mountain trips!

Murray

Link doesn't work for me.

I get "Security Violation".

It says security violation. I think you need to be a member or something.

Tongue weight. Does the WD count towards tongue weight or GVW of the TV.

Although I read somewhere the Titan technically has a 3/4 ton rearend.

Maybe somewhat near some light duty 3/4T, but no where near... lets say a Dana 80 that you find a HD3/4T Dodge that is a full floater as well.

Tongue weight. Does the WD count towards tongue weight or GVW of the TV.

Tongue weight and GVW of the trailer I believe because it is not normally part of the TV when not towing.

I pulled a trailer yesterday with 3 pallets of sod on it (I was told the weigh about 1800# each) w/ my 26's and all seemed well. I was more concerned about the wheels than the Armada to be truthful. It seemed to have a lot of tounge weight.

Maybe this video can shed a light on this topic

http://www.clubarmada.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8514&highlight=towing

Just got back from the first camping trip in the new Starcraft. Had a GREAT time! First of all, the Equal-i-zer hitch + Prodigy brake controller worked incredibly well. I couldn't believe how well it towed and how smoothly the mada performed. Really impressed. I haven't checked the mileage yet but am expecting 10-12. I didn't go over 50 very much at all since it was the first time out.

I was worried about weight so I had the trailer / truck weighed at the local truck scale. Here's the stats (took a few trips....and $20...but worth it):

-- Mada unloaded with me (190 lbs.), full tank of gas - 5,720 lbs.
-- Trailer unloaded (minimal residual water, full propane) - 6,750 lbs. UVW on label said 6,523 unloaded...so I was surprised it was close.
-- Weight of loaded trailer (almost all load on or behind axles): 7,283
-- Weight of mada fully loaded with trailer hitched (cargo: me, wife, two daughters, two small dogs, pack of chewing gum..:) ): 6,880
-- Tongue weight fully loaded: 875 lbs., a hair over 12%...

Some of you might be thinking....I went to too much trouble doing so many weights. I just wasn't comfortable otherwise. Also, I've found with a trailer this size, I'm not going to be able to:

o travel with water or anything in black or grey tanks
o travel with any firewood
o load practically anything into the mada.

A bit of a bummer, but I'm willing to live with it. Sorry for the long post. I hope this information is useful.

p.s., I've already heard a few times at the campsite ...."that SUV big enough for that trailer. I just smile and say, "yep!"....

Cheers,
Brian

Brian
I am looking at getting a trailer around that size as well. I wanted to confirm some of your numbers. Were you in the vehicle when you weighed it to be 5720? My 2006 SE Off Road 4x4 weighed that much without me with full gas. I thought the LEs were heavier than the SE OR. Did you have full gas? I have the exact same profile as you as far as family members, and I am surprised you didn't go slightly over GVWR with an 825 tongue weight. Did your 6880 final weight include that tongue weight? Based on some other things I have read, I am not terribly concerned about exceeding the GVWR by a small margin if my tongue weight gets up to ~ 800 lbs especially since I will use a WDH such as the Equalizer. Glad to hear you have good performance at your weights.

Brian
I am looking at getting a trailer around that size as well. I wanted to confirm some of your numbers. Were you in the vehicle when you weighed it to be 5720? My 2006 SE Off Road 4x4 weighed that much without me with full gas. I thought the LEs were heavier than the SE OR. Did you have full gas? I have the exact same profile as you as far as family members, and I am surprised you didn't go slightly over GVWR with an 825 tongue weight. Did your 6880 final weight include that tongue weight? Based on some other things I have read, I am not terribly concerned about exceeding the GVWR by a small margin if my tongue weight gets up to ~ 800 lbs especially since I will use a WDH such as the Equalizer. Glad to hear you have good performance at your weights.

The WDH does not change the tongue weight. What I have done to make sure that I don't go over the Armada GVWR is to pack everything I need in the trailer, rather than in the truck. Even so, I would guess I'm close, if not a bit over. My trailer weighs about 5600 loaded, and I'm thinking my tongue is about 800 (never actually weighed it). There are four of us, me (210#s), the wife (actual weight classified:p ), a 12 year old (120#s) and a 7 year old (60#s). I've told both of the kids that they have to stop growing in order for them to continue going camping with us; any more, and they will be left at home to water the plants.:D

I have a tow weight calculator in Excel somewhere, if I find it, I'll PM it to you, if you're interested. Let me know.

Keith

The WDH does not change the tongue weight. What I have done to make sure that I don't go over the Armada GVWR is to pack everything I need in the trailer, rather than in the truck. Even so, I would guess I'm close, if not a bit over. My trailer weighs about 5600 loaded, and I'm thinking my tongue is about 800 (never actually weighed it). There are four of us, me (210#s), the wife (actual weight classified:p ), a 12 year old (120#s) and a 7 year old (60#s). I've told both of the kids that they have to stop growing in order for them to continue going camping with us; any more, and they will be left at home to water the plants.:D

I have a tow weight calculator in Excel somewhere, if I find it, I'll PM it to you, if you're interested. Let me know.

Keith

That file would be great. Thanks for running down your numbers...my family/cargo weight is a little lighter so that is comforting as you sound like you do pretty well. I am shooting for a tongue weight close to yours. This whole WDH thing confuses me. The Reese website indicates that they effectively move weight from the tongue to the rest of the vehicle. More interestingly is that the 2006 Nissan towing guide states that the WDH is just recommended (ie. not required equipment). So if the Armada hitch can handle 900 lbs without a WDH, then I would think a WDH setup should be able to go up to 1000 (the Class IV hitch limit) as long as you consider GWVR.

your trailer is certainly heavier than mine but not by alot. Do you have any side pictures of your armada hooked up? like to see it's profile? even better if you have height of receiver from ground before hooking up and after on level ground

That file would be great. Thanks for running down your numbers...my family/cargo weight is a little lighter so that is comforting as you sound like you do pretty well. I am shooting for a tongue weight close to yours. This whole WDH thing confuses me. The Reese website indicates that they effectively move weight from the tongue to the rest of the vehicle. More interestingly is that the 2006 Nissan towing guide states that the WDH is just recommended (ie. not required equipment). So if the Armada hitch can handle 900 lbs without a WDH, then I would think a WDH setup should be able to go up to 1000 (the Class IV hitch limit) as long as you consider GWVR.

The WDH moves weight from the rear axle to the front axle; the weight on the tongue is the same. The best way to look at it is to think of a bar stuck in the back of your truck lifting up the rear; the weight goes to the front axle, but the actual weight on the hitch is exactly the same (technically, the WDH actually increases tongue weight, because of the weight of the bars, but that's minor in the whole equation). I think I have the spreadsheet on my computer at work, I'll take a look in the morning.

Keith

your trailer is certainly heavier than mine but not by alot. Do you have any side pictures of your armada hooked up? like to see it's profile? even better if you have height of receiver from ground before hooking up and after on level ground

When I'm hooked up, the whole rig drops by about an inch. If the WDH is setup correctly, the front and the rear will drop the same amount; if not, you need to adjust until it does.

Hi...

I think Keith has responded to alot of this but will add my two cents. I got alot of good advice from Keith when I initially got set up so not sure I'll add alot here.

Your first question. Yes, I was in the Armada when it was weighed. Full to the brim tank of gas. I weighed at a local quarry near where I live.

I have an '04 Armada LE so not sure why the difference in weight. Could be the scale, difference between model years, or what you ate for lunch (kidding).

I load everything in the trailer either over the axles or in the back. I still have plenty of tongue weight and the trailer has pulled outstanding over the last 3 years. Yes, the 6,880 included the tongue weight. When I weighed at this quarry, I disconnected from the trailer and weighed the truck alone. Then, I hitched back up and weighed the truck agai and then the trailer. So, the armada had full tongue on it when I weighed the second time.

Since I tend to load everything either over the axle or in the back of the trailer, my guess is I have a little less tongue load when fully loaded than unloaded. The aramda confirms this for me in a round-about way. After I unload the trailer, the armada ALWAYS puts more air in the bags on my trip back to store the trailer. i.e., taking the load out of the back of the trailer increases the tongue load on the mada. Make sense?

One thing I found that I'll share. My RV dealer did NOT set up my Equal-i-zer hitch correctly. I checked this much later once I learned more about it. Here's what I found. When I cranked the trailer down onto the mada with it turned off, the back would go down and the front would be approx 2 1/2" higher than normal. I asked the service tech at the RV deal about this. His response was he prefers to put more weight on the back of the vehicle for towing stability, etc. I said doesn't that defeat the purpose of the WDH and shouldn't the mada "squat" pretty much evenly? He didn't see it my way, so I ignored him, set the WDH up the way it is intended to be set up per the instructions, and never looked back. The rig pulls beatifully. (and, beyond the 9-10 MPG I get, I have no other complaints!)

Hope this helps.


Brian



Brian
I am looking at getting a trailer around that size as well. I wanted to confirm some of your numbers. Were you in the vehicle when you weighed it to be 5720? My 2006 SE Off Road 4x4 weighed that much without me with full gas. I thought the LEs were heavier than the SE OR. Did you have full gas? I have the exact same profile as you as far as family members, and I am surprised you didn't go slightly over GVWR with an 825 tongue weight. Did your 6880 final weight include that tongue weight? Based on some other things I have read, I am not terribly concerned about exceeding the GVWR by a small margin if my tongue weight gets up to ~ 800 lbs especially since I will use a WDH such as the Equalizer. Glad to hear you have good performance at your weights.

turned out it was the air pump that boosts the rear shocks. The pump would start but it wasn't pumping. So if your ride ever sags it's either the pump or the air shocks

There was some talk about GCWR and tow ratings. In Canada they are really cracking down on guys with half tons with campers in them and to a lesser degree to people towing too much. It is typically near the BC/Alberta border I have heard of impromptu "safety" checks and guys getting their vehiclas pulled off the road for having too large a load. My '03 Dodge heavy duty 3/4 ton long box could not legally handle most campers on the market - go figure. I would have had to go to a one ton or a lightweight camper. Long ago I decided a trailer was a better way to go anyway.

There was some talk about GCWR and tow ratings. In Canada they are really cracking down on guys with half tons with campers in them and to a lesser degree to people towing too much. It is typically near the BC/Alberta border I have heard of impromptu "safety" checks and guys getting their vehiclas pulled off the road for having too large a load. My '03 Dodge heavy duty 3/4 ton long box could not legally handle most campers on the market - go figure. I would have had to go to a one ton or a lightweight camper. Long ago I decided a trailer was a better way to go anyway.

This is interesting. How do they determine you're "too heavy"? Do they carry a portable scale, or just calculate based on GVWR and GCWR?

I've heard stories, but never verified, that insurance companies in the US won't honor a claim if they can prove that you were overweight and have an accident.

There was some talk about GCWR and tow ratings. In Canada they are really cracking down on guys with half tons with campers in them and to a lesser degree to people towing too much. It is typically near the BC/Alberta border I have heard of impromptu "safety" checks and guys getting their vehiclas pulled off the road for having too large a load. My '03 Dodge heavy duty 3/4 ton long box could not legally handle most campers on the market - go figure. I would have had to go to a one ton or a lightweight camper. Long ago I decided a trailer was a better way to go anyway.

MY 04 loaded armada did have a problem, it turned out to be the air pump was engaging but not pumping air into the shocks. After taking it in and getting new pump trailer is riding like it did at first. A key component to happy towing is a good weight distribution hitch and having those bars very very tight. If you can crank them into place easily then you should adjust them up a notch or two. Basic rule of thumb is if the tip of the bar is 7-8" from the ground without pressure then they're about right. We tow a 32FT travel trailer and besides a nice ride it tows like its not there from a power stand point.

MY 04 loaded armada did have a problem, it turned out to be the air pump was engaging but not pumping air into the shocks. After taking it in and getting new pump trailer is riding like it did at first. A key component to happy towing is a good weight distribution hitch and having those bars very very tight. If you can crank them into place easily then you should adjust them up a notch or two. Basic rule of thumb is if the tip of the bar is 7-8" from the ground without pressure then they're about right. We tow a 32FT travel trailer and besides a nice ride it tows like its not there from a power stand point.

So when when it the pump engaged did the shocks go up at all?

This is interesting. How do they determine you're "too heavy"? Do they carry a portable scale, or just calculate based on GVWR and GCWR?

I've heard stories, but never verified, that insurance companies in the US won't honor a claim if they can prove that you were overweight and have an accident.

Yes, they carry scales and the factory GVW/GVWR/GCWR info. The use of scales holds up in court, but a 1/2 ton with a 10 foot camper in it sort of tips them off sometimes.

Cheers.

So when when it the pump engaged did the shocks go up at all?

no, however it did turn on and off as though it was working, without load it's very difficult to tell if it's working. Of course once you put your trailer on the hitch it's quite noticeable if it's not working

Yes, they carry scales and the factory GVW/GVWR/GCWR info. The use of scales holds up in court, but a 1/2 ton with a 10 foot camper in it sort of tips them off sometimes.

Cheers.

same laws apply USA and CANADA guys, if you're breaking a law in any aspect be it home, vehicle you're not insured. Insurance companies don't want to pay so they look for reason not to. My advise is always get your rig set up originally by a licensed RV place, that way your vehicle, hitch and RV are proffessionaly matched, that way you should be covered. Lets face it, unless you go to a Ford heavy duty class you're not going to get more towing capacity than 9,100lbs. Even a dodge Hemi pick up can't tow that weight.

I am getting a toy hauler to lug around my 3 quads...I've found a few that have a maximum weight GVWR of 7k-7500lbs w... (sorry I don't know all the proper lingo yet),and three people including the driver will the Mada tow ok? I'm thinking the total weight including passengers will be about 8k (depends on which toy hauler I get)..thanks for your input.

I am getting a toy hauler to lug around my 3 quads...I've found a few that have a maximum weight GVWR of 7k-7500lbs w... (sorry I don't know all the proper lingo yet),and three people including the driver will the Mada tow ok? I'm thinking the total weight including passengers will be about 8k (depends on which toy hauler I get)..thanks for your input.

There are two GVWR's you need to watch. The first is the GVWR of your Armada. This is the max weight your Armada can be, including the weight of the vehicle, plus cargo, fluids, people, and tongue weight of a trailer. The second is the GVWR of your trailer. This is the max weight of the trailer, including all cargo, batteries, fluids, camping gear, food, etc. Then, you need to watch GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating), which is the maximum amount the two vehicles hooked together can weigh. Others have pointed out that an Armada at max GVWR, towing a trailer that weighs as much as the max tow rating, exceeds the GCWR. This is because tow rating is determined from an empty (driver only) vehicle, not one loaded to the gills.

You need to figure out how much weight you will be carrying in the trailer. Then, purchase a trailer that has a GVWR that is greater than the dry weight of the trailer, plus the cargo you'll have inside. Try to keep this number below about 7500 #s and you should be okay. Buy a good brake controller (Tekonsha Prodigy) and combination weight distribution / anti-sway hitch (Equal-i-zer, Reese Dual-Cam if you're on a budget, Hensley if you've just won the lottery).

Some people on this forum, and on others, have been advertising they are towing much more than Nissan puts in the specs for our vehicles. Yes, the Armada will do that, but I personally wouldn't; my family means way too much to me, and I've seen what can happen to tow vehicles when things don't go right, so I'm not going to push it.

Lot's of good info on this site regarding towing with our vehicle; a lot of us tow, so use the Search function and you'll get a ton of info. Also recommend taking a look at www.rv.net/forums.

Keith

I try to stay at no more than 80% of the GVWR when I choose a trailer. That is, if my Armada's trailer rating is 9000 lb I would choose a trailer with a GVWR of no more than 7200 lb. That gives me room for gear in the Armada, passengers, weight of the equalizing hitch, etc.

Talking to a hitch supplier/installer can be very informative. This has been recommended here in a previous post too.

Cheers,

hi everyone, Campfamily's post is quite good, it's precise, accurate and excellent advise, I suggest everyone follow it. Towing is absolutely part of owning an Armada, it's great when full size pick up trucks can't do what we can. However exceeding it's specifications (even though it's capable) is irresponsible and dangerous. Something goes wrong and you're in an accident = fines, charges, lawsuit = broke and sorry to late

Thanks to everyone.
I am absolutely brand spanking new to even considering towing a trailer, but am seriously considering getting a travel trailer and hooking it up to the Armada.

Thanks for all the information -- now I got to go look at a hitch and trailer and then I am sure I will be back with questions :)

I thought I'd add a little of my hitch experience...although it is with a Yukon XL 2500 4wd, don't have my Armada yet. The trailer is enclosed car trailer, 99" tall, 26' box, 30' length.

Started with a Reese Dual Cam. Always a bit of a challenge as the speed went above 60, or a semi passing. In PA there is a stretch of I476 with a very high concrete barrier between north and south lanes; moving into the passing lane near the barrier would make control...err...challenging. The road is curving and hilly.

Bought the Hensley Hitch. Nearly eliminated any problem...as if there was no trailer. Well, almost. Semis have no effect. 476 was easy...but a new interchange to PA33 made it unnecessary.

On one trip home I arrived in the driveway and my wife asked: "what happened to the tire?". One of the four trailer tires was gone...only the rim remained. I never noticed. Was the hitch so good it caused a safety problem?

There is a problem...the hitch uses a square adapter rather than a ball. So other trucks without the Hensley receiver can't attach to it.

I thought I'd add a little of my hitch experience...although it is with a Yukon XL 2500 4wd, don't have my Armada yet. The trailer is enclosed car trailer, 99" tall, 26' box, 30' length.

Started with a Reese Dual Cam. Always a bit of a challenge as the speed went above 60, or a semi passing. In PA there is a stretch of I476 with a very high concrete barrier between north and south lanes; moving into the passing lane near the barrier would make control...err...challenging. The road is curving and hilly.

Bought the Hensley Hitch. Nearly eliminated any problem...as if there was no trailer. Well, almost. Semis have no effect. 476 was easy...but a new interchange to PA33 made it unnecessary.

On one trip home I arrived in the driveway and my wife asked: "what happened to the tire?". One of the four trailer tires was gone...only the rim remained. I never noticed. Was the hitch so good it caused a safety problem?

There is a problem...the hitch uses a square adapter rather than a ball. So other trucks without the Hensley receiver can't attach to it.


The Hensley Arrow hitch is, without a doubt, the best out there. Sometimes I kick myself for not spending the extra money to buy one when I bought my trailer. The extra $1500 or so over a Equal-i-zer or Reese Dual Cam (the other two best in my opinion) is a bit hard to swallow, but you shouldn't be putting a cost on safety. Hmm, maybe there will be a used Equal-i-zer on sale here soon......

We have the Hensley Arrow towing our Outback 28BHS - it's 30' end to end. I am amazed everytime we are out towing because the level of control and comfort afforded to us due to NO sway is amazing. And the fact you need a receiver bar to drive it away means Joe Bloggins can't cart away the TT without taking the entire hitch off! I give serious kudos to Hensley for this design. Off topic, Pro-Pride makes essentially the same thing for a little less $.

Welcome to CA DmansRmada!

What is actual towing capability of Armada? I mean in practical view.

I tow a 32ft travel trailer and it tows it very very easily. I calculate tow weight is 6500lb. Mfg says 9,100lb which will mean it can actually tow more, they will post what it can safely tow so if you plan 8,500lb max you'd be more than fine. Just get ready for poor gas mileage and watch your tongue weight. Tongue weight should not exceed 900lb. These weights apply to the optioned out Armada not the base unit that didn't come with tow package as it's towing capacities are much lower.

Without the Tow Package it would be 6500lb / 650lb tongue weight!

Samabhi126 you also want to check the owners manual as I believe the GCWR changed over the years. That is the '04 models had a lower GCWR than the '10 models do. Regardless of the GCWR you also have to be careful not to exceed the Armada GVWR as noted in this and other threads.

Cheers,

What is actual towing capability of Armada? I mean in practical view.

It totally depends on the year model of Armada and the hitch weight of the trailer. You can pull 9,000-lbs if it's a self suspended trailer with 0-lbs tongue weight (like a grain wagon). If you're looking at a Travel Trailer or Toy Hauler, you really need to look at the individual specs of the trailer and compare them to the Armada door jamb sticker.