[ejfinancial]

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.

 

[BGibbs]

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!!

 

[RedSonja]

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.

 

[Kottbullar]

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.

 

[92TripleBlack]

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.

 

[RedSonja]

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?

 

[Campfamily]

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.

 

[kellydavid]

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

 

[Campfamily]

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

 

[Cillyone]

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.

 

[bstephans]

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

 

[Campfamily]

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

 

[bstephans]

Thank you...

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 (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

 

[bstephans]

Hitch

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 (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

 

[Cillyone]

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.

 

[Campfamily]

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

 

[Campfamily]

Its is the Equal-i-zer brand name.

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

 

[bstephans]

Nice...

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]

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.

 

[Peter Benger]

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