Has anyone had a tow hitch added during or after purchase? If no intentions for yanking anything around over 3500 to 4000 lbs, is the factory tow package really needed as oppsosed the Dealer installed version? Granted the the factory package includes a transmission temp guage, higher axle ratio, suspension air levelizer. Is the heavy duty radiator and battery standard to all Armadas since all units are equipped with the tow/haul transmission mode? Buying a model off the lot with only the options wanted but needs a tow added, I was wondering what is and isn't already built into the Beast with a 9100lb towing capacity. I would be hauling ie: 16.5ft V-Hull bass boat, large pop-up camper or a motocycle trailer. Any repsonse would be appreciated.
Factory Tow Pkg or Add On Tow Hitch
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Its rated for 6500 without big tow package.
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Towing package only adds about $600 dlls, I looked into getting the tow hitch on my own before I got my 2005 SE and it'll cost me about $300 installed so I decided to get the package, I think is a good deal,, get it. 
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I agree. If you can get the tow package, get it.
tow package vs. aftermarket hitch
Hi,
My recommendation would be to invest a few extra $ in the rig and have the factory tow package option.
Towing a 6,000 lb trailer up a good long hill recently caused my tranny temp to get hotter than I would like. Without the gauge (during March in WA) I would have been unaware and not slowed down
Wiring a trailer brake takes about 20 minutes with the prewiring that comes with the tow package. It would be a lot more involved (and costly if you pay somebody) without the prewire.
My suspension leveller kicked in also when the trailer was loaded up. (nothing to do with my wife packing clothes for 4 seasons of course). Without the leveller, that I believe comes only with the tow package, the rig would have been a lot lower at the rear.
The lower final gear ratio, even if you don't intend hauling 9.000 lbs plus, will be kinder to your motor and tranny.
I think also for resale, even if I wasn't towing much I would still have the package. MSRP is $650 so you can probably get it for less.
For the record, they make good tugs. A little noisy when accelerating but they cruise great! Tow mode switches off automatically when you turn the engine off - so you have to keep turning it back on. My biggest problem is that the standard mirors are useless with a good sized tavel trailer. You can purchase after market extendable mirrors - but why would Nissan would not include them in the tow package like they do with the Titan I don't know!
Have fun haulin..
Hi,
My recommendation would be to invest a few extra $ in the rig and have the factory tow package option.
Towing a 6,000 lb trailer up a good long hill recently caused my tranny temp to get hotter than I would like. Without the gauge (during March in WA) I would have been unaware and not slowed down
Wiring a trailer brake takes about 20 minutes with the prewiring that comes with the tow package. It would be a lot more involved (and costly if you pay somebody) without the prewire.
My suspension leveller kicked in also when the trailer was loaded up. (nothing to do with my wife packing clothes for 4 seasons of course). Without the leveller, that I believe comes only with the tow package, the rig would have been a lot lower at the rear.
The lower final gear ratio, even if you don't intend hauling 9.000 lbs plus, will be kinder to your motor and tranny.
I think also for resale, even if I wasn't towing much I would still have the package. MSRP is $650 so you can probably get it for less.
For the record, they make good tugs. A little noisy when accelerating but they cruise great! Tow mode switches off automatically when you turn the engine off - so you have to keep turning it back on. My biggest problem is that the standard mirors are useless with a good sized tavel trailer. You can purchase after market extendable mirrors - but why would Nissan would not include them in the tow package like they do with the Titan I don't know!
Have fun haulin..
you should do fine at 3500-4000 lbs, the Armada is my first vheicle with an x-misson gauge, i have been pulling trailers for years with out all the extras the Armada has. And plus i dont think you can go back to the dealer and say you want the tow-pkg the man hours would be over $400 with out parts.
I think the best way for you to go is get the hitch and x-misson cooler installed and if you have electric brakes on your trailer get that taken care of also. Your re-sale value will be the same as if you had the tow-pkg and you will get your money back in the long run.
It all comes down to options and you dont have many good luck.
I think the best way for you to go is get the hitch and x-misson cooler installed and if you have electric brakes on your trailer get that taken care of also. Your re-sale value will be the same as if you had the tow-pkg and you will get your money back in the long run.
It all comes down to options and you dont have many good luck.
Is the x-mission guage available through Nissan or aftermarket item? The dealer did quote to install the wiring with all Nissan hitch components complete for around $595 which is what it would cost for the factory tow package if it were on the car. The SE 4X4 had everything as I wanted but no tow. The super Internet pricing for the unit is the determining factor and deal. A general 6500lb tow capacity seems more than adequate.
Big O said:
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Thanks, just getting started. Problem is, I'm also building a house so that's a financial drain for the immediate future. I figure when the house is ready, there will be more options on the market available. Supercharger, 4" lift, tint, and maybe some body color flares are on the bill. And I used to install stereo systems for a living.ERBERTIS said:
Things change
If things change in your life like mine (kids get older-want bigger toys-wife wants more comfort/room) you will want that extra capacity. It started out with a utility trailer for motorcycles and morphed to a +7500# toybox and I am thankful I ponyed up a few hundred dollars, it was a bargain. Saved me the hassle and $ changing trucks. What if you want get a bigger boat or travel trailer, maybe a toybox (very heavy), your options will be limited and you do not ever want to tow at the limit unless you tow on dead flat terrain and have zero wind.
If things change in your life like mine (kids get older-want bigger toys-wife wants more comfort/room) you will want that extra capacity. It started out with a utility trailer for motorcycles and morphed to a +7500# toybox and I am thankful I ponyed up a few hundred dollars, it was a bargain. Saved me the hassle and $ changing trucks. What if you want get a bigger boat or travel trailer, maybe a toybox (very heavy), your options will be limited and you do not ever want to tow at the limit unless you tow on dead flat terrain and have zero wind.
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