Fred Fauth

Well, for those of you following along in the other thread, we ended up trading our 2012 SL without tow package for this 2015 SL with all the bells and whistles. So far, it's been great. The new car feel makes it hard to even drive it - it's so nice! Our family is already loving it and we are moving on to the next phase of our planning - looking for a travel trailer.

Fred seems to have gone quiet...

 

You bring up a good point radin2son about prior damage.  I suspected damage on my brand new, 6 mile old, van when I got it home.  The whole passenger side trim was loose inside - a pillar, handle, kick panel, etc.  I looked quite extensively and saw nothing so chalked it up to a lazy line worker on that day.  It all just popped back into place with minimal effort.

 

Chris - I didnt know you were a mechanic (not for Nissan).  Maybe you're saying things based on your position as a manager but as a fellow wrencher I fail to see the difficulty of bolting on a hitch and adding a set of mirrors!  

 

I am sort of curious about that tow button and if the harness is back there.  On a Tundra base model and some other trims there are no "info buttons"  They will scroll your display for MPG, miles till empty, etc.  Well ALL Tundra's have the harness back there and the blank switch plates to mount the buttons.  You just simply need to buy the buttons from a dealer, pop out the blank panels and install the buttons and Bingo, you have the higher level trim models Info Button system.  

 

I wonder if the same thing could happen on the NV...  

The 2012 did come in an SL model and I indeed did buy a legit one - it was in great shape. As noted by someone else in the thread, the "tow package" was simply an option in 2012 that they started putting on all V8 models I think in 2014 (or maybe 2013).

While I know not 100% reliable, the Carfax for the 2012 was completely clean. Anyhow - I'm just as happy to have the 2015 and the 5yr/100k warranty to go with it...

Sorry guys for the delay in getting back to everyone.

I decided to trade the 2012 I bought and just get a brand new 2015 SL with tow package. We had debated getting a new one, and when I saw the 2012 with the SL package, I was excited because the price was good. Because of the tax structure here in MD, and a slight loss on the trade, I'm losing about $3k for my "mistake". Fortunately it's not bank-breaking for me, as we've been saving for years and are in the good position of not having a mortgage on our house. So I'm counting it an expensive learning experience. Unfortunately, my job has been intense and we have 5 children (two with special needs) - so sometimes money can make up the difference where time is unavailable.

My belief is that there's a 75% probability that the 2012 SL w/ C4 hitch could have been retrofitted to work for towing, and even if not, I could have manually handled the shifting. But we're hoping to RV for a long time, and I just couldn't bring myself to not have the vehicle essentially "certified" to tow as much as we need - maybe one day the downhill grade control will come in handy. I've found a few trailers that will work for us and "dry" are around 5,500-6,000 lbs. and provide the sleeping capacity we need. That will put us, fully loaded with people in the van, at least 10% below the max threshold. Before I buy, I'm definitely going to be posting ideas here and joining RV.net. 

I especially appreciate the advice regarding WD hitches. I have been doing my reading. I don't want to make the same mistake about the trailer as I did with the NV (i.e., buying something that won't really work for us). So I'm going to be extra careful at this point to get the setup we need and ask a lot of questions.

 Thanks for the advice and help!

Yeah I'm still mulling over what the way forward is... We know one thing and that is that we want to get the truck even if we don't RV forever. We are hoping to get one "big" trip and a number of "small" trips in each year. My job is such that I earn "comp time" for busy seasons that can be parlayed into vacation time... and next year I will earn 4 weeks a year due to time on the job here... 

My hope is to get 5 years out of the RV thing - until the kids are getting into later teen years. At least that's my thinking right now.

UPDATE: Both dealerships have told me that the tow mode capability cannot be added to the 2012 NV ... 

We have found several models in the 6500# dry range that will work for us...

UPDATE ON THE "TOW MODE" BEING ADDED AFTERMARKET: I have calls into several dealerships to see if the Tow Mode feature can be added on -- if it can, and that's the only real difference with the tow package other than the mirrors and hitch, it would appear we will be good to go.

I'm hopeful that the tow mode switch is simply wired into the computer and that they can either flash the programming on the computer or something similar to make this work.

Resurrecting this old thread. Is it possible to have the tow package added to the vehicle aftermarket by the dealer? I have a 2012 SL w/o tow package and would like to upgrade to the tow package.

So I've spent a lot of time tonight reading the owner's manual. It's hard for me to figure out why the "non-tow-package" trailers are limited to 6,200 lbs, and I'm wondering if that all gets back to whether the trailer has "tow mode" or not. 

On page 9-22: "Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000 lb. maximum weight rating, but your vehicle is only capable of towing the maximum trailer weights shown in the "Towing Load/Specification" chart earlier in this section." 

This suggests that even with a Class IV hitch, at least Nissan thinks that without the Tow Package, you can't go up to 8,700 lbs. 

Then in another place, it says this:

"If your vehicle is not equipped with the optional trailer tow package, check the towing capacity of your bumper hitch or receiver-type frame mounted hitch. Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer. A genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is available from your NISSAN dealer. Make sure the trailer hitch is securely attached to the vehicle to help avoid personal injury or property damage due to sway caused by crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing trucks."

Which implies you can perhaps "adjust" your truck's towing capacity based on which hitch equipment you buy. 

But I'm coming down to the idea that if you don't have the "tow package" and therefore don't have the "tow mode" switch, NISSAN at least doesn't think you can tow up to the 8,700 lbs. They want you to be limited to only 6,200 lbs.

I cannot find anything definitive on what the "tow package" actually includes over and above the Class IV hitch and requisite wiring - like a word-for-word description of what changes it makes. I think it probably is just the "tow mode" button and associated "transmission management" that the "tow mode" performs.

So frustrating. I guess this is my initiation into trying to get ready for RV'in. I'm 35 years old and want to get into RV'ing, but it seems that my very first endeavor I have made a mistake. So frustrating.

Unrelated question: They already offered the "SL" trim level on 2012 models? I thought the SL was started for 2015 models only and before the option was "S" or "SL"?

Yeah the 2012 had the SL trim level. It looks like we may be OK but need to be extra careful when RV'ing because we won't have the benefit of the "tow mode" feature when going up and down grades -- that means we may have to do some manual shifting when driving over the mountains.

I am finding that at least one thing the tow mode button does is simply shift the transmission shift points. I am now thinking maybe there is the same transmission in both and that the difference with the tow package is primarily the class 4 hitch...

Other than my guess about the transmission do you have other information that the transmission is actually different?

I am trying to get a definitive list on what needs to be changed to make this work. The 2012 SL does allow for manual gear selection. I would be willing to use this with towing if needed. I'm mostly trying to decide whether I should sell this one and buy one with tow mode, or whether I can get the wiring and hitch and whatnot done to this and otherwise be ready...

Planning to tow a large trailer 6500 lbs dry probably closer to 7750 fully loaded. I guess I am specifically trying to figure out what the "tow package" adds to the vehicle and whether this can be safely replicated after market to make my nv passenger able to tow to the vehicle's maximum capacity of 8700 lbs.

Jerry, do I need to worry about not having the tow package? I have a connector back there.

The tow package in 2012 V8s was an option ($460), unlike more recent years when it was included. Assuming you can add on or modify what is on your NV, you will not be able to exactly replicate the "tow mode" button. Downshifting with the shift toggle should work.

 

The tow package also included extendable side mirrors, front tow hooks, heavy duty battery and pre-wiring. I think someone had to replace a side mirror at $400+, so this could get expensive.

 

Depending on what others say, if you bought it from a dealer, you may be able to take it back.

Unfortunately, I bought it private party. The guy (who I believe to be very honest) marketed it with the tow package. I saw the big hitch on the back mounted to the frame and assumed that it had the tow package.

Now I am realizing it has the accessory hitch which is only rated for 6,200 lbs instead of 8,700 lbs. This won't work for us and I am kicking myself. I got a "fair" deal on this car (paid the KBB "very good" private party price - the car is in great condition and only has 18,500 miles).

I haven't titled it in my name yet, because the loan company has yet to send me the title. 

I think for others, this van would really meet their needs. But where we want to haul a heavy trailer, I actually think we need the tow package.

I'm also seeing that the transmission is slightly different with the tow package - so I'm thinking that that may factor into the hauling ability.

So frustrated with myself - although I don't know why I should be - made the best decision with the information I knew at the time - really researched it - and just didn't think to assume that this big hitch could be the "accessory" hitch instead of the "tow package".  

For $460 I can see why they just added it to the SL in future years...

.....

UGH.

And if it is the accessory hitch, can it be upgraded...

Also, now I'm wondering if this is just the accessory class 3 hitch or not. It appears to be a very large hitch bolted to the frame in quite a few spots. Is this the accessory hitch?

Folks, I just bought a 2012 NV SL that was advertised with tow package and has a class 4 hitch... But it has no tow mode button and it appears to not actually have whatever would normally come with the tow package. Will I still be able to tow at the van's max limits...

Worried...

Have you used any of the pricing tools that give the average price paid for the same vehicle in your area plus any incentive programs for buyers or the dealer? These can be helpful, plus you can check other areas near you.

 

The 100k warranty should protect you as long as you stay on top of any issues and document everything with Nissan. It is a pretty tough truck!

 

Regarding the service contract, you have to make sure it covers any and all work done at dealers while away from home. Also check to see if there are any restrictions on towing. Otherwise, I would save the $4k for travel. Regular, dealer service has not been that expensive at home and on the road. We have shown up with and without calling and received great service.

 

The warranty road service will get you towed to a NV dealer no matter where you are. (Has anyone tested this from the middle of nowhere?) the regular warranty will cover fixing whatever mechanical got you towed.

 

What is expensive is fixing things you break, parking sensors for one or bashing a rear bumper even with the sensors. I've done both. Replaced the sensor and fixed, not replaced, the bumper at my expense while under warranty.

Thanks for the reply. I tried truecar but that has been it so far. Biggest problem that I have run into there is trying to match the exact configuration... Where can I find invoice prices to dealers?

Hi All,

Finally got to the dealer to get a quote on a 2015 model. This is for the following configuration:

2015 Nissan NVP SV V8 in Arctic Blue

Tech Package (Nav, Bluetooth, etc.)

Tow Package (Class IV, Weight Distribution Ball Mount)

10 Year / 125,000 Bumper-to-Bumper Service Contract

"Free" Oil Changes for life and engine guaranteed for life

Sales Price: $37,690

Service Contract (Warranty): $4,185

Dealer Fees: $300

Gov't Fees: $331 (I think this is registration fees for Maryland)

Total Taxes: $2,279.40 (This is sales tax for Maryland)

This unit is in stock at another dealership.

TOTAL COST: $43,785.40

Is this a good price? I am particularly concerned that the warranty may be overpriced. We are very interested in this long warranty as we will be towing a trailer across mountains with this truck and want everything fully covered.

I tend to view the first price a dealer gives me as a starting point for negotiation... I was hoping to get this vehicle with these specs on the road for $40,000. This is nearly $4,000 over right now, and I suspect there isn't that much wiggle room. But maybe?

So many great ideas in this thread! Thanks for all the replies. We finally got out to the dealer and I got a quote. I'm going to start a new thread on that.

Howdy!  We just bought our NVP 3500 SL last Saturday after three years of drooling.  We LOVE it.    We have five kids and also want to RV.  I think you will be happy with whatever you go with as far as RV - but we are looking at something hybrid and under 6000 lbs.  I'm a newby at towing and don't want something too big.  It's up to your comfort zone.  As far as the NVP - go for it.  You won't be disappointed!

That's awesome... We are really excited about all of the responses on here. I am going to be looking into ordering our van in the Sept/October timeframe expecting delivery 4 months later...

Please keep us posted on your RV selection as we are gathering ideas and you guys will be facing the same challenges with 7 people total. Right now we are looking for one that has a separate bedroom w/ queen, a 4 bunkhouse in the back, and a sleeper sofa or the like. We have 4 boys and girl, so figuring we can put the 4 boys in the bunkhouse in the back and put the girl in the sleeper sofa.

NV is perfect for your application.

We have 7 kids (ages 10 thru 1 month) and tow a Sunset Trail 33BD at 8200# empty. Close to 9000 loaded and no issues.

NVP SL with tow package is a great choice.

We use a Husky Centerline WD hitch (bit of a bear to hook and unhook but no sway, drives and backs beautifully) and Tekonsha P3 brake controller (never know the trailer is there while braking).

9.8 mpg is average for flat towing at 55-60 mph.

8 mpg is common with hilly areas or hitting 70-75 mph.

Perhaps get the NV a bit sooner so it can be broken in before towing.

A few mini trips is very wise - you'll learn lots and still be close to home for the stuff you forget!

 

Have fun!

Thanks so much for this. Have you towed through steep grades? Any issues? What speeds were you pulling up hills?

come out to los angeles, there's well over 100 within 25 miles of me. 

 

passenger vans have better color choices out here. cargo vans are 90% white. 

 

Can't find the specs right now, but remember that your trailer will take away from your gcvwr. not sure without looking it up, but a fully loaded maxed out trailer leaves very little weight for the van to carry. or at least carry it legally. commercial enforcement out here is very expensive. 

 

Rick.

Thanks for the feedback - have been very carefully considering total GCWR for the van. Looks like with the Class IV hitch it's 16,000 lbs. I think we'll be OK if we get the trailer at 6,000 lbs. dry. The van is 6,000 lbs. We will be removing the back row of seats in the van, and our passenger weight will be about 1,000 lbs. With the trailer + 1,000lbs - 1,500 lbs. of gear, we should still be well within the van's limits.

Thanks so much for these replies!

George - thanks for the encouragement! We definitely want to be safe and think it through - we are planning our trip for Fall of 2016.

Chris - We are planning to buy the vehicle and trailer at roughly the same time - obviously vehicle first so we can haul the trailer when we buy it!  We are currently thinking of buying it in the April to May 2016 time frame so that we can take the trailer on a few short trips before venturing on our cross-country adventure. We don't need the new vehicle just yet, but our minivan is approaching its last legs and as our kids are hitting the pre-teen years, we are hoping to have something bigger for all of us, even for regular around-town driving.

So it sounds like we are on to a reasonably good plan from your advice... that is encouraging as we really like the NV a lot.

Fred

Hello all,

This is my first time here. And I am brand new to the concept of RV'ing, other than seeing friends do it. My wife and I have 5 kids (ages 10, 10, 10, 9, and 7) - 4 boys and 1 girl. We are considering RV'ing for the next few years to see the country. We are also in a place where we need to replace our 9 year old minivan with a new vehicle in the next year or so.

Our first choice right now is the Nissan NV Passenger 3500 SL. With the 8700 lb. towing capacity, we are thinking that we can tow a pretty big RV that could sleep 7 people. I noticed that you can get an optional Class IV weight-distributing hitch with the SL 3500, and it seems like that is what we would need.

Here is my questions:

1) Does the plan sound reasonable for our situation?

2) What is the maximum dry weight for an RV we should be looking at? Our plan would be to leave 7 seats in the NV passenger van and take out the rest.

3) I noticed that the NV has a tongue weight limit of 870 lbs. Some RVs distribute 12-14% of their weight onto the tongue, so for a 6,000 - 7,000 lb. RV, we could be exceeding the tongue weight. Is the 870 lb. tongue weight an absolute limit? Or is that increased by the weight-distributing class IV hitch? Would it be better to get a non-factory hitch?

4) We would like to take the RV cross-country, which definitely means some mountainous terrain along the way. What is everyone's experience towing that much weight up hills with a car full of 7 people? Will we be OK with this plan or are we not thinking about this the right way?

Thanks so much for any advice you can offer. We like the looks of the NV reasonably well enough and its utility seems fantastic for our purposes. If you have experience towing a big RV, I'd love to hear your setup.

Thanks,

Fred