mellowsnv Posted March 6, 2015 Everything I can find seems to imply that his NV is up to the task, but safety first and all! It's a 2006 Jayco bunkhouse, a bit over 7,000#, and would be the perfect home and office on the road for myself and the nonprofit ProBoneO Program! Here are the details from the man with the van! Thanks in Advance! - DR and service dogs Riley & MellowI have a 2012 NV 3500 HD SV Cargo. In the owners manual under towing load specification the GCWR with accessory hitch is 13,500 lb. and with tow package it is 16,000 lb. I don’t have a tow package. I want to add a class IV weight distributing hitch to the van. What is it about the factory installed tow package that lets one tow an extra 2500 lb? Is there any way I can do that with after market accessories? Any opinions about which hitch brands to use? Are the U-Haul hitches bad? Most of the travel trailers we look at have dry weights around 7000 lb. so I really need that extra 2500 lb. for stuff in the trailer and van. The 9500 lb. towing capacity was why I wanted the NV V8 but it seems like I was thrown because it looks like the towing package is standard from 2014 on. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andy_george Posted March 6, 2015 No worries whatsoever. There are lots of members on this forum with stories of pulling much larger loads with no issues. Recently there was a member asking about pulling a Keystone Passport (that was the title of the thread I believe), with lots of discussion about pulling a very similar load to the one you are considering. Check it out, and happy NV'ing! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris_CommercialManager Posted March 6, 2015 I just started selling these in the 14 model year, I've have not poked around many 2012's to quantify the differences. You are correct in that a hitch is standard on a 3500, I'm surprised it wouldn't have been in 2012? I do not have any factory literature on a 2012 to reference but where are you finding this info on different towing capacities? I have never heard of that before, and to take it a step further everyone I've asked and every place I just looked references a 9500lb capacity. On many vehicles when you add a "tow" package you pick up auxiliary coolers, to keep transmission heat down and maybe maybe that could cause a fluctuation on those specs however I don't even believe that to applicable here because i believe very strongly that even if your 2012 did not have a hitch would still have the cooler. maybe bates or someone who has been around longer than I will chime in here. I would not hesitate to tow your load with a weight distributing hitch and of course good brake controller. Look into the brand "Reese". Also please remember, when towing a heavy load like that you will need to step up your maintenance intervals. Fresh fluids are your friend, and not just motor oil. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mellowsnv Posted March 6, 2015 DR here! (He's still asleep.) I read through the keystone passport thread and there are two reasons we went ahead and posted. First, IIRC the passport is an unltralight trailer. We've looked at them, but we've looked at a zillion trailers last few days! I believe they weigh more like 5,500#, but it looked as if that poster has the factory tow package. The weird discrepancy is something he found in the owners manual - I'll see if I can get a page number or the exact cite. I know he's asking about the Uhaul hitches because Uhaul can get the NV in on Monday but they only install their own stuff and apparently it's welded (?). Every other place in Phoenix is either a week out or far more expensive. I've been confused because there's obviously a transmission cooler, etc. which makes me wonder if it's set up with tow mode and all and it's a matter of the button. A different matter, but related. Thank you for help with this stuff! He's been making calls to Nissan dealers and tow places and not getting any satisfying answers. Other people are looking at the trailer today, but if the hubby is convinced he can tow it safely the seller will hold it for us! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris_CommercialManager Posted March 6, 2015 Text or email me: cnagy@scottclarknissan.com me a picture of the manual page, I'll pm you right now. If I can't decipher I will reach out to my factory rep. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
radin2son Posted March 6, 2015 (edited) In 2012 the tow package was an option. In 2013 or 14, it was standard with all V8s. This is what the $460 tow package included:Extendable chrome, heated mirrors2 front tow hooksTOW MODEClass-IV tow hitch7 PIN CONNECTOR PRE-WIRINGBRAKE CONTROLLER PRE-WIRINGHeavy duty battery The tow mode has another useful function. With heavy loads it can be engaged for steep down hill sections. Not sure if it applies to steep uphill grades. Cruise control may do the same. Edited March 7, 2015 by radin2son Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris_CommercialManager Posted March 6, 2015 I just got off the phone with the Nissan Senior Commercial and Fleet Aftermarket Engineer on this one so you can take this as gospel. It has nothing to do with the hitch itself. The vehicle with the factory tow package has two differences. A "tow" switch and a modified shift schedule for the transmission were performed based on extensive testing and tuning at "Bakers Grade" in CA. Not what you wanted to hear possible but that is the reason for the rating difference. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vanguy Posted March 6, 2015 (edited) There is a difference in the hitch. Look for a class 5 hitch. It has a lip that attaches to the top of the frame on the rear of the van that the class 3 & 4 hitches do not have. That's the only difference & thus the higher rating. However you may not need it. I would be more concerned with the tongue weight of the trailer. Make sure it does not exceed the the rating of the receiver you put on the van. The receiver hitch you put on the van will have two ratings. one is for the overall weight rating of the trailer & the other is for the tongue weight. Don't exceed either one. As far as the "Tow Mode" switch, as stated above the only thing it does is control the shift points on the transmission. It's really no big deal. I have it on mine & I can hardly tell any difference. In fact I forget to turn it on most of the time. Whoever puts your receiver hitch on the van can wire your 7 pin plug for the brakes & lights. If I'm not mistaken I believe that rear lip is welded to the frame at the factory. So even if you can find a class 5 hitch you may not be able to weld it. It's possible it could be bolted on in that area if there is room for the nuts & bolts. That's just something you will have to check out if you decide you want the extra weight capacity. Edited March 6, 2015 by vanguy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mellowsnv Posted March 6, 2015 Ok, so now we know what the difference is and the why behind it. (THANK YOU CHRIS!) So now the question becomes, can anything be done to make up the discrepancy? or do I have to get an ultralight trailer - dramatically limiting the options? (He's now saying he doesn't even want the NV anymore! He only got it a couple weeks ago.)Feeling Down in the Desert,D Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris_CommercialManager Posted March 7, 2015 I'm telling you this as a person of the public and you cannot mistake this as advice from Nissan, who doesn't employ me anyways......as nissan has previously stated it's 7k in your situation. I wouldn't have two thoughts about throwing a uhaul hitch on there, a weight distributing hitch and doing what your suggesting. But that's just me. These vans are built tough as all get out. I have not seen an NV in my shop with a transmission failure....Period... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andy_george Posted March 7, 2015 Compared to my brothers E-350, the NV has absolutely massive brakes, steering components, fully boxed frame, and more fluid coolers. But he pulls with the E series just fine.... So that tells you the potential of the NV. Throw a hitch on that baby and get camping!;) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mellowsnv Posted March 7, 2015 Success, Gentlemen! Thank you! He doesn't want to rush and still thinks long run we'll upgrade to an ultralight, but I do believe I'm going to be cleared to call to see if my trailer is still available! If ya'll ever questions about service dogs or service dog law, I'm your gal!D.R. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vanguy Posted March 7, 2015 (edited) The 3500 with a V8 has the capacity to tow the trailer you mentioned above. As Andy George states above, I used to tow an 8000 lb trailer with my Chevy 3500 and 5.7 engine without any problems. The NV 3500 is quite a bit more stout than the Chevy in every respect. This receiver hitch has the capacity if used with a weight dist. hitch. It is a class IV but has the lip on the rear for the extra capacity.http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Nissan/NV+3500/2012/C14000.html?vehicleid=201227855 According to the Nissan Manual your van & trailer can't exceed 16000 lbs with the above hitch. Also the max tongue weight is 950 lbs. It pays to weigh your van fully loaded & then again with the trailer attached at a Cat scale to be sure of proper weights. Edited March 7, 2015 by vanguy 2 Jerry and andy_george reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tatunka Posted March 8, 2015 FWIW I have been pulling an Outback 301BQ "super light" travel trailer that weighs in at around 8500lbs for the last three summers (around 7000 miles). The NV is more than enough vehicle to handle the trailer in my opinion. I used to tow with a F150 with the tow package and found that the NV is vastly superior even though the factory "ratings" are very different. Also the words "ultra" and "super" light trailers doesen't mean they are any lighter than the next trailer. It's just to make you feel better about buying it and towing it with your half ton pickumup truck that is rated to tow 5000lbs. It's all a marketing ploy. 2 Jerry and andy_george reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andy_george Posted March 9, 2015 NV is better as a tow vehicle than an F-150? Awesome to hear. Surprises me, but makes me love the NV that much more! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tatunka Posted March 9, 2015 Some reasons I feel the NV is better tow vehicle than the F150/Siverado1500/Ram1500 include; weight of the vehicle itself (the NV is about 1500lbs heavier than my F150 was), Larger, full floating rear axle; heavier duty, fully boxed frame; bigger brakes; heavier duty transmission, stronger suspension (I had to have air bags installed in my F150 to tow my current trailer safely). IMO I think the tow and GCWRs are inflated for the F150/Silverado1500/Ram1500 and I think the NV's ratings are low for how this thing is built. I would be more comfortable towing to the max ratings of the those pickups in the NV than in those vehicles. But, it is just my humble opinion. 1 andy_george reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andy_george Posted March 9, 2015 Very good points. I couldn't agree more about the tow ratings for all the domestic pickups being seriously inflated for bragging rights. Granted, most of the max ratings are for 5th wheel trailers, but still.... Anyone who desires to pull 32,000 pounds with a 6,000 pound HD pickup has bigger balls than me. I read somehwere a bit ago (pickuptrucks.com maybe?) that the 2013 F-150 is rated to tow more than the 2004 F-450. Crazy.... 1 Tatunka reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fred Fauth Posted July 27, 2015 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ASD Dad Posted July 27, 2015 Fred - have you tried contacting your local NV dealer? There are a few dealers on here but a quick phone call to one or two local NV places may be quicker. I would still verify what they are telling you - some dont exactly know what they are talking about! Chris Commercial on here is pretty helpful and located in Charlotte, NC at a large dealer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris_CommercialManager Posted July 28, 2015 No you cannot "add" it unfortunately. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ASD Dad Posted July 28, 2015 No you cannot "add" it unfortunately. Chris, what all is different other than the "Tow Mode" button? If it is strictly tranny shift point logic programmed in he should be OK using manual mode on the column. This is assuming he adds on the HD hitch as well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vanguy Posted July 29, 2015 Get the proper hitch described above. Don't worry about a tow mode switch. It has nothing to do with the the van's towing capacities..Buy the right hitch & you will have the max rated tow capacities for your model. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
