2010 Nissan Frontier LE Crew Cab towing
Asked by Srwhite Jun 21, 2011 at 05:02 PM about the 2010 Nissan Frontier LE Crew Cab 4WD
Question type: General
I am towing a 5000 lb full loaded 26 ft. Camper with sway bars and load leveling hitch. My
truck runs at 3000 to 4000 rpm on highway at 60 to 65 mph. I also get only 7.5 mpg. It
feels like it is struggling to keep up. Is that normal or am I asking too much.
2 Answers
jmcalafactor answered 12 years ago
You're really asking for more than your Frontier was designed for ( especially with an automatic transmission ? ) especially without the added protection offered by an oil cooler. If the trailer weighs 5000 #, is that empty or loaded weight ? If empty weight then your loaded weight is probably much higher and the wind resistance of a 26' trailer makes it that much "heavier". I would say that your high rpms / low fuel mileage is "normal" considering what you are pulling at highway speeds but would NOT recommend that you continue pulling such a huge load for extended periods or your 2010's powertrain and drivetrain will protest probably more sooner than later.
Thanks for the info. The 5000 LBS. is loaded with very little in the truck itself other than 2 passengers. I spoke to Nissan and they said it had an "Adaptive transmission" and should handle the load just fine and would do a better job of managing the rpm's as more time under the load was "adapted". I went from Virginia to Niagra Falls, then to Quebec Canada and then Bar Harbor Maine and then home. As a novice tower I did discover staying behind a truck to lower wind and then I got 13 MPG and the RPM's went down to normal. They also checked the tranny and the fluid still looked new, so I am pleased with he truck but don't plan on other long trips like that.