2010 Nissan Frontier LE Crew Cab towing

30

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

2,665

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.

2 people found this helpful.
30

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.

3 people found this helpful.

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