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.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    avatar666
    Reputation
    3,960
  • #2
    Mark Gricoskie
    Reputation
    920
  • #3
    jmcalafactor
    Reputation
    770
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Tacoma
53 Great Deals out of 1,029 listings starting at $8,708
Used Chevrolet Colorado
25 Great Deals out of 1,378 listings starting at $4,900
Used Ford F-150
296 Great Deals out of 15,534 listings starting at $1,712
Used Ford Ranger
14 Great Deals out of 1,451 listings starting at $2,888
Used Nissan Titan
15 Great Deals out of 188 listings starting at $4,980
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
212 Great Deals out of 5,925 listings starting at $3,995
Used Toyota Tundra
46 Great Deals out of 1,128 listings starting at $5,999
Used GMC Canyon
25 Great Deals out of 1,231 listings starting at $7,495
Used RAM 1500
524 Great Deals out of 15,408 listings starting at $5,000
Used Toyota 4Runner
15 Great Deals out of 341 listings starting at $9,900
Used Honda Ridgeline
16 Great Deals out of 485 listings starting at $5,495
Used GMC Sierra 1500
126 Great Deals out of 6,796 listings starting at $3,975
Used Nissan Pathfinder
42 Great Deals out of 1,418 listings starting at $4,333
Used Jeep Wrangler
144 Great Deals out of 5,075 listings starting at $6,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.