So, I lied. I don't actually own an Xterra, yet. We would like to buy a used Xterra for our son when he turns 16, but we will also be using it to tow our 2400 lb pop up camper, with a tongue weight of 500lbs. I have tried to find out which year, which trim package, which engine, which transmission, and whether a 4WD or 2WD would be better. And our selection is limited. But I keep getting mixed information and figured who would know better than the actual drivers of Xterras. So, please help me. I know all about the GVWR, tongue weight, yada, yada, but again I get mixed info, mostly about the factory tow package. We will be doing most of our driving in the Ozarks, which means lots of steep winding hills. MUST it already be equipped with the factory tow package or will an after market work? Will a V6 be sufficient or must we look for a v8? Will a manual or automatic (my son prefers manual) work better? 4WD or 2WD? So many options.
purchasing and towing, help!!
- Location
- Denver Adjacent
You're pushing the towing capacity for a manual. It's rated at 2500lbs for both the 1st and 2nd gens. The automatic on both is rated at 5000lbs. 4wd/2wd makes no difference. To me it seems silly to buy a truck like this without 4wd.
Hetzer
Bought an X
- Location
- Land of OZ
We've pulled a pop-up all over the place with my wife's X, which is a GEN1 with an automatic. Even had it down in the Ozarks a couple times. Yeah, you certainly know it's back there, but the X will definitley pull it (just not too fast up the steeper grades). Not sure what the empty weight is, but I assume it's slightly under 2000 lbs., which is the cut-off for whether you have to tag it in Kansas.
@Prime - I did not know the towing capacity of the manuals was only half of the automatics. It used to be, a manual trans was preferred for the heavier hauling jobs. I assume the limiting factor was the transmission itself? Any ideas about why Nissan didn't used a beefier manual trans?
@Prime - I did not know the towing capacity of the manuals was only half of the automatics. It used to be, a manual trans was preferred for the heavier hauling jobs. I assume the limiting factor was the transmission itself? Any ideas about why Nissan didn't used a beefier manual trans?
- Location
- Allen, Texas
To be fair, I agree, but my very first Xterra, the one that started my love of Xterras, was a 2wd manual and it towed great.
Still miss that one, wish I still had it.
so you see my frustration? so many different answers. And I doubt a test drive towing the camper will be an option. We will most likely be buying from an individual, and unless they've towed 3000 lbs with it, they won't know what its capable of, and we might not be able to find a 4WD with a tow package in our area at our price range which is less than $4K.
- Location
- Allen, Texas
I do. Having towed with a Gen1 Xterra, I can say this. Mine (pictured) didnt come factory with the tow hitch, I installed a frame mounted hitch later. The silver Xterra was 2wd, and It hauled my buses well, but if I had to contend with a steep climb, or a heavy loaded camper, I would look to the newer Xterras. They make plenty more power and are more freeway friendly. The first gens are cheaper and have lots of perks, but making power is not one of them.
That being said, I much prefer manuals, but like he said, an auto hauls more for the later ones. Now, figure that any Auto Xterra (second gen) made before 2010ish had whats called the SMOD (strawberry milkshake of death) issue with trans and cooling lines. So ideally you'd want a 2010 up auto X to haul if you can. The 4wd thing is up to you, if you think you will use it, get it. If you can't dont or wont, buy the 2wd and go on. We will all still love you the same.
Thats my two cents, having hauled with my first gen Xterra.
- Location
- Denver Adjacent
It's not the transmission. It's the clutch. The first gen has the same transmission as the Z31. And those guys can put 400hp to the ground. The stock clutch isn't up to the task.
My suggestion didn't come across as I envisioned it in my mind, but it's been clarified with other posts at this point. I've been through the Ozarks and have family in SW Arkansas, so my suggestion was based on trying to tow in those conditions. A Gen 1 will do it, but a Gen 2 will do it better.
Hetzer
Bought an X
- Location
- Land of OZ
As long as the hitch you are going to use (assuming a frame-mounted receiver hitch) is rated for what you are going to be pulling, and is installed with quality hardware, it makes no difference. My wife's X has a factory hitch, I have another X with an after-market hitch. They are both rated for the same load, and frankly, the aftermarket hitch looks stronger than the NISSAN hitch.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe all Xterras (at least all I've seen) have a factory plug-in for the towing harness. All you need to get is the pig-tail that plugs into it and mates with the plug on your trailer. Those can be purchased at most auto parts stores, but most likely they'll have to order it, they won't have it in stock. Factory or aftermarket, no difference in wiring, it either works or it doesn't.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe all Xterras (at least all I've seen) have a factory plug-in for the towing harness. All you need to get is the pig-tail that plugs into it and mates with the plug on your trailer. Those can be purchased at most auto parts stores, but most likely they'll have to order it, they won't have it in stock. Factory or aftermarket, no difference in wiring, it either works or it doesn't.
Okay, just looked up the tow capacity of an '07 with manual transmission and it says 5,000lbs. Is that right or fake news?
- Location
- Denver Adjacent
As long as it's frame mounted using the factory holes, it's good. And you are correct. All Xs come with stubs for trailer wiring. If you got the factory towing package you get the pigtail with a 4-pin (1sr gen) or 7-pin (2nd gen).
- Location
- Denver Adjacent
I have an 07 with a manual. I'll snap a picture of the sticker in the morning.
- Location
- Allen, Texas
Aftermarket is great, as long as its frame mounted and uses good hardware.
Looking at all of the user manuals and tow guides I can find, it says the manual is rated at 5200lbs.
dogwater
Test Drive
- Location
- Daytona area, FL
For the first gen at least the owner's manual says for a manual transmission the tow capacity is 3500 pounds.
Also, I was curious so I looked up the towing guide from Nissan and it says for an '07 it's 5000lb for mt & at:
https://www.nissanusa.com/pdf/techpubs/2007/2007NissanTowingGuide.pdf
Also, I was curious so I looked up the towing guide from Nissan and it says for an '07 it's 5000lb for mt & at:
https://www.nissanusa.com/pdf/techpubs/2007/2007NissanTowingGuide.pdf
Martinbrown987
Test Drive
my recommendation will ford truck we have been using that for a long time, and we are offering a best price towing queens ny, very happy with the performance.