Transmission Question 2008 Xterra

[BIGSTRIPER80]

Hello all,
I wanted to tell you this forum rocks! I have learned so much already since I just bought my first boat.

Anyway, I bought a 1987 2000 Renken Classic with a 4.3 Mercruiser for about 900 bucks for Striper fishing. Weighs about 3400 dry will be pushing 4000lbs with fuel cargo etc. I am looking at buying a 2008 Nissan Xterra with the new 4.0l engine. I have been reading up on a Manual Transmission vs. Automatic for towing. I worry about the heat build up with the auto's even with the factory tow package and tranny cooler. I am looking for the most reliable transmission and have good success with both. I am in the D.C. area so it's not real hilly but just wanted to see your thoughts/opinions.

Thanks

Andrew

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Transmission Question 2008 Xterra

i don't know the tow rating, but towing auto is better. especially on the ramp.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Transmission Question 2008 Xterra

The Xterra will need about a 6k tow rating to be safe.I doubt that size vehicle is rated that high. Seems like a lot of boat for a short wheelbase vehicle like that.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Transmission Question 2008 Xterra

The Nissan site says 5k tow rating..I think with the boat,fuel,gear and whatever weight in the tow vehicle,passengers ect it would be cutting it close.

 

[rndn]

Re: Transmission Question 2008 Xterra

My Tacoma 4wd with the 4.0 automatic has a 6500 pound tow rating. It's equipped with the tow package and it tows and stops my boat just fine. Granted it's not as heavy as yours, but with the 6500 tow rating it would handle your 4k just fine.

 

[rndn]

Re: Transmission Question 2008 Xterra

By the way, welcome to the forum as I just noticed this was your first post.

 

[JB]

Re: Transmission Question 2008 Xterra

I think you need a minimum of a 6500# tow rating for that rig, Andrew, and I really doubt that the Xterra can be rated that high with either tranny. Sounds like a job for a truck or a full size Ute.

Go for something with at least a 6500# rating. The Automatics generally are rated for more weight, so they must stand towing stresses better.

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Transmission Question 2008 Xterra

If the trailer has breaks, why would he need 6500 capacity to tow 4000 lbs?

If you are concerned about the factory tow package cooler, you can always add a larger capacity one with a thermostat.

 

[BIGSTRIPER80]

Re: Transmission Question 2008 Xterra

Guys, thanks for all of your quick responses. I looked up some info about Nissan vehicles and saw that the Frontier (truck) which runs on the same platform can tow 6500lbs. So I think if my rig comes in around 4800lbs I feel it will be okay. Now it does have surge brakes on the trailer. Is it correct to assume the consensus is the auto is better and more reliable that the manual? Wouldn't I have more control down shifting with the manual vs. the auto, thus helping with the braking issues?

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Transmission Question 2008 Xterra

If the trailer has breaks, why would he need 6500 capacity to tow 4000 lbs?

If you are concerned about the factory tow package cooler, you can always add a larger capacity one with a thermostat.

You really don't want to push the limits of the tow rating.The Xterra was not designed to tow those kind of loads.
I think it will be a tail wagging the dog situation at highway speeds.The short wheelbase will cause that.
Plus if you are buying a new vehicle to tow with why not buy something a little larger.
My travel trailer weighs 5000 pounds and my full size SUV has its hands full towing it.No way i would try it with a small SUV.
About 75% of the tow rating is better suited..
I have driven tractor trailers and pulled everything under the sun with dually pickups,towing is not something to take lightly..Get the right vehicle for the job.

 

[BIGSTRIPER80]

Re: Transmission Question 2008 Xterra

Gary,

Thank for the advice it's much appreciated. I have a great tow vehicle now but I do business to business sales and the wife (aka the boss) really wants us to get a more family based vehicle and I wish I something a little easier to park. BTW, my f150 is a 2 door regular cab 5.4. So this is the pinch I am in. I like the Xterra good midsize SUV for my job with a decent tow rating hmm.... i guess I need to look around a bit more.

Andrew