Nissan Pathfinder V6 for towing?

The Nissan Pathfinder V6 claims 6,000 lbs towing. I have heard that you should not tow more than 85% of the maximum capacity which would be 5,100 lbs. I want to tow a Malibu LSV 23 a few times a week which weighs 4,900 lbs with trailer add fuel, stereo, and gear and I am sure to be over the 5,100 lbs.

I like the pathfinder as a daily driver for its gas efficiency compared to other models. If I move up to the V8 I lose all the efficiency.

Thoughts?

Are you towing on flat land or hills?

A few blocks at most. And no hills. That boat will push 6000 lbs with a tower, gas, gear & coolers in it.

what year are you looking at.

my gf has a 05 pathfinder 4wd and it tows my 07 x2 fine.

that being said i like towing with my 08 sequoia better, but it drinks a lot more gas.

It will probably tow it at least for a short time
I'm sure the 23 will put extreme wear on it.
My fear is with that kind of load on such a light
short wheel base vehicle the boat may steer the
pathfinder especially in a emergence situation.
I used to tow 3500lbs with a Toyota truck it was
scary at speed too light in the rear.

That's a LOT of weight for a V6 Pathfinder. That thing can barely climb passes without anything attached to it! Or maybe that's just because I have a '98...

Buy a V8 for towing, and a scooter for daily driving and you're set.}

I towed my Centurion Enzo SV230 for three seasons with our '05 Nissan Pathfinder 2WD. Had NO problem at all! Great, torquey V-6. We towed most often from storage to the launch four miles away. However, from time to time, we trailered it on the interstate for an hour or two at 70 -75 mph with our occasional Tennessee mountains and she did just fine. Up very steep inclines on the interstate, she might have upshifted, but did just fine, and that usually was with 4 to 5 passengers and full of gear. Also, she was always stable with the Enzo. The only time I was concerned was when I went to a new (to me) launch, that was very long, steep, narrow, and wet from previous vehicles. I had a somewhat controlled slide all the way down (but I've seen surburbans, etc. perform similarly at other ramps). I also learned to take the vehicle out of reverse so the trailer brakes would also engage. That helped.

Without towing, we'd average around 16-17 mpg city driving (I think about 21 hwy). When towing on the interstate, we'd average around 10.5 to 11 mpg (again, we have some steep mountains here). Hope that helps. I have no problem recommending a Pathfinder as a tow vehicle (though we now have a new Ford Expedition, which we LOVE; space is great, impressed with features and fit & finish...but the gas mileage...geez; }averaging around 14 city!)

As an aside, the V-8 in the Pathfinder is overkill, and to me goes against the niche that the Pathfinder fills, especially last year when gas was $4.50 a gallon!

Flat land, and a few blocks, I say go for it.

I say go for it -if you decide to tow for an hour or more I would consider AirLift bags for the rear coils. They will level out the truck improving handling, braking, and reducing a ton of body roll..I believe they increase towing capacity as well (but don't quote me on that, just a personal belief).
Here's my set up:

I hate towing with my dads pathfinder...I still take my explorer with a v6 and almost 200k everytime. ^^^Justin good point...those pathfinder's sag hardcore (even with my tristar 190) I can't imagine a 23' Malibu.

I think the truck itself is too light. I wouldnt want to be in it with a LSV behind me going down a fair grade. I wouldnt want to be a car ahead of you either.

Steedracer wrote:

"I also learned to take the vehicle out of reverse so the trailer brakes would also engage. That helped."

Do you have electric brakes?

I tow my 91 Sunsport with my 01 4runner quite a bit and if it wasn't for the crap rear coils and the 2 hills I would have no problem towing it at all. I just installed air bags on mine last week so I'm going to take it for a test tow this weekend and see how it does I really hope it tows better

John Marshall-- I tow with a 2007 Pathfinder it does good (SEE PROFILE). Boat 3300LBS + 1100LBS trailer + gear and gas 500LBS = 4900LBS.

I towed with one(2005) all over central Arkansas for three years it did fine, although if the trailer did not have brake it would have been an issue

I tow with and 03 PF LE 2WD and have no problems at all.

We had a 05 Pathfinder. It was ok for short tows.

Here was ours (As to the brake question, I've got the 5-wire connection, which prevents the trailer brakes from actuating while the vehicle is in reverse)...

Decided to go with the Armada. I talked to Waterski America about the LSV I want to tow and they said the rig was definitely over 6,000lbs with the stereo, gas, and gear. The Dorsey 23' trailer weighs 1,300 lbs as well.

I was able to get a 2005 Armada with 44,000 miles for $17,800.

Good decision.

First time I've seen your boat Pat... Looks awesome!

Thanks, jonyb! She's no GG ;-), but entering our 4th season with her, she has been great, and the Enzo has a super wakeboard and surf wake. Gotta love yellow though!