I know the towing capacity of the Max is rated at 1000lbs by Nissan, but my previous car (Volvo 850) was rated at 3500. There is no difference between the Max and the Volvo---both fwd, about 32-3300lbs, and roughly the same hp (but even the NA Volvos, 168hp, are rated the same). I'm looking at buying a Coleman tent trailer which is 1300lb, and I can see nothing wrong with that weight and I think Nissan is being too conservative. Does anybody regularily tow in excess of 1000lbs?

 

It is not just a hp issue. ALOT has to do with suspension capabilities to handle weight transfered to the rear when a trailer is hitched. Perhaps the 850 had a more beefed up rear end to allow for that rating. Since our Max's are known (at least from member posts) for bottoming out under load, I wouldn't be so sure about over taxing the rear suspension.

 

My biggest concern would be the tranny. I am relatively certain that the 2000-01 auto and manual trannies aren't up to the task of hauling 1300lbs on an extended trip. And with all the problems being reported on the board with the '02 six speeds, I would personally shy away from anything other than a hitch mounted bike rack. But that's just me.

If you decide to do it, don't tow it very far, keep it in 4th or lower (maybe 5th...I'm not certain about the six speed ratios), and don't ever tell the dealer!!!

 

Rent a UHaul $19.99

 

My thoughts exactly

 

The problems with the gearboxes have had nothing to do with the gears themselves by with the clutches and throw-out bearings. There is virtually no wear on a clutch if it is fully engaged (pedal out). The greatest towing wear on auto trannies comes from hunting between gears. If the engine in the 6 speed max isn't bogging while towing there is no reason to be in a lower gear.

 

I thought you weren't supposed to tow using an overdriven gear???

 

Sure, when driving a vehicle with an auto you have no control of when the tranny swithes gear when in "overdrive" and because of the increased load, it will happen more often. When driving a manual vehicle on a flat road, there is no reason to be in a lower gear. If there are constant elevation changes its best to leave it in a lower gear.

 

Gotcha...thanks for the correction.

 

And a lot to do with cooling capacity and brakes also.

BuddyWh

 

I have plenty of control over when my tranny goes into overdrive... Just push the little button and it stays in the lower gear.

I can also keep the tranny in a lower gear by shifting it to that gear, but I agree that shifting of any kind is going to be a lot harder on the tranny's clutches with 3500 extra lbs. Better have a big add-on ATF cooler.

BuddyWh

 

If you do much towing, do yourself a favor and install a $50 tranny cooler

 

The issue isn't HP or torque, your max has plenty of both. Not even relative weakness of the transaxle or clutch, even if you can easily grenade them by trying to launch like you didn't have a trailer. The big issues for Nissan, in my judgement, are safety related: tongue weight + car, passengers and cargo has to be under your GVWR and your brakes have be able to drag everything down. It's easy to exceed our GVWR just with five adults and a full trunk of luggage, add in a 1000lb trailer's tongue weight and you get a glimpse of why they're so conservative.

And then there is the little matter of cooling: the load on the engine will be much greater at highway speed so it will overheat a lot easier. An oil cooler is essential; since you have a manual you don't have to worry about a supplemental ATF cooler. I doubt seriously you can buy a three-row radiator for a Max but that would be ideal.

I'd agree Nissan is conservative, if you are careful about your driving and watch how much cargo you carry in your car you'd probably be safe. But if they find out that you pull 1300 lbs, they'd squawk a lot on a warranty claim!

Oh, and get electric brakes put on the trailer to lighten the load on the Max's brakes, just in case you hadn't thought about that.

BuddyWh

 

i don't think it will be that much of a problem, you can add that much extra weigth to your car, i added close to a 1000 wednesday and still got up to 150mph and stopped fine. i think you won't have a problem with a 1300 lb trailer. the maximas seem to cool fine, i've NEVER seen my needel go above 1/2

 

Heat isn't usually a problem where I live (max of 90F) and the tent trailer has electric brakes. My biggest concern is the tongue weight and that can be altered by the way the trailer is loaded. Thanks for the input.