I own a 2003 GLE and would like to pull a small boat however the manual states the maximum towing capacity is 1000 lb. Wondering why this is since 255 hp and 4 wheel discs should be plenty for a small boat and trailer with a weight less than 2500 lbs.

 

It should be but it still a 1000lbs, I remember hearing that its a 1000lbs for the 4th gens, I dont know if that number went up for 5th gens espeically a 5.5Gen but its our trannies that would feel the pain more than the engine so I'd stick with the 1000lbs limit, especially if there is a lot of stop and go, that could kill ya tranny quick.

 

The car can definately pull more then 1000 lbs, probably 2500 easily.

But the excess heat that the transmission will generate will burn it up. An external tranny cooler will help out a lot if your going to be towing, especially if you got more then 1000 lbs to tow.

 

I wouldn't risk it. Rent a truck/suv for those X amount of days. It'll be cheaper than a new tranny.

 

Maybe it's just me, but I would not second guess the mfg. It's not simply the motor, tranny, and brakes. It's also the ability to properly mount a hitch and how the load will be distributed to the unibody. Why can a Honda Pilot tow only 4,500, and the new Ridgeline 5,000? A new Pathfinder does 6,000, while a Touareg 7,700? It's the design. Pretty sad considering Pathfinder has a frame and Touareg is a unibody, huh? It's not about the motor as base VW has only 229 ft. lbs. of torque, the smallest in the group (in the diesel format the Touareg can tow F150's and Titans like it's going out of style!).

What is it with Nissan and their fuel recommendations? On the new Pathy they say "Use regular unleaded fuel with 87 octane. For maximum power, use premium fuel." Their statement is a complete contradiction--either the motor was designed for premium or it wasn't. If premium is not required, the motor cannot extract extra performance out of it period. Maybe they read the forum and just want to keep the debate alive!