I know, a 5-speed Maxima isn't the ideal tow vehicle. But the car is great on road trips and I'd like to take a small camping trailer out on some of these excursions. It would be less than 1000#.

If I took it easy and kept it in 4th, just how horrible would this be for the car? Also any recommendations on a class 1-2 hitch?

 

I find it hard to believe nobody tows with their cars.

 

I wish I could help, but I really do not use the max to tow at all.

Good luck with this.

 

Here's the best advice that I can come up with:

Read the trailer towing information starting on page 10-15 in your owner's manual.

 

I called the Nissan dealer. Max weight is 1000# with 100# tongue. Now to find a decent hitch...

 

According to Your Owner's Manual, Nissan Canada sells a Maxima hitch. eBay?

 

I have a 2002, hitch rated for 1500 lbs, and easy to tow something. I would say the most critical is braking, since it demands a lot of braking power and energy to dissipate. But 1000 lbs, no prob at all.

 

its not really a smart idea to tow with you car. first of all its not really heavy for keeping the trailer in line, then the suspension is REALLY not set up for towing. plus, the frame in the rear isnt designed to have things pulling on it.

 

Good 8th post, but if he follows Nissan's guidelines and does it right, the occasional road trip won't kill the car. He might have to shorten the maintenance interval on his brakes and clutch, but he'll be fine.

 

My car towed an rx7 once and thats 3000lbs; granted we only went about 2-3 miles and never went over 25mph, but what ever. I dont see how you could have a problem towing under 1000lbs. Just think of it as having three fat asses in your back seat.

 

im actually considering this as well for my 4th gen. i need something to trailor my motorcyle to track days.. i see alot of beemer owners do that. keep us posted