I am in the need of more cargo room ( I have an old beater Dodge van that is on it's last leg ) I really DO NOT want to get rid of my Maxima, so was looking into a trailer. I read in the owners manual that it states 1000 lb max with a 9-11% tongue weight. The trailer I am looking at will be slightly under this with a load.

Has anyone towed a trailer with their Maxima? With a 5 speed?

I'm not sure I understand why the low weight. My wife's min van has a 3000 LB towing weight, and the engine is no where near as strong and the brakes on it are marginal at best. The tranny has a hard time making up it's mind on level ground.
I don't really understand all that is involved with towing a trailer, but I'm kinda concerned about it with the Maxima. I need more cargo room on the weekends, but really don't want to give up the Maxima.
Any insite would be appriciated.
THANKS

 

That main reason for the 1000lb limit is not all based on the engine. You also have to think of the frame of the car as well. A car has a smaller, more fragile frame, where as a van is much larger. The 1000lb limit can be extended a little, as I think that is too low, but I would not push it any farther. Well, anyways, if you are looking into towing a trailer, it is good that you have a 5-speed. Towing anything with the automatic transmission will absolutely destroy it over time. You will need the actual tow/hitch that mounts up the the back from of the car. This can be purchased online, on eBay for example, and they are also custom mounted/fabricated at most trailer/hitch stores.....

 

For a trailer with brakes, my owners manual states a maximum towing load of 2933lb with a 10% tongue load for the 5/Spd. 3010 for an auto.

 

I have a 99 SE, 5 spd, and I use it to tow my light, 16' boat. Total boat/motor/trailer/gear weighs just about 1100 pounds.

Ramius is correct. The frame is not designed to handle too much extra weight. However, where you really notice it is in the brakes. The max has plenty of power to tow a heavier trailer. However, getting it slowed down is another story. I only have to tow my boat about 3 miles to the boat ramp, on slow (non-highway) streets, so I can manage. But you definetly have to be more alert for light changes, cars pulling out in front of you, etc.

I'm sure it also burns up the clutch a bit more as well. This year I am putting in KYB AGX struts. I've read on another post where someone with a similar setup would increase the setting on the rear struts in order to minimize sagging in the rear. Don't know if it really works, but it sounds like a good excuse to do my suspension.

How far are you planning on towing this trailer? If it is long distance, on a highway, I would try and keep total weight to 500 or less.

Just my thoughts.

Eric

 

Got a hitch on my 98.
My Max loves to tow my 3seater SeaDoo.
Total weight is about 700lbs and I have no issues with breaking or overheating.
Towed the SeaDoo from CT to FL 2years ago, 1400 miles one way without tranny cooler. No issues plus I was getting 25MPG.
I don't know about 1000+ Lbs. of weight behind you.
If it has breaks then there should be no issues.

 

Thanks for the quick replies...

I live in western PA where there are a fair amount of hills. I'll be using it on weekends only ( about 60 miles total, non highway) I was thinking about the frame too, but the wife's mini van is a unibody also, and doesn't seem as stiff as the Max. Also thought about braking, but once again the brakes on the Max are way better then hers. I also din't look at the fine print in her manual

I also stood on the bumper and noticed no real sag; and I weigh about double the recomnded 10% tongue weight of 1000 #s

Glad to hear that Rogo98SE has good "luck" with towing 700+ LBs. The empty trailer is 645# and I'll mostly be carrying radio controlled aircraft (lite is the objective with these) so I am guessing 1000 is the extreme high end. 800# is more likely the norm.

Trailer brakes are also something I'll look into as it really looks like stopping power is the issue here. I thought a 5sp would be better, but on new vehicals I looked at, the auto had double the towing capacity of the manuals.

I have a reputable local guy who will install the hitch for $150 + $30 for the wireing.

THANKS again.

 

You should have no issues with the trailer towing. However the clutch will take a little abuse on your 5speed.
As far as install goes. I did it myself it's a direct bolt on. And wiring is a cake you can get a universal wiring kit for like 10 bucks. It only takes about 10 minutes to install.
I got a Reese hitch at AutoZone for $110 and installed it in 1 hour.

 

THANKS for the info on DIY. Will easily save a few $$$. I didn't realize they are direct bolt ons...no drilling. The Advance Auto a mile down the road from my house has the same one for $98

I did drive a few possible replacements for the Max incase trailer towing wasn't realistic. They were nice and all, but I'm really glad the Max will handle it based on the feedback here. Also asked the dealer about the weight. He said he towes a quad with ease with his 94 Max. Good to hear.

THANKS again.