[A/S] Towing with a Titan?

["drerskine2003" <drerskine@xxxxxxx>]

Hi Gang,

I am thinking of getting a new [or late model] pickup truck to tow my
AirStream and am looking favorably at the Nissan Titan.  I was
wondering if any member of this discussion group has any experience
with the Titan and if they would kindly contribute their thoughts.

My AirStream is a 25 foot 1987 Excella; which weights about 6000 lbs
loaded.  I presently tow with a 1998 GMC 2500 van with a 5.7l V8
[275 estimated hp], a 4 speed transmission and a 3.73 axle ratio.  
This vehicle has proven itself to be sufficient for towing on 
relatively flat terrain.  I have towed it 4000 miles round trip to 
Arizona via the southern route,  averaging some 600 miles per day at 
60 to 70 mph while getting 11.5 mpg.  At 65 mph on level ground and 
with no wind the engine is using some 34% of total available power as 
measured with a OBDII scanner.  Climbing southwestern hills however 
was slow work.

The Titan is rated to tow some 9000 lbs[!?]; having 300 hp and a 5
speed transmission.  I would opt for the towing package which includes
a higher numeric axle ratio.  I am thinking that the 5 speed 
transmission would be advantageous but a discussion on the TitanTalk 
group web pointed out that the owner's manual does not authorize 
towing in 'overdrive'. The engine max. hp and torque speeds seem 
relatively low compared to the Ford and Chev; which would seem to 
have an advantage.  But the Titan appears to be a heavy duty 1/2 ton 
which might be marginal.  If I bought a Ford or Chev. I would choose 
a 3/4 ton rating. A diesel is not an option.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.   cheers,  David