RE: [A/S] Nissan Frontier

["DT & BW" <dtbw_1999@xxxxxxxxx>]

Ed,
The current year Nissan Frontier Crew Cab compares very closely to our Ford
Sport Trac, with which we tow a 2002 19' Bambi.  Our ST has a 4L V6 engine
rated a bit less than the current Frontier, a full 5 speed tranny with 6th
overdrive, and 4.10 limited slip rear end running on a wheelbase of almost
126".  It does a really good job of towing.  You do have to understand that
these high output V6s need to stay in their torque band and that means when
pulling hills the transmission will shift down and the engine rpms will pick
up, which is not a problem as these engines were designed to run at higher
rpms than a typical V8. Religious oil changes are a requirement if you
expect a long and troublefree vehicle life.  Also the transmission fluid
needs to be monitored and changed at the first sign of breakdown
(color/smell).  The almost 126" wheelbase (both vehicles) provides good
lateral stability.  I did switch out the factory P-rated tires for LT rated
truck tires which provide more lateral stability as well as improved
road-contact area and greater load capacity.  In addition, I switched out
the factory external transmission cooler for a much larger Hayden unit with
an electric fan to ensure that even in stop and go traffic in the summer,
the transmission, while towing especially, would not overheat.  We tow with
the Hensley Arrow hitch as I wanted to hedge my bets against sway to the
max.  Our ST accelerates briskly largely due to the 4.10 rear end and the
full 5 speed tranny.  At 70mph, we get about 10mpg, at 55mph, the mileage
jumps to about 15mpg.  The drive train is able to run in 6th overdrive at
55mphs, while 70mph requires it to stay in 5th most of the time (the ST
drive train is designed to run in either and the higher gearing at 70mph +
the added wind resistance is why the big difference in mileage).  We have
towed in the Rocky Mountains a couple of times and the rig is able to
maintain 55mph without issue.  Again, I would stress that the 4.10 rear end
has a lot to do with the success of our ST as a tow vehicle.  I have driven
loaner STs with the standard 3.75 rear end and they felt like they had a 4
banger engine and that was with NOTHING behind.

Be sure and verify if there is a difference in tow ratings between 2WD and
4WD.  On the ST there was a big drop in tow ratings on the 4WD model, so we
went with the 2WD version.

One thing I am not sure about on the Frontier is whether it runs on a full
perimeter frame, a partial frame, or is a unibody design.  The ST is a full
perimeter frame which is considered preferable in all towing situations.  A
full perimeter frame puts all the suspension, drive train, and tow
components on the frame with no loads to the body.  I would avoid unibody
designs totally.

Our 19' Bambi LS gross weight is about 80% of the max towing capacity of the
ST which is a reasonable safety margin.  I would NOT recommend towing
anything longer that the 19' with these types of vehicles as you will exceed
the ratings on one or more vehicle specs.  If you think you will want a
larger A/S now or in the near future, I would recommend going with a full
sized truck, but if the 16' or 19' Bambi is what you had in mind, then a
Frontier properly outfitted will do the job.  Just remember that a tow
vehicle is more than just engine output, it is the brakes, suspension,
handling and the drive train, but with the 16'&19' Bambi units, a full sized
truck is NOT a necessity provided you get a medium sized truck properly
equipped.

David