Ron,
I have to be honest with you. You're probably better off going with that
bigger more powerful tow vehicle. IMHO, the Frontier Crew Cab is not that
kind of truck (across country towing). For me, any towing is going to be
short trips (500 miles or less). A roadster on a trailer (3500 lbs) falls
within the range a Frontier CC can handle, but it's at the upper limits
with several passengers and stuff in the truck. (So I've read.) I haven't
done any towing with it yet. Calspeed promises to let me practice towing
with his trailer, and when that happens I'll let you know our
observations. Calspeed has a Pathfinder.
A Nissan Pathfinder can actually handle more because it has the larger engine
(3.5v6?). They could only put a 3.3v6 in the Frontier because of engine
compartment space limitations. I got the Frontier CC as an all-around compromise
- it combines 4-door roominess for our family with a truck bed to do hauling
chores and a short footprint for easy parking. My wife and daughters prefer it
to the Altima.
Mileage in the Frontier hasn't been all that great (15-20) but I found out from
other owners that a bed tonneau cover takes care of airflow problems and
increases gas mileage (I'll get a cover soon). The thing I like about the
Frontier is that it's very comfortable, and the ride is very smooth like a car
(and better than some cars I've driven). I've been commuting to work every day
in it and it handles extremely well. The one negative is that I don't drive my
'70 Blondie anymore so it will be going away (I'll keep the '66).
Fred - So.SF
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: OT Nissan Frontier followed me home
Author: Ronnie Day <ronday@home.com>
Date: 3/26/2001 5:27 PM
>Congrats! You're gonna love it. I bought my Frontier almost 3 months ago,
>and mentioned to the wife this weekend that I really really like the Crew
>Cab. Nissan's got a winner with this truck. Let me know if you need a
>trailer hitch, I saved hundreds by going non-Nissan for the hitch. Also, if
>you're getting a bed extender they go for $159 all over the internet, don't
>let them talk you into paying more. The extender is great for holding
>groceries in the bed.
Okay guys. Sounds like you've probably not played with it too much yet,
Phil, so Fred, have you done any towing? Like a car on a trailer (3500 lbs,
give or take)? We're gonna start looking for another truck ourselves soon
and the prime criteria is to be able to pull a car/trailer combo cross
country (D/FW to either coast) very safely and in comfort. Not necessarily
absolute luxury, but I think you'll know what I'm talking about.
Wouldn't mind better mileage than the fullsize '97 Chevy we had would get
either. Although we never made the trip in the truck and towing, there's
a big difference in the cost of a round trip from here to Shasta when/if
you get 18 to 20 mpg versus 13 to 15. However, if there's a compromise to
be made I'd probably lean toward a bigger, more powerful tow vehicle.
Now I guess I'll have to start shopping the lots, too. Spring is here,
after all.
Congratulations to you both,
Ron
Ronnie Day
ronday@home.com
Dallas/Ft. Worth
'71 510 2-dr (Prepared Class Autocrosser)
'73 510 2-dr (Street Toy)
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