towing with pathfinder

[Steel]

Hi. Sorry i didnt post this thread in the Pathfinder forum, but seeing as how there's 57 threads there and 12,000 here, i figured SOMEONE might be nice enough to answer my question.

I have a 93 pathfinder 4x4 stick shift too, and i'm gonna have to tow my new car <--- almost 400 miles home. My mom is really against this, she doesn't think the pathy can handle it, but i think it can. the RX-7 weighs only 2700 pounds.

I was just wondering (because im set on towing the car, theres no easier way to do this) are there any tips for towing a car, other than keep it around 50-55? Like, if the engine is starting to overheat, is it better to drop it into a higher gear and race it a bit higher so the coolant goes through faster? And i always hear that automatics are much better at towing than stick shifts, but i figure that since 380 miles of this trip is highway, i wont burn out my clutch... right?

Thanks to anyone who can give me advice here, i really appreciate it.

[ToeJam]

Yeah we sell out - Every seat at every show, everywhere we go.... I think that is how good 'ol Jason said that... great line...

What is the max towing capacity for your Pathy? The capacity for manual Xterras is lower (3500lbs) than automatics (5000lbs). I don't know what engine you have, but my buddy's Pathy is a 98 (I think) and only has around 155hp. If you're close to that, I'm guessing your not even rated for 3500lbs.

Towing that car is going to be a very long drive. If you start to over heat, then stop and let the engine cool. Running the engine at a higher RPM will add more heat. People have said if you run the heater at full power that will help pull heat out of the system. It sounds interesting in theory, but I've never tried it.

If your driving is all freeway, then you should be okay. Just take it slow and let everyone pass you. Fifth gear will be a long lost friend, so get to love third and fourth!

[redxseven]

Did you just by an FD? I towed my RX-7 500 miles on a full U-haul trailer (not just the two wheel dolly) with my Xterra. It actually wasn't that bad of a haul. I do have the Auto though which is rated for 5000 lbs. It all depends on the Pathy clutch, at least that is the limit for the Xterra's towing capacity (3500 vs. 5000).

[Steel]

yeah well im going with the dolly because if i were to take the full trailer (even thoug my hitch isnt rated for it) the combined weight of teh car and trailer would weigh a lot more than half of my pathfinder, and that's bad news.

[wqbang]

I really don't think you will have much of a problem. I would maybe post this question on 4x4parts.com message board or nissan4wheelers.com. There are tons of older pathys owners on there that could give you some good info.

What is the terrain like? Any mountain passes? That is when the real concern could come in.

Do you have a frame mounted hitch?

[FSRBIKER]

I have towed up to 8000 pounds with my 90 Pathy with no problems, yes the truck could have used more power but it was always fine(towed cars with it countless times). BTW I also had a stick and never overheated....wish i could say that about my X. If you run hot turn on the heat.

[OffroadX]

Yes, crank up the heat (full hot, full fan) if your temp spikes. Stop and open the hood, and assuming your cooling fan is still working, let the engine idle too keep the coolant flowing.

Brent