Anyone towing a 16' with Nissan Frontier?

[Michael D]

I have a 2003 Nissan Frontier. It is the smaller V6 so has less HP (190) than a Tacoma or similar. I'm thinking of a 16' fiberglass. I have carried a lightweight slide in which was ok but not perfect so I'm wondering how a 16 or 17 ft camper would be, or if I should go to 13. It would be for 2 people and a big dog.

I know that the tow rating is some ridiculously high figure, I am most interested in ease of travel.

Any experiences out there?

Thanks,
Mike D

[DonDeutsch]

Two people and big dog need a 16 foot (my opinion). Try to get one without bath tiolet shower or air to keep the weight down.

[Casita Greg]

Michael,
I have a 2004 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab, and it has the same engine as yours. I have the Casita 17SD with all the bells and whistles, plus an entire "canopy covered" truck bed full of everything and anything when I go. Travelled a good deal, covered many high mountain passes (over 6,000 ft +), and always had plenty enough power to handle the whole shebang.
You will notice a pretty good drop off in fuel economy while towing...well, at least I do anyways. I normally get around 19-20 mpg without the trailer, and usually see about 11-12 mpg while towing. I would also qualify that by adding that I usually tow at speeds of between 65 -70, with occasional bursts to 75 mph, so I guess if you don't put your foot in it like I do, you may experience a little better fuel economy. All in all, no complaints on the truck being capable of handling it, but I would recommend a good WDH and perhaps some el cheapo aftermarket rear leaf spring boosters. Other than that, it's great.

[Frederick L. Simson]

You will notice a pretty good drop off in fuel economy while towing...well, at least I do anyways. I normally get around 19-20 mpg without the trailer, and usually see about 11-12 mpg while towing. I would also qualify that by adding that I usually tow at speeds of between 65 -70, with occasional bursts to 75 mph, [b]so I guess if you don't put your foot in it like I do, you may experience a little better fuel economy.

I would agree with that prognosis. Towing my 16' Fiber Stream at 75 mph sucks my gas mileage down to 10-11 mpg.
Setting the cruise control at 55 mph brings it back to 15-16 mpg. Time saved = Money spent.

[Michael D]

Thanks Guys,

I was thinking 13' was too small for the big dog and it's extremely helpful to hear about your Frontier experience.

Any others?
Mike D

[D Tharp]

I tow a 16 Scamp Deluxe ( wood interior adds weight) with a 1997 Toyota T-100 (214,000 miles) .
The pick-up has a cap on the back loaded with fishing and alot of other gear.
I have no problems towing, yes up steep grades I slow down alot but have never had a problem get to where I want to go.
Me, my wife and 85 lb. dog all fit quite nice.