Trailering long distance with a Nissan Murano

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Author Topic:   Trailering long distance with a Nissan Murano

montaukman posted 04-13-2005 05:36 PM ET (US)
Hi Everyone,
I am contemplating taking my 170 montauk to the Berkshires (Southern Massachussetts) and pulling it with my 2004 Nissan Muarno. The Murano has anitlock brakes, all wheel drive, 245 HP and 246 ft lbs of torque. The trip is about 180 miles each way and has nice curves and hills.
I have trailered it loaclly and it seems fine. Pulls easily and brakes fine. I have not gone past 40 mph though.
The rating for the Murano is 3500 lbs and the Karavan trailer i use does not have brakes. At 40 mph, she stops fine though.
There are hills on the way from Long Island and I am a litle nervous
Also, it has a CVT automatic transmission which means it doesn't use gears. It has a belt that travels to different ratios and supposedly provides the optimum hp and passing range all the time.
I don't have a tranny cooler either.
Any thoughts. I have read many of the previous posts regarding minivans that were slightly less powered but still able to trailer over long distances.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Alan
DWE posted 04-13-2005 06:27 PM ET (US)
No, it won’t be okay. You need a Dodge Ram Heavy-duty 3500 truck with the 5.9 Cummins turbo-diesel. ;-)
Just kidding, but someone may suggest such a vehicle. Honestly, the Murano has superb brakes and more than enough power to get you to the Berkshires with the Montauk in tow safely and comfortably. However, the purchase of a transmission cooler is always a good idea as it helps to prevent future transmission failure.
WT posted 04-13-2005 06:43 PM ET (US)
A cardiac surgeon could probably do a heart transplant using a steak knife too.
Ask you Nissan dealer or mechanic if they would recommend towing 2200 pounds up and down hills for 360 miles.
Teak Oil posted 04-13-2005 07:01 PM ET (US)
Just get yourself a tranny cooler (if that contraption even uses fluid) and you should be ok.
Ask your dealer what the signs are of the tranny getting hot (like a standard tranny not wanting to downshift) so you can stop if necessary before any damage would be done.
You should have plenty of hp
jimh posted 04-13-2005 10:51 PM ET (US)
Read the owner's manual for the vehicle carefully. Often there are specific instructions about procedures to be used when towing. For example, it may warn against using over-drive, although with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), this may not be applicable. Or there may be warnings about speeds and loads to avoid.
My general impression of continuously variable transmission technology is that it is not particularly well suited for heavy towing applications. I would be certain that there are no "escape clauses" in the warranty or owner's manual which warn against use in towing.
Chuck Tribolet posted 04-13-2005 11:38 PM ET (US)
I've done a lot of towing with my Nissan Pathfinders (I figure
over 45,000 miles). Now problems. The only question mark
is the CVT. It's new enough that it doesn't have a clear
track record. There have been some reports of problems on
the Nissan newsgroups.

Chuck
bigjohn1 posted 04-14-2005 01:46 AM ET (US)
Most prefer larger 4WD trucks or SUV's to haul their boats...hmmm
Jerry Townsend posted 04-14-2005 11:12 AM ET (US)
A lot of the tow vehicle requisites depend on the terrain and weather. Yes, in the intermountain region with the mountain ranges and snow/ice - a heavy 4 X 4 is more than nice. But on relatively flat terrain, a lighter duty vehicle would do the job very nicely. Traffic and the mentality of those drivers also comes into play in this discussion.
Montaukman - I would not fathom a guess as to what you mean by nice curves and hills. If you mean relatively small hills - you should be alright - if the tow vehicle is rated above the load induced by the boat/trailer.
And I would guess that Chuck really meant no problems - instead of his stated "... now problems ...". Chuck if I am wrong here - give me a swat with a bat or something.
Regarding the CVT - and here I may be sticking my head in a noose since I do not have any specific information - but I would think that there is much less heat generated with this "transmission" than with either a standard gearbox or an conventional automatic transmission. Hence, there may not be the desirability for a transmission cooler. --- Jerry/Idaho
Mako posted 04-14-2005 12:59 PM ET (US)
The CVT belt/chain is usually very durable. The clutch packs are usually the weak point, but the Murano uses a torque converter which trades off some gas mileage for strength. If you can get the thing to hold revs (read the manual), it'll probably tow up and down hills all day.
Since the CVT doesn't rely on hyraulic pressure, I doubt the fluid gets as much of a workout as it does on a conventional automatic, so it probably won't benefit as much from a tranny cooler. It probably wouldn't hurt to use one, though I'm not sure if it's even possible. The CVT might just sit in a fluid bath like a manual.
jimh posted 04-14-2005 01:05 PM ET (US)
While discussing this topic (CVT fluids) at the barbershop this morning (in metro Detroit your chances of bumping into an automotive engineer are quite good) the fellow in the next chair said the CVT uses some exotic fluids, not your typical Dexron transmission juice.
Chuck Tribolet posted 04-14-2005 10:52 PM ET (US)
Yep, I meant "no problems", not "now problems.".
The Murano is about the size of my first two Pathfinders (87 and 95),
but with more HP. That motor in the 01-04 PF was rated to
pull 5000 with an automatic, 3500 with a stick.
You might want to read this thread from alt.autos.nissan:
http://groups-beta.google.com/group/alt.autos.nissan/browse_frm/thread/977606201da711fd/3b28b700c8479c5a?q=%22reliable+design%22+group:alt.autos.nissan&rnum=1#3b28b700c8479c5a
Note that NissTech is a very knowledgeable fellow who is a
mechanic for a Nissan dealer. He's not basher, and very
free with good advice.
There are other threads there were people report not having
problems with the CVT. The thread I posted the link to is
the one that made me wonder.

Chuck
Buckda posted 04-19-2005 03:39 PM ET (US)
I tow an 18' Outrage/tandem axle rig with a 2002 Ford Explorer V-6 240 HP rated for 3,500 lbs. (Now before you go off on me, the truck was purchased to tow a 15' Sport..then I upsized. I haven't been able to get to the point where I can upsize the tow vehicle yet).
You should be fine, however you should consider (and prep your mindset) that you'll be going the trailer speed limit (55 MPH) and perhaps closer to 50 MPH over the passes. Last year I ran mine hard, but have made a resolution to be more conservative on speed this year in hopes of nursing the truck along for a few more years.
The discs on the Murano's brakes are HUGE, so I'd say you have plenty of braking power.
Like others, I can't comment on the CVT transmission because I have no experience with it.
The most important thing is to anticipate traffic, and I'd be prepared to use your gears *downshift* when going down the hills. You shouldn't have to, but on steep grades, even in Central Northern Michigan, my hand goes to the shifter just in case.
You should lock the vehicle out of overdrive, if that is possible on the CVT, to avoid excessive 'Hunting' for the right gear.
Other than that, pack an extra trailer hub, a spare tire, tools, an air compressor and a good floor jack and have fun!
Dave
2manyboats posted 04-19-2005 05:38 PM ET (US)
heck big boat/ little truck just adds to the adventure

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Author	Topic: Trailering long distance with a Nissan Murano
montaukman	posted 04-13-2005 05:36 PM ET (US) Hi Everyone, I am contemplating taking my 170 montauk to the Berkshires (Southern Massachussetts) and pulling it with my 2004 Nissan Muarno. The Murano has anitlock brakes, all wheel drive, 245 HP and 246 ft lbs of torque. The trip is about 180 miles each way and has nice curves and hills. I have trailered it loaclly and it seems fine. Pulls easily and brakes fine. I have not gone past 40 mph though. The rating for the Murano is 3500 lbs and the Karavan trailer i use does not have brakes. At 40 mph, she stops fine though. There are hills on the way from Long Island and I am a litle nervous Also, it has a CVT automatic transmission which means it doesn't use gears. It has a belt that travels to different ratios and supposedly provides the optimum hp and passing range all the time. I don't have a tranny cooler either. Any thoughts. I have read many of the previous posts regarding minivans that were slightly less powered but still able to trailer over long distances. Any thoughts? Thanks, Alan
DWE	posted 04-13-2005 06:27 PM ET (US) No, it won’t be okay. You need a Dodge Ram Heavy-duty 3500 truck with the 5.9 Cummins turbo-diesel. ;-) Just kidding, but someone may suggest such a vehicle. Honestly, the Murano has superb brakes and more than enough power to get you to the Berkshires with the Montauk in tow safely and comfortably. However, the purchase of a transmission cooler is always a good idea as it helps to prevent future transmission failure.
WT	posted 04-13-2005 06:43 PM ET (US) A cardiac surgeon could probably do a heart transplant using a steak knife too. Ask you Nissan dealer or mechanic if they would recommend towing 2200 pounds up and down hills for 360 miles.
Teak Oil	posted 04-13-2005 07:01 PM ET (US) Just get yourself a tranny cooler (if that contraption even uses fluid) and you should be ok. Ask your dealer what the signs are of the tranny getting hot (like a standard tranny not wanting to downshift) so you can stop if necessary before any damage would be done. You should have plenty of hp
jimh	posted 04-13-2005 10:51 PM ET (US) Read the owner's manual for the vehicle carefully. Often there are specific instructions about procedures to be used when towing. For example, it may warn against using over-drive, although with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), this may not be applicable. Or there may be warnings about speeds and loads to avoid. My general impression of continuously variable transmission technology is that it is not particularly well suited for heavy towing applications. I would be certain that there are no "escape clauses" in the warranty or owner's manual which warn against use in towing.
Chuck Tribolet	posted 04-13-2005 11:38 PM ET (US) I've done a lot of towing with my Nissan Pathfinders (I figure over 45,000 miles). Now problems. The only question mark is the CVT. It's new enough that it doesn't have a clear track record. There have been some reports of problems on the Nissan newsgroups. Chuck
bigjohn1	posted 04-14-2005 01:46 AM ET (US) Most prefer larger 4WD trucks or SUV's to haul their boats...hmmm
Jerry Townsend	posted 04-14-2005 11:12 AM ET (US) A lot of the tow vehicle requisites depend on the terrain and weather. Yes, in the intermountain region with the mountain ranges and snow/ice - a heavy 4 X 4 is more than nice. But on relatively flat terrain, a lighter duty vehicle would do the job very nicely. Traffic and the mentality of those drivers also comes into play in this discussion. Montaukman - I would not fathom a guess as to what you mean by nice curves and hills. If you mean relatively small hills - you should be alright - if the tow vehicle is rated above the load induced by the boat/trailer. And I would guess that Chuck really meant no problems - instead of his stated "... now problems ...". Chuck if I am wrong here - give me a swat with a bat or something. Regarding the CVT - and here I may be sticking my head in a noose since I do not have any specific information - but I would think that there is much less heat generated with this "transmission" than with either a standard gearbox or an conventional automatic transmission. Hence, there may not be the desirability for a transmission cooler. --- Jerry/Idaho
Mako	posted 04-14-2005 12:59 PM ET (US) The CVT belt/chain is usually very durable. The clutch packs are usually the weak point, but the Murano uses a torque converter which trades off some gas mileage for strength. If you can get the thing to hold revs (read the manual), it'll probably tow up and down hills all day. Since the CVT doesn't rely on hyraulic pressure, I doubt the fluid gets as much of a workout as it does on a conventional automatic, so it probably won't benefit as much from a tranny cooler. It probably wouldn't hurt to use one, though I'm not sure if it's even possible. The CVT might just sit in a fluid bath like a manual.
jimh	posted 04-14-2005 01:05 PM ET (US) While discussing this topic (CVT fluids) at the barbershop this morning (in metro Detroit your chances of bumping into an automotive engineer are quite good) the fellow in the next chair said the CVT uses some exotic fluids, not your typical Dexron transmission juice.
Chuck Tribolet	posted 04-14-2005 10:52 PM ET (US) Yep, I meant "no problems", not "now problems.". The Murano is about the size of my first two Pathfinders (87 and 95), but with more HP. That motor in the 01-04 PF was rated to pull 5000 with an automatic, 3500 with a stick. You might want to read this thread from alt.autos.nissan: http://groups-beta.google.com/group/alt.autos.nissan/browse_frm/thread/977606201da711fd/3b28b700c8479c5a?q=%22reliable+design%22+group:alt.autos.nissan&rnum=1#3b28b700c8479c5a Note that NissTech is a very knowledgeable fellow who is a mechanic for a Nissan dealer. He's not basher, and very free with good advice. There are other threads there were people report not having problems with the CVT. The thread I posted the link to is the one that made me wonder. Chuck
Buckda	posted 04-19-2005 03:39 PM ET (US) I tow an 18' Outrage/tandem axle rig with a 2002 Ford Explorer V-6 240 HP rated for 3,500 lbs. (Now before you go off on me, the truck was purchased to tow a 15' Sport..then I upsized. I haven't been able to get to the point where I can upsize the tow vehicle yet). You should be fine, however you should consider (and prep your mindset) that you'll be going the trailer speed limit (55 MPH) and perhaps closer to 50 MPH over the passes. Last year I ran mine hard, but have made a resolution to be more conservative on speed this year in hopes of nursing the truck along for a few more years. The discs on the Murano's brakes are HUGE, so I'd say you have plenty of braking power. Like others, I can't comment on the CVT transmission because I have no experience with it. The most important thing is to anticipate traffic, and I'd be prepared to use your gears downshift when going down the hills. You shouldn't have to, but on steep grades, even in Central Northern Michigan, my hand goes to the shifter just in case. You should lock the vehicle out of overdrive, if that is possible on the CVT, to avoid excessive 'Hunting' for the right gear. Other than that, pack an extra trailer hub, a spare tire, tools, an air compressor and a good floor jack and have fun! Dave
2manyboats	posted 04-19-2005 05:38 PM ET (US) heck big boat/ little truck just adds to the adventure