R50 (2002 SE 4WD with manual trans) towing capacity question

[skibum]

Has anyone with a M/T R50 VQ35DE V6 Pathfinder with rear drum brakes (mine is a 2002 4WD SE manual) had any experience towing (or attempting to tow) in excess of the stated maximum towing capacity of 3500 lbs? I know the automatic equipped 2nd gen Pathys are rated up to 5000 lbs. I have a boat/trailer combo with a total weight of between 3800 and 4000 lbs depending on how much fuel is in the boat, and how much beer is in the cooler .

I'd be looking at towing up to a quarter ton (500 lbs) above the stated limit.

Thanks to anyone who can share either their own experience or the experience of others.

Ski
Cincy

[FRANKWAGMAN13]

This is my 01 se 4wd towing my camper all loaded up it is about the same as your boat i had no problem towing it.

[/img]

[skibum]

Wow, that looks considerably larger (and probably heavier than 2 tons) than my boat and trailer. Just to confirm, your '01 has a manual transmission?
Thanks - Ski

[FRANKWAGMAN13]

no its automatic

[festerfm]

i have an 02 with a stick and regularly tow a trailer with a 4wd quad so maybe 2500-3k lbs and never an issue.. maybe 100-150 lb tongue weight. my hitch has a sticker that says it can handle a 5000LB trailer with a 500LB tongue weight. never had it that high. i ditched the spare tire and all the stuff that holds it on so the sag in the rear suspension isnt very noticable

[skibum]

Thanks, however my boat/trailer combo is around 4,000 lbs, and the manual says the max towing capacity for a 2002 with the manual transmission 4WD is 3,500 lbs, hence my concern. Your set-up is well within the manufacturer's stated towing range.