You guys are da best. If it weren't for your input we'd have made a big mistake. So, we went with the Nissan Pathfinder V-6 with a tow capacity of 6,000 lbs. If the Bambi has a GVWR of 4,500 and we overload it up to 5,400 then we should be okay. One step closer to our Airstream!
I have a 2004 19' CCD Bambi and.... I have a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder 6 cylinder!
I wish I had the Nissan Armada 8 cylinder or better!
It WILL tow...fine....but I really feel that it's not tough enough in the suspension for the weight of any Bambi for regular towing. I bought it like you, with the trust that when a manufacturer says that it will be fine for 7000 lbs tow rating. I think they think only occassionally....
I don't feel that I can trade mine in real soon for a bigger vehicle it's only two years old, but I'm looking forward and my 'inner' attention is checking out 8 cylinder engines and also 'beefier' frames and suspensions. I can't help but think that I'm 'ruining' my beautiful SUV by towing my Bambi, and it DOES limit my travelling.
Just saying....for what it's worth, I agree with all of the experts on this forum, that a heavier duty SUV/truck will make your travel experiences a real pleasure and negate any white knuckle or foot pedaling behind the wheel.
Debra
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Officer says ..."Step AWAY from the toaster Ma'am"
I have a 2004 19' CCD Bambi and.... I have a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder 6 cylinder!
I wish I had the Nissan Armada 8 cylinder or better!
It WILL tow...fine....but I really feel that it's not tough enough in the suspension for the weight of any Bambi for regular towing. I bought it like you, with the trust that when a manufacturer says that it will be fine for 7000 lbs tow rating. I think they think only occassionally....
I don't feel that I can trade mine in real soon for a bigger vehicle it's only two years old, but I'm looking forward and my 'inner' attention is checking out 8 cylinder engines and also 'beefier' frames and suspensions. I can't help but think that I'm 'ruining' my beautiful SUV by towing my Bambi, and it DOES limit my travelling.
Just saying....for what it's worth, I agree with all of the experts on this forum, that a heavier duty SUV/truck will make your travel experiences a real pleasure and negate any white knuckle or foot pedaling behind the wheel.
Debra
I agree with this post entirely. We also have a 6 cylinder Pathfinder and realize that regular towing (not a trailer) has really worn out the vehicle.
Kristine
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Jeff & Kristine
Classic 1985 325 Motor Home
New England Unit
WBCCI # 5971
You guys are da best..... If the Bambi has a GVWR of 4,500 and we overload it up to 5,400 then we should be okay. One step closer to our Airstream!
I think the larger Nissans would be a good match for the Bambi - What most everyone here is implying is that a good rule of thumb is to have the TV rated for 20% more than what you plan to tow for a safety factor.
If you have EVER had the tail wagging the dog by latching on to too big a load with a too small vehicle you will know what everyone is talking about.
Remember - just about anything will PULL a trailer - it's the CONTROLLING it that is the key.
You do not want to be in an emergency situation and watching the rear end of the trailer pass by the driver's window.
Be safe - drive slow - and enjoy the view.
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Dennis
"Suck it up, spend the bucks, do it right the first time."
We may wind up trading in the Pathfinder, who knows... my DH was appalled at the gas mileage that the larger vehicles get. The Armada gets 12/17 mpg. Whatta pig. Still, we'll do some local camping with the A/S (when we finally get it) and see how it holds up. Maybe we'll get lucky. Since it's just two of us we may not load up beyond the recommended 4,500 lbs. I think 4,800 lbs. is probably a good limit.
We may wind up trading in the Pathfinder, who knows... my DH was appalled at the gas mileage that the larger vehicles get. The Armada gets 12/17 mpg. Whatta pig. Still, we'll do some local camping with the A/S (when we finally get it) and see how it holds up. Maybe we'll get lucky. Since it's just two of us we may not load up beyond the recommended 4,500 lbs. I think 4,800 lbs. is probably a good limit.
Looking forward to this!
Muddy,
Towing and good fuel economy are mutually exclusive.
Bill
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Bill Kerfoot, WBCCI/VAC/CAC/El Camino Real Unit #5223
Just my personal opinion
1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon, 1977 Lincoln Continental
1979 23' Safari, and 1954 29' Double Door Liner Orange, CA
Relentless, I doubt seriously we'd load the camper itself beyond the 4500 lb. limit but I was thinking of what we might toss into the vehicle, plus ourselves if we gain a pound or two over Thanksgiving (a sure bet). Thanks!
The Armada gets 12/17 mpg. Whatta pig. Still, we'll do some local camping with the A/S (when we finally get it)...Since it's just two of us we may not load up beyond the recommended 4,500 lbs.
If you haven't closed on the 19' Bambi you might want to seriously consider the 16'er - at 3500lbs it a much better match for your tow vehicle.
The 4Runner will tow it fine. I tow a 25 footer with a '05 Tacoma. No problems with power or control. Some people think the bigger the belt buckle the better the cowboy. Nissans are always overated Toyotas are usually underated.
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