Posted: Oct 28 2009 at 12:46pm | IP Logged

Here is my 2005 4.0 6cyl NISMO 4WD hauling its typical load. The trailer is a 41' 3000lb (dry weight) aluminum rig. With a full load it is pushing the 6000lb Fronty max. The truck is equipped with an electric brake control, and I always haul this beast with the O/D off. A service tech at the dealer said that with modern torque converters that this is not necessary, but I've always noticed weird shifting characteristics especially with the high (14-15foot) profile of the trailer giving huge wind resistance. The truck will do 70+ with the rig, but it settles in nicely at just over 60mph at 2800rpm. I will average 15mpg without the trailer and about 7mpg with.
WARNING! The Frontier is a beast of a truck, but if you are going to do regular heavy hauling BUY THE SUPER-DUPER EXTENDED WARRANTY! My truck has 91,000 miles on it and about 30K of that is with the trailer. To date I have replaced the rear axle seals, 2 cats, the drive shaft, and all 4 brakes/rotors. My warranty saved me $3-$4 grand.
Truck of the month? What she lacks in upgrades and mods she makes up for in cajones. At the very least she deserves the purpleheart ......