Posted: Aug 07 2007 at 3:19pm | IP Logged

Hello,

I recently bought an 04 Frontier Crew Cab LB 4x2.  It does not have a factory hitch but the previous owner had installed a ball in the step bumper.  Does anyone know what a safe towing limit for that would be?  I'll eventually install a class 3 hitch receiver but I have a friend that needs to move a pair of waverunners and was wondering if it would handle them.  With the trailer its about 2200 lbs.

Thanks!

Brett

Posted: Aug 24 2007 at 11:49pm | IP Logged

I towed a 16ft open bow runabout on the bumper of my Frontier (2wd 2.4) several times with no problems.  The trailer was balanced well and there wasn't much tongue weight.  Probably wasn't the safest setup in an emergency situation, but it worked in a pinch and I didn't go far.  You shouldn't have trouble with the waverunners.  I think I have a picture of that setup somewhere. . . .

Posted: Aug 25 2007 at 12:01am | IP Logged

Let's see if I can upload this picture correctly. 

Posted: Oct 02 2007 at 10:35am | IP Logged

Page 9-21 of the 2004 owner's manual offers the following caution:

CAUTION
Special hitches which include frame reinforcements
are required for towing
above 2,000 lb (907 kg).

Posted: Oct 30 2007 at 9:40pm | IP Logged

It's not a question of physical capability, it's a question of safety and (potentially) physical stress on your truck.

Also, I've heard a few horror stories where insurance companies won't pay out if you're outside the alotted weight recommendations at the time of an accident... even if the accident had nothing to do with what you were towing.

Towing 1500 more pounds than recommended is asking for all sorts of trouble.  You hit the brakes hard enough, or try to accellerate too hard (which may or may not be physically possible) you could potentially rip your bumper up, not to mention you can get ticketed or even impounded for such a safety violation.  It's not like you can hide that you have a large trailer connected to your bumper.

If it's anything more than a ski-doo trailer I strongly recommend biting the bullet and just getting the frame-mount hitch.