A Spokane Guide to Towing and Hauling with a Nissan

🛥️Know Your Limits: Nissan Towing Capacities for Spokane

Before you hook up the trailer at the Riverside State Park ORV Area, you need to know what your vehicle can handle.  In the PNW, we deal with steep grades and high altitudes that can stress engines more than flat, highway driving.

The 80% Rule

Below is our breakdown of the top Nissan models for towing and hauling.  We’re confident you’ll find the perfect match in our current lineup.

• Pro Tip: You want to be careful to not tow at 100% of your max capacity.  With mountain passes like Lookout Pass or Fourth of July Pass that require more effort, we recommend the 80% rule.  If your Nissan is rated for 5,000 pounds, aim for a 4,000-pound load to make sure your transmission doesn’t overheat.

🚙Model Breakdown: Which Nissan Fits Your Spokane Adventure?

The Nissan Armada

For those hauling heavy loads to the Lake Pend Oreille, the Armada’s auto-leveling suspension ensures that even with a heavy tongue weight, your headlights stay pointed at the road, not the trees.

Towing can put a lot of stress on your vehicle.  In Spokane, our hot summers and freezing winters mean your fluids work overtime.

• Transmission Flush: Your transmission fluid is the lifeblood of your tow rig. If you tow regularly, you may want to increase how often you flush, checking every 15,000 miles.
• Brake Inspection: Coming down from Snoqualmie or Stevens Pass with a trailer requires brake We’ll check to make sure they are ready for all your stopping needs.
• Tire Pressure: Before leaving your driveway, check the pressure in your trailer tires.

• Pro Tip: Getting ready for a trip to the Oregon coast or over the Cascades, stop by our North Division Street service center for a brake inspection.

⚠️Local Hauling Hazards

Several areas around Spokane might present some challenges when driving with a trailer:

• Crosswinds: Highway 195 to Colfax and Pullman is known for high winds. Ensure your trailer sway control is active.
• Winter Conditions and Slick Roads:S. Highway 2 is prone to dangerous winter driving with snow and slick roads. Avoid riding your brakes.  Shift your Nissan into a lower gear to let the engine help manage your speed.
• Summer Heat and Steep Climbs: Climbing Mount Spokane Summit Road during the high summer temps can overheat engines. Be sure to keep an eye on your temperature gauge.

🛣️Ready to Hit the Road?

Whether you want a new rig to handle your new towing adventures or you want to upgrade your current model with more pull, the team at Wendle Nissan is here for you.  We’ve been around for a while and know what it takes to keep you moving safely.

Can my Nissan Rogue tow a boat in Spokane?

A Nissan Rogue can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. This is ideal for towing a single jet ski or a small aluminum fishing boat, such as those commonly used at Deer Lake near Spokane.

Where can I get a tow hitch installed on my Nissan in Spokane?

Wendle Nissan in Spokane offers genuine Nissan tow hitches and wiring harnesses. Genuine Nissan parts are designed to integrate with vehicle safety systems such as Blind Spot Warning and Backup Sonar.

Do I need a trailer brake controller for my Nissan?

Washington state requires trailers weighing over 3,000 pounds to have their own braking system, which typically requires a trailer brake controller in the tow vehicle. Some Nissan models may come pre-wired for a brake controller.