M35 Towing Capacity

[Novaz]

Does anyone know if Nissan has specified a towing capacity for the M35? I have seen various numbers posted from 450kg up to 1900kg, but would like to get some solid info.

I ask because I had the opportunity to score a cheap towbar, for being the first person to have one made and fitted by Best Bars in Auckland. They tested the bar using their test rig shown in the video (note, not my car or the bar I got) -> (

)

I asked them to test the bar up to 1500kg, hoping that I could tow an S13 on a trailer. In the end they only tested it to 1200kg, and weren't comfortable rating the bar any higher 250kg unbraked, 1000kg braked. Their comment was that I would 'get away' with 1200kg loads from time to time, but not day to day.

They said that they could easily make a bar that would handle 1500kg, but in order to use it, the rear end of the car would need reinforcing. They feel that it is quite 'soft' with little underfloor/chassis strength.

I'm a little bit disappointed, but glad I didn't just get one made up locally only to rip the arse off the car....

[Jetwreck]

I don't think it's a great car for towing......I wouldn't like to push it above 1,200kg's non braked or without some kind of re-enforcment in the rear end.

Pretty sure the Ozzy local ones are only good for about 750kg's

Edited May 6, 2010 by Jetwreck

[Angus Smart]

Good to tow a go kart

[Duncan]

I've seen 2 M35s (neither with tow bars) on the hoist now having their alloy subframes welded up. I wouldn't tow a box trailer behind one.

[andy65b]

The tow bar I have is from Fast fit and is rated to 1250kg unbraked.

I have towed a 7x4 highside trailer with a ful load and 2 windsurfers strapped to the top. Also done another trip recently loaded to the top and 4 bikes on top.

The car tows effortlessly and economy is not that bad if you can keep at a constant pace.

I am not sure that towing a box trailer is any risk to the rear sub frame but I guess it depends on how much weight you load on the tow ball.

But as Duncan said, none of the cars he has seen with a faulty sub frame have tow bars so I am not sure that you can relate this failure to the ability of the car to tow.

[scotty nm35]

Any idea where they are failing? I would like to check mine out... I have been giving it a hard time lately.

[Novaz]

Andy, what does your bar look like underneath? Mine is bolted up behind the bumper and has an arm extending part way down the spare wheel well.

I'm wondering if I can get away with towing my S13 (1100kg + trailer, ~1500kg?) The trailer is a tandem axle, braked so can be nicely balanced with minimal draw bar weight.

[andy65b]

Andy, what does your bar look like underneath? Mine is bolted up behind the bumper and has an arm extending part way down the spare wheel well.

I'm wondering if I can get away with towing my S13 (1100kg + trailer, ~1500kg?) The trailer is a tandem axle, braked so can be nicely balanced with minimal draw bar weight.

Mine is bolted across the rear of the car a bit wider than the tailgate behind the bumper. It then has a small tongue that runs under the spare wheel and is bolted there also.

That weight sounds a bit more than I would tow as the tow bar is not the heavy duty kind and I think that would be a fraction too much weight if you had to stop in a hurry.

Cheers

Andy

[Duncan]

both cracked subframes were are the same place, the main loop between the front and rear mounts, right up at the chassis.

was easy enough to tig up but would be careful with load on the rear of these.

c34 on the other hand have steel subframe not aluminium