Expensive Motor vehicle Speak: I purchased a scarcely-used 2009 Nissan Frontier Pro4X Crew Taxi in 2010. It now has 77K miles, and I strategy to preserve it until eventually I won’t be able to push anymore.
Is there something I can do to make the trip softer, still even now preserve the towing potential at a minimal above 6,000 kilos? – Carl
RAY: Sad to say, Carl, there is certainly not a heck of a lot you can do.
In purchase to have a towing capacity of some 6,000 kilos, the truck has to have significant-responsibility springs. And these springs are what give your truck that Conestoga wagon ride that you’ve got occur to know and not actually adore. If you want to devote $60,000 for a pickup, you can get both equally a comfortable ride and towing capacity. But at the 2009 Frontier’s cost issue, it is 1 or the other.
The only achievable spot for improvement is your tires. 1st, make certain they’re not overinflated. Overinflated tires will certainly include a lot more bounce to the journey. Don’t underinflate them possibly but go to the reduced conclusion of the recommended strain vary, particularly when you are not towing anything.
And when it really is time for new tires, shop with comfort and ease in mind. For the reason that so lots of “off road” motor vehicles never ever go more off street than the Wendy’s parking lot, tire makers have commenced making off-road tires that are really on-street tires.
They call them – completely ready for this, Carl? – On/Off Highway All-Terrain tires. But they operate like on-street tires, recognizing that for most folks, off-highway skill is far more manner than operate. These hybrid tires are created for individuals who invest in an off-road truck because it seems great, and then comprehend they dislike each individual moment of driving it for the reason that it rides like an off-street truck.
So you might appear at something like the Continental Terrain Speak to A/T, for instance, which will get a really excellent ranking for consolation, along with all the things else. And that won’t decrease your towing potential, as very long as the tires carry the scores your truck necessitates. But will not be expecting a miracle, Carl. Considerably less off-street-y tires will enable, but you will continue to want to use that mouth guard when driving.
Got a concern about cars? Write to Ray in care of King Capabilities, 628 Virginia Generate, Orlando, FL 32803, or email by viewing the Car Converse web page at www.cartalk.com.