First post is a doosie!
Ok, so like many others, I recently purchased a slightly used 2011 Armada SV 4x4, and of course, the dealer (not a Nissan dealer) told me that it had the 9000 lbs. towing capacity. After hooking up my TT and noticing quite a bit of sag in the back, I determined I did not have load leveling as they claimed and began my exhaustive research (mostly on this forum.)
I mostly need confirmation of what I probably already know based on my research.
So... without further adieu...
My Armada has a max towing capacity of 6500lbs. My TT has a dry weight of around 4500 (which I know probably isn't accurate), which is well within the 6500, but I was really looking at future towing capabilities. But, it looks like maybe I'm screwed in that department.
So, proceeding forward. Addressing the load leveling, it looks like the bright blue wonders (firestone helper springs) are my best option. One question for those running them... did you install an onboard compressor? If so, which one? Can you (or should you) inflate from the cab, or do you inflate outside the vehicle?
GEARS! So... from what I've gathered... I may be screwed here as well. Looks like I can't just swap to the 3.36 final drive (I am still a bit confused, but kind of think that the 2011 SV 4x4, even with the SV tow package only has the 2.96 gears), but that I would have to swap the entire front and rear diff? And as a caveat, I am now looking at regear as a way to better tow within my 6500 lbs. current capacity, NOT trying to get the 9000 lbs. capacity. While the Armada tows pretty well as it is, it is a bit sluggish in acceleration.
Lastly, I do have an E2 weight distribution hitch that I used with my Expedition before, but my rear still squats pretty good. Maybe someone who is familiar can chime in, but I think I just need to take it in and have it adjusted for the Armada?
Thanks for any help in advance! I've gotten a lot of good information from this forum!
Ok, so like many others, I recently purchased a slightly used 2011 Armada SV 4x4, and of course, the dealer (not a Nissan dealer) told me that it had the 9000 lbs. towing capacity. After hooking up my TT and noticing quite a bit of sag in the back, I determined I did not have load leveling as they claimed and began my exhaustive research (mostly on this forum.)
I mostly need confirmation of what I probably already know based on my research.
So... without further adieu...
My Armada has a max towing capacity of 6500lbs. My TT has a dry weight of around 4500 (which I know probably isn't accurate), which is well within the 6500, but I was really looking at future towing capabilities. But, it looks like maybe I'm screwed in that department.
So, proceeding forward. Addressing the load leveling, it looks like the bright blue wonders (firestone helper springs) are my best option. One question for those running them... did you install an onboard compressor? If so, which one? Can you (or should you) inflate from the cab, or do you inflate outside the vehicle?
GEARS! So... from what I've gathered... I may be screwed here as well. Looks like I can't just swap to the 3.36 final drive (I am still a bit confused, but kind of think that the 2011 SV 4x4, even with the SV tow package only has the 2.96 gears), but that I would have to swap the entire front and rear diff? And as a caveat, I am now looking at regear as a way to better tow within my 6500 lbs. current capacity, NOT trying to get the 9000 lbs. capacity. While the Armada tows pretty well as it is, it is a bit sluggish in acceleration.
Lastly, I do have an E2 weight distribution hitch that I used with my Expedition before, but my rear still squats pretty good. Maybe someone who is familiar can chime in, but I think I just need to take it in and have it adjusted for the Armada?
Thanks for any help in advance! I've gotten a lot of good information from this forum!