If you love to travel and want the ability to stay mobile without compromising on amenities, buying a camper van might be one of the best investments you make.
Camper vans are perfect for adventurers who like to go from place to place, and they can usually carry everything needed for an extended vacation or business trip.
With the right vehicle, you can enjoy life on the road for many years and make sure that you always have a great place to relax. The only problem is that most people don’t own vehicles designed to tow campers.
Some might be inclined to think of SUVs or trucks, but these vehicles often cannot handle the weight of most campers and will only lead to frustration down the road.
Fortunately, Nissan has created a number of vehicles that are specifically designed for towing campers, and one, in particular, is worth reviewing here.
Can a Nissan Rogue Tow a Camper?
The new Nissan Rogue can tow a camper, with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that provides 170 horsepower, and an automatic transmission that allows for smooth driving.
The Nissan Rogue is capable of towing up to 1102 pounds of weight, which is more than enough to transport a small camper.
The vehicle is also capable of towing small boats and trailers. With the addition of a hitch, the Nissan Rogue can provide maximum towing and a comfortable ride for those who want to travel in style.
How Much Weight Can it Tow?
The minimum trailer weight capacity of the Nissan Rogue is 1100 pounds. Because it has an 1102-pound capacity, most campers will be easy to tow with it. The camper must be properly weighted for safety and security, but this is true of any vehicle.
The other key factor is towing uphill or on rough terrain, which can be challenging. For smooth rides and security, you must use the proper equipment and ensure that your Nissan Rogue has a hitch installed.
Why Nissan Rogue is Perfect for Towing a Camper
Nissan Rogue has an easy towing capacity, allowing you to easily tow any camper you want. It is also small enough to allow for easier maneuvering and parking in urban areas, and it doesn’t take up a lot of space in the garage.
Here are some of the reasons why you should use a Nissan Rogue for towing a camper.
1. 2.5L 4-Cylinder Engine
The new Rogue comes with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower, allowing you to tow any camper with a capacity of up to 1102 pounds.
Nissan Rogue is also capable of fording water up to 30.5 inches deep, as well as pulling up to 1100 pounds. When you need to tow a heavy load or go off-roading, the Nissan Rogue is a good vehicle with which to do so.
2. Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission of the new Rogue allows you to easily tow your camper, as well as allow for maximum maneuverability and driving control when you are on the road.
Inbuilt sensors locate your vehicle in relation to the camper and automatically adjust tire pressure and gear ratios to give you maximum control of your towing experience.
You do not have to pay attention to your camper while you are driving, so you can enjoy the drive and stop worrying about it.
3. Blind Spot Warning System
The blind spot warning system of the Nissan Rogue automatically notifies you if a vehicle is in your blind spot. It will turn on the indicator and give an audible warning if it senses an object.
The blind spot system can also adjust its sensitivity according to your preferences, so you can set it as sensitive or as insensitive as you want it.
4. Quick Brake Alert
The quick brake alert system is designed to provide you with additional awareness during towing. If it senses that you are at risk of hitting the trailer while you are braking, it will sound an alarm to warn you and prevent damage to the trailer.
It can detect whether the trailer is towed or being towed so that it can provide you with the necessary information.
5. Intelligent Around View Monitor
The Intelligent Around View Monitor of the new Rogue is made up of four cameras that can sense objects and vehicles in your surroundings.
They do this by using a series of sonars, which means that they operate even when it is raining or if it is dark out. The system provides you can camera images to see what is going on around you so that you are better able to drive and not hit anything along the way.
6. Pro-Pilot Assist
The Pro Pilot Assist is a camera that uses radar to help the driver navigate through narrow roads and identify objects around you.
If it detects an object that is in its path, it will serve as a warning and show a virtual image of what you will hit. It works not only when you are driving, but also when you are towing.
Towing Features
There are several towing features that make the new Nissan Rogue stand out from other vehicles.
1. Hill Start Assist
The hill start assist system helps you start the engine while towing, and then it starts lowering the vehicle so that it can easily move forward.
It works by automatically adjusting your transmission until the right speed is reached so that it is safe to continue driving. The downhill shift and guidance system also provide stability and traction when backing up, as well as when pulling a trailer.
2. Intelligent Trace Control
The intelligent trace control system helps you monitor the speed of the vehicle, which reduces stopping time. It also helps you avoid objects in your path, be it a vehicle, a pedestrian, or a building.
When you are towing something, it provides consistent guidance from 0 to 100 km/h and various modes with braking alerts and pre-programmed speeds.
3. Active Ride Control
The active ride control system automatically adjusts the vehicle’s height, giving you more stability and reducing shocks to your vehicle and the cargo. This system also provides braking assistance, as well as helps drivers maintain speed when going downhill or pulling a heavy load.
Best Campers to Tow With Nissan Rogue
Not all campers are going to be the best match for your Rogue, but you can find a model that works by considering your personal needs and preferences.
Here are some factors to consider to help you get the best trailer hitch for your Nissan Rogue.
Weight and size
The weight and size of your camper will be the two key factors to consider when you want to tow with your Rogue. You want to make sure that it is safe to tow, but also that it is light enough so that it doesn’t take up too much space in your garage or wherever you are parking the pickup.
The camper should not weigh more than 1100 pounds and should be less than 40 inches long. The space between the two items should also be no more than four feet.
What type of trailer will you be towing (enclosed, open, utility)?
Another important thing to consider is whether you are towing with a trailer that has a roof or a trailer that has no roof. It is important to take this into consideration because enclosed trailers are typically larger and take up more space.
You will want to go for the larger one if you are planning on taking multiple items with you as it can hold bigger items and provide additional space for other family members as well.
Trailer hitch type
Nissan Rogue comes in two different types of trailer hitches. The 7-pin and the 5-pin. While the 5-pin and 7-pin are very similar in size, there are some differences that you need to know about.
The two different types of hitches have their own unique advantages, so it is best to choose the one that will fit your needs and your vehicle. The best shape for a trailer hitch is square because it allows you to attach a trailer hitch adapter firmly.
Towing With Nissan Rogue
What is needed
To tow with Nissan Rogue, you need the following:
- Class-III hitch receiver
- 4 or 7-pin trailer connector
- Crossbars for the roof rack (if your Rogue doesn’t already have them)
- Trailer brake controller (if towing a trailer with brakes)
- Transmission cooler (if towing a trailer in hilly or mountainous terrain)
- Wiring Harness
Steps of towing with Nissan Rogue
To tow your camper with your Nissan Rogue, you’ll need to attach it to your vehicle using a few simple steps.
- Park your Nissan Rogue in a level spot and put the transmission in park.
- Apply the parking brake and chock the wheels of your trailer to keep it from rolling.
- Disconnect any electronics from your camper, such as the TV or stereo.
- Raise the tongue of your trailer so that it is level with the coupler on your Nissan Rogue.
- Insert the pin into the coupler and secure it with the clip.
- Attach the safety chains to your Nissan Rogue’s frame and tighten them so that there is some slack, but they are still secure.
- Plug in the wiring harness to your Nissan Rogue’s taillights and test them to make sure they are working.
- Lower the trailer tongue onto the ball hitch of your Nissan Rogue.
- Secure the trailer to your Nissan Rogue by tightening the knob on the ball hitch.
- Check all of your lights one last time before you hit the road.
Things to Keep in Mind When Towing With Nissan Rogue
While towing with Rogue, there are some things you need to keep in mind. These include:
1. Be aware of how much your trailer weighs
One of the most important things to keep in mind when you are towing with a Nissan Rogue is knowing how much your trailer weighs. The weight needs to be distributed evenly so that you don’t exceed the limit of your vehicle or cause any damage.
If you are concerned about the trailer carrying too much, it is a good idea to have a professional weigh it so that you know how much it weighs and where the weight is located, such as towards the front or towards the back.
2. Follow the posted speed limits
Make sure that you are following the posted speed limits, especially if you are traveling on interstates or highways. Also, remember that the posted speed limits may change when it is windy or when there is construction going on.
Be aware of any flags posted by work zones as they usually give instructions about how fast you can drive and whether you can stop in a certain spot.
3. Take extra care when braking and turning
When you are towing, it is important to remember that your braking and turning capabilities have been limited. When you are braking, it is important to know that different trailers handle differently, so find out what your trailer’s braking capabilities are and how it handles when you attempt to brake.
Be sure to reduce your speed as much as possible before attempting a turn so that the weight of the cargo doesn’t cause an accident.
4. Use the cruise control when possible
Taking regular breaks can help you from being fatigued. When you are towing with Nissan Rogue, it is a good idea to use cruise control so that you don’t get tired out too easily. This can help reduce fatigue and prevent an accident.
5. Extra care must be taken when towing a trailer in hilly or mountainous terrain
When you are towing your trailer in hilly or mountainous terrain, it is important to use caution when you are doing so. You will want to make sure that you are taking extra care when your Nissan Rogue is moving and that the trailer is properly secured.
Also, do not drive up any inclines because it can cause damage to your Nissan Rogue and its components.
Summary
It is important to know the basics of how to tow with a Nissan Rogue, but you will also want to be aware of different safety features and laws that may be put in place depending on what city you are located in.
Also, it is a good idea to have an emergency kit in your vehicle that has tools and supplies like flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, and batteries. If you follow these tips when you tow with Nissan Rogue, you’ll be ready for any situation.
