Question on the factory tow package

4461 Views 15 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Bubs, 16 d ago

Harhir

Discussion Starter · May 5, 2021 (Edited)

I am new here and don't own a Pathfinder yet. I am looking at used SUVs right now and the Pathfinder is one of them.
I am trying to understand what is included and what is not included in the factory tow package. I have read through a lot of posts but I am still confused.
Is the factory tow package the complete set with hitch and wiring or just the pre-installed wiring which is plugged up under the back bumper passenger side and still requires the relay kit and the 7 pin connector with harness. See pic from this post:

www.pathfindertalk.com

2018 Pathfinder Tow Package components

Considering getting a camper-trailer, and recently traded my Honda C-RV for 2018 Pathfinder SL for the much higher towing capacity. Will probably stay under the 3,500 lbs trailer weight that is a popular size, but over 2,500 lbs, which was too heavy for the Honda. My "new" Pathfinder does not...

www.pathfindertalk.com

www.pathfindertalk.com

On the website of etrailer it states that the 7 pin wiring kit and relay kit is for vehicles with the factory tow package.

https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Nissan/Pathfinder/2018/118273.html?VehicleID=201834814

In some post here I read that only SL-Trim and up have the factory tow package. This is why I am a bit confused
Basically I am looking into either a 2018 or 2019 base edition Pathfinder S. Does the S-trim come with the plugged up wiring and does the S-trim also have the brake controller plug under the dash board? Meaning is the relay kit and and 7 pin connector all I need at the back end of the vehicle? Beside the hitch of course. My confusion is only about the wiring.
Thanks

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

JayArras

· #2 · May 6, 2021

Welcome to the forum! You are wise to get these questions out of the way before you make the commitment. Hopefully, we can steer you right.

All of the R52-gen Pathfinders come capable of towing 5000 lbs. or more and have the transmission cooler built-in. The tow package adds in the tow hitch receiver, the 7-pin wiring harness and a harness for the brake controller (not included). The only models with the tow package are the SV and SL with the tow package option, the SL with the Premium package, and the Platinum, with which it is standard equipment. The S does not have this option available, so you would have to purchase them and install them yourself, which is doable.

Harhir

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 6, 2021

Thanks. That clarifies what is in the towing package. And also thanks on the tranny cooler response. I just wanted to make sure the S-trim model already has all the factory wiring to connect the 7 pin wiring harness, relay harness and the brake controller harness.
I would like to avoid running my own cables from the front. I have done this before on several other vehicles but it can be pain. Especially when running cables through the firewall.

PoManzPathy

· #4 · May 6, 2021

Yep, the plug connectors and powertrain are the same, regardless if it's a totally standard S model or a top of the line SL.

You can buy an aftermarket hitch kit and the harnesses if need be. The factory style hitch is a cleaner look.

Harhir

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 6, 2021

Perfect. Thanks.

eruby

· #6 · May 6, 2021

I have a SV and it came without a hitch. I purchased the Nissan factory hitch, harness and finisher (bumper cover) and installed myself - with help from a buddy. Pretty simple install and it looks factory.

Reactions: 1

Harhir

Discussion Starter · #7 · May 6, 2021

Yes the setup for the Nissan looks easy with mainly plug and play. And some bodywork when you use the factory hitch. I have installed hitches, wiring kits and brake controllers on various cars, SUVs and vans we owned and on all them it was way more complicated. Especially for the brake controller. Running cables through the firewall, splicing into brake pedal cables, running cables a long the hole length of the car, removing taillights, ....

FlyboyLDB

· #8 · May 13, 2021

Harhir said:
I am new here and don't own a Pathfinder yet. I am looking at used SUVs right now and the Pathfinder is one of them.
I am trying to understand what is included and what is not included in the factory tow package. I have read through a lot of posts but I am still confused.
Is the factory tow package the complete set with hitch and wiring or just the pre-installed wiring which is plugged up under the back bumper passenger side and still requires the relay kit and the 7 pin connector with harness. See pic from this post:

2018 Pathfinder Tow Package components

Considering getting a camper-trailer, and recently traded my Honda C-RV for 2018 Pathfinder SL for the much higher towing capacity. Will probably stay under the 3,500 lbs trailer weight that is a popular size, but over 2,500 lbs, which was too heavy for the Honda. My "new" Pathfinder does not...

www.pathfindertalk.com

On the website of etrailer it states that the 7 pin wiring kit and relay kit is for vehicles with the factory tow package.

https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Nissan/Pathfinder/2018/118273.html?VehicleID=201834814
In some post here I read that only SL-Trim and up have the factory tow package. This is why I am a bit confused
Basically I am looking into either a 2018 or 2019 base edition Pathfinder S. Does the S-trim come with the plugged up wiring and does the S-trim also have the brake controller plug under the dash board? Meaning is the relay kit and and 7 pin connector all I need at the back end of the vehicle? Beside the hitch of course. My confusion is only about the wiring.
Thanks

The only trim package that I know the factory tow package comes as standard is the Rock Creek edition. The other trim packages may or may not have the tow package included as it depends on what the dealer orders\accepts. I know we looked at several SL Pathfinders and only one had it installed. None of the base S or SV Pathfinders that we looked at had it installed. The Rock Creek SV did - which is the one we purchased.

JayArras

· #9 · May 13, 2021

FlyboyLDB said:
The only trim package that I know the factory tow package comes as standard is the Rock Creek edition. The other trim packages may or may not have the tow package included as it depends on what the dealer orders\accepts. I know we looked at several SL Pathfinders and only one had it installed. None of the base S or SV Pathfinders that we looked at had it installed. The Rock Creek SV did - which is the one we purchased.

See Post # 2.

FlyboyLDB

· #10 · May 13, 2021

Alrighty then. But you did not point out which trim package comes standard with the tow package. See post #8

FlyboyLDB

· #11 · May 13, 2021

And I am out! Don't need this nit picking from a mod. See ya

JayArras

· #12 · May 13, 2021

FlyboyLDB said:
Alrighty then. But you did not point out which trim package comes standard with the tow package. See post #8

I couldn't have been more clear.

The only models with the tow package are the SV and SL with the tow package option, the SL with the Premium package, and the Platinum, with which it is standard equipment. And I also guess the Rock Creek, which is really an SL Premium with a face lift.

JayArras

· #13 · May 13, 2021

FlyboyLDB said:
And I am out! Don't need this nit picking from a mod. See ya

We just try to circumvent misinformation here.

Reactions: 1

Bubs

· #14 · 16 d ago

eruby said:
I have a SV and it came without a hitch. I purchased the Nissan factory hitch, harness and finisher (bumper cover) and installed myself - with help from a buddy. Pretty simple install and it looks factory.

Did you purchase your hitch from a Nissan dealer ?

eruby

· #15 · 16 d ago

Bubs said:
Did you purchase your hitch from a Nissan dealer ?

No, well maybe. I bought the hitch (999T5-RZ100) and relays (999T8-XZ000) from Amazon and the finisher off eBay. They all may have came from a Nissan parts department but I don't remember. Amazon Prime delivered free - thank goodness.

Bubs

· #16 · 16 d ago

Thank you !! I may reach back out for more advice as I proceed with this endeavor. Very helpful !!

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