I'll be towing my X behind my motorhome. Asked at dealer if it could be towed four wheels down. Was told "NO" unless modified. I have OR 4x4 stick shift. The suggested modification that would not screw up warranty was drive train decoupler. Checked with Performance Specialist at Camping world and was told they could do it, but why? Said it might cause drive shaft vibration and I should consider towing X unmodified.

Found this hidden in the Owner's Manual:


"Manual Transmission:
Always tow with manual transmission in neutral. (Well...DUH!)

On four-wheel drive vehicles, place the transfer case in 2H range. Failure to do so will cause the power train to bind up. (Double DUH!)

After towing 500 miles, start and idle the engine with the transmission in neutral for two minutes. Failure to idle the engine after every 500 miles of towing may cause damage to internal transmission parts."


OK, I don't do over 60mph in the motorhome unless I'm going downhill with a tailwind and even then I use a lower gear and brakes to keep the speed down; at that speed, 500 miles is one helluva a long day and I ain't gonna do 500 miles without stopping. So following the manuals instructions won't be a problem......But, I'm confused why everyone at the dealer said "NO" when the owner's manual says "yes" with qualifications. Camping world Pro seems to think it'd be alright and, basically, talked me out of spending a thousand plus bucks with them.
Anybody have experience towing their X?
Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

I'd just disconnect the driveshaft and tow that way.

Thanks, but I make enough one night stops where I'd be using the X to make it a real pain to have to connect shaft in the evening and then disconnect next morning, etc. Enough of a pain having to hitch and unhitch at each stop along the way.

I see, I don't think you mentioned that you were going to use the X, maybe I just missed it.

Sorry can be of no furter help since I haven't personally towed that way and never cared to find out much.

I'm sure someone that has done will chime in next.

The owners manual sets the guidelines...not the dealer.

Go with what the manual says.

FWIW the reason that they want you to stop and run the engine with the transmission in neutral every 500 miles is that the transmission is lubricated by the input shaft turning - either by running a pump, or by its' turning of a countershaft flinging oil. They don't want the output shaft bearing to fail due to lack of lube.

The transfer case towed in 2wd gear is the same as it is running down the road, it will be lubricated.

Hey thanks Paco, that's kinda the way the Camping world performance guy described it; glad to have it confirmed by an X'er. So, between gas station stops and rest stops, doubt I'll even go near the 500 mile mark without the cance to let it idle for a couple of minutes!

Check with Remco. They do have equipment for the new 2005 Xterra. They've been making stock vehicles "towable" for decades. They make axle & driveshaft disconnects as well as external transmission fluid pumps.

I was in your situation a year ago. I traded my 2000 Nissan Crew Cab for a new 2004 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. The big difference is the Jeep was designed to be towed. Put the real transfer case in neutral, tow it as far and fast as you dare. No miles accululate on the odometer. Very simple to add brackets for towing.

Details on how I modified my Jeep at this link.

Due to the weight, ease of towing, the Jeep is a better choice. That's why it's one, if not THE most towed vehicle behind motorhomes.

I traded in my Jeep last week for the Xterra. I'll be selling my motorhome soon, so I no longer need the Jeep. The Xterra is a much better daily driver while still retaining the ability to go off-road. However, if I was keeping the MH, I'd be keeping the Jeep.

If you really want to keep your X for this purpose, check the max weight of your MH to make sure you aren't exceeding your limits, then call Remco, or visit their website.

Yeah, The Remco drivetrain disconnect was what I was gonna have done to the X, but Camping world performance guy said, "Why" It's not needed and may cause drive shaft vibration"...basically talked me out of spending $1k + bucks with them. I have a Jeep Wrangler Sport that I now tow with the motohome...Jeeps up for sale and I plan to keep the motorhome. I know the X is a lot heavier than the Jeep, but motorhome is rated to handle it. Tired of noisy, uncomfortable ride in the Jeep when I drove it.....hated driving any distance in it. Gas milage in the MH is gonna drop 'cause of the extra weight of the X, but to me it's worth it to have a comfortable ride and all the off road ability I had with the Jeep.