How does a 2018 Nissan Titan PRO-4X tow a 6,000 lbs boat on a 800-mile vacation road trip? What kind of real world MPG can it get while loaded a maximum payload? This is precisely what we are here to find. The additional challenge of this trip is that the truck and boat need to cross three major mountain passes on the way from Denver, Colorado to Navajo Lake/Reservoir in New Mexico. The major obstacle is the Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado that stands near 10,850 feet above sea level.
The Titan 1500 is powered by a 5.6L gas V8 that is rated at 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque. The power is sent to the pavement via a 7-speed automatic transmission. This is a crew cab with the PRO-4X off-road package and a shorter 5.5-foot bed. The maximum towing rating for this Titan stands at 9,230 lbs.
How does this off-road ready truck handle a family vacation trip?
Turns out this PRO-4X suspension is not just good for rough off-road terrain, it’s also good at handling a bumpy highway while towing. We nearly maxed out the truck’s 1,350 lbs payload rating, and the suspension still kept the ride controlled and comfortable.
On the other hand, the transmission was not the best match for the truck on this high altitude journey. The transmission wanted to be in 4th or even 3rd gear to maintain highway speeds while fully loaded. The truck always had enough power to pass, but it seemed like it was working just a little bit too hard on flatter sections of the trip.
My family complimented the truck on interior space, seat comfort, and plentiful cupholders.
