The Nissan Armada Towing Capacity Resource (2021-2004)

The Nissan Armada is a larger SUV that has a substantial towing capacity tied to it but trying to find some of the information was hard and vague, for the most part, so I wanted to clarify the information for myself and figured it might come in handy for others as well.

The Armada was made from 2004-present and did have pretty consistent weight ratings, with a few changes over the years. I gathered the data for these SUVs and tried to lay it all out in an easy-to-read format. Hope it helps!

Overview of the Data For the Armada:

Engine Choices: There were no specific engines that were specified that directly affect the Armada's capacity numbers. In the data below, you will not find any information regarding the engine configurations because it was not a determining factor when it came to the trailer weight numbers.

Configurations: There were two different models offered over the years, which was offered as a 2WD or 4WD model. The maximum weight capacity didn't seem to be affected by either type of configuration and the specs were nearly identical for 2WD and 4WD models, except for model's made in 2015.

There was an 800 lb. maximum capacity difference for 2WD vs 4WD models made in 2015, according to Nissan's the chart.

Towing Capacity: The average towing capacity for the Nissan Armadas throughout the years (2004-2019) ranged from 6,500 lbs.-9,100 lbs. There were really two different specs listed for these vehicles, a lower range and a higher range and no really a "range" type of figure.

The lower end of the trailer weight ratings (6,500 lbs.) was stated for the model's that did not have a tow package installed and the higher end of the spectrum (8,200-9,100 lbs.) was for models that had a one installed.

Nissan requires the use of a weight distributing hitch for trailers weighing over 5,000 lbs. It would be wise to have a braking system too for heavier trailers like that too but doesn't seem to be a requirement.

2021-2017 Models:

All of the models had the same specs that were made from 2021-2017, as you can see from the graph below.

The maximum towing capacity for Nissan Armadas made from 2021-2017 was set at around 8,500 lbs., with a max. tongue weight of 850 lbs. and a GCWR of 14,450 lbs (2WD) to 14,700 lbs. (4WD), with the 2021 model years varying a bit on the GCWR specs.

2021 Chart

2020-2017 Chart

Note, that there was not a chart/manual for the 2016 year of the Nissan Armada available. I assume this was because of a manufacturing change of some sort.

2015-2004 Models:

The 2003-2015 model's specs were pretty similar over the years with some changes to the capacity numbers (2015 model year) and the GCWR (2004 model year).

The maximum towing capacity for Nissan Armada's made from 2004-2015 ranged from 6,500 lbs. to 9,100 lbs.

There were actually two different figures and not so much of a range, consisting of a lower capacity of 6,500 lbs. for models without a tow package installed and around 9,000 lbs. for models equipped with one.

The models made from 2004-2014 had identical specs, the changes being for 2015 model years that had a smaller maximum capacity for the 2WD models and the 2004 model years that had a lower GCWR for 2WD and 4WD models.

2015 Chart

2014-2005 Chart

2004 Chart

Tongue Weight Specs:

For the Armada, the maximum tongue weight specifications we're locked in at the industry-standard of between 10% and 15% of the total trailer weight, which is normal to see when it comes to tongue weight specs. Here is the image I found in the manual that illustrates this point.

How Do I Know If I Have A Tow Package Installed?

There was not a specific answer that I could find to this that would lead me to believe that there was a definite "yes or no" answer. There were a lot of speculation online and even people stating that the Nissan Dealerships could not help answer the question either.

I do know that the manual did not state that there were specific upgrades made, like an upgraded radiator, alternator, towing hitch, etc. that you would find on other manufacturer's tow packages.

It seems all I could find is that if you did have a factory installed Nissan tow package on your vehicle, then it only consisted of a receiver hitch (frame mounted) and a 7 pin connector.

Here's what I found in one of the Armada's owner's manuals from 2013 (important parts are highlighted):

Nissan Armada Tow Package Specifications 1

Nissan Armada Tow Package Specifications 2

Nissan Armada Tow Package Specifications 3

A Note On Trailer Brakes...

Since these Nissan SUVs at such high trailer weight capacity limits, I was sure there would be something in the owner's manual that talks about trailer brakes and sure enough I was able to find a little snippet that I took a screenshot of and posted below.

For this particular vehicle, Nissan recommends that your trailer have its own braking system if the trailer weight is going to be over 3,500 pounds.

Break In Period...

If you are buying a new Armada, then it is important if you know about the specified break in period of the vehicle in order to prevent any premature damage from happening, especially when it comes to pulling a trailer. I was able to find this little note in the 2020 manual (image below) that does not recommend pulling a trailer find your vehicle for the first 500 miles.

When you are finally past that initial 500 miles on your new vehicle, you can then go ahead and pull a trailer, but there are separate recommendations for the first 500 "towing" miles.

There were two main recommendations made by Nissan when pulling a trailer for the first 500 miles and these are simply to not drive over 50 miles an hour and to be easy on the gas pedal when you are coming from a full stop. So in other words just baby your vehicle the first 500 miles when pulling a trailer behind it.

Resources I Used For This Article:

Below is a list of Nissan's Owner's manuals for the Armada, which is where I gathered my information for the tow specs in this article. They can be extremely helpful when looking up anything related to your vehicle, as they have other additional information that may come in handy for some people.

Last updated on May 7th, 2021 at 10:44 pm