[RockyMtnRay]

Originally Posted by tperry

May wife, 9 month old son, dog and I are traveling from CA to NH in late September. We are looking at the TM 2619 for the trip. Our preferred route would take us through the heart of the rockies. The 5000# towing capacity leads me to believe that I am okay with the 2619 but I want to make sure. Has anyone used this configuration or have experienced input? This is my first RV and first trip...I can use all the input I can get.

Thanks
Tom

"heart of the rockies" sorta sounds like you're thinking Colorado and, if so, you will be dealing with some of the highest altitude highways on the planet (several main highways in Colorado exceed 12,000 feet). And high altitude means greatly reduced engine power (a whopping 40% less at 12,000 feet)...which means your "tow capacity" has to be reduced by the same percentage. Plus tow capacity is a misleading number anyway...it's how much a bare-bones version of your vehicle could tow if it only had a driver in it...no options, no cargo, no passengers, no gas, etc. Add in all the options you have, a load of passengers & cargo, a tank of gas, etc. and the real world tow capability is typically 1000 lbs less...or around 4000 lbs. A loaded for trans-continental travel 2619 will likely weigh around 3500 lbs...which doesn't give you much margin. Reduce the 4000lbs by even 30% due to altitude and even a light 2619 would be over your Pathfinders altitude adjusted tow capacity.

The early Pathfinders with the small V6 probably would struggle very hard (like be down to 25 mph for miles at a time) while climbing the numerous grades involved in a crossing of Colorado. The later ones have more torque and would still be down to 45 to 50 mph or so, but wouldn't struggle nearly as badly.