Does a 2013 Nissan Frontier 2WD Need a Lube Pump for Flat Towing

Updated 05/29/2013 | Published 05/23/2013

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Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class II - Efficient

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Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

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Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

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Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs

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Blue Ox Bulb and Socket Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - Incandescent

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Question:

I would like to flat tow my 2013 Nissan frontier. Is it possible to add an additional transmission pump to do this.

asked by: RobertMendoza

Expert Reply:

According to a copy of a Nissan Frontier owners manual that I was able to find on-line, flat towing is only recommended for manual transmission version of this vehicle. If you have an automatic transmission Nissan requires that a vehicle dolly be used for towing your 2013 Nissan Frontier. Please double check your owners manual and confirm that your specific vehicle is capable of flat towing.

I assume by transmission pump you are referring to a lube pump. A lube pump is used while the vehicle is being flat towed to move fluids, like transmission fluid, through the tow vehicle to keep it from overheating. You will not need a lube pump for a vehicle with a manual transmission. If you were referencing a transmission cooler, transmission coolers are used on the tow vehicle when towing, not on a towed vehicle.

However if you do have a Nissan Frontier that is capable of being flat towed there are other items that are necessary for flat towing. I have included a brief description of these items, some product recommendations, as well as several helpful articles regarding flat towing for your reference.

The first thing that you would need are tow bars, they connect the tow vehicle to the your Frontier. I would suggest the Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar # BX7380. The next item in your flat towing system is the base plate kit, it attaches the tow bars to your Frontier. These are vehicle specific to the Frontier frame, I would recommend the Blue Ox # BX1843.

The next item needed would be tow bar wiring, again this is required by law in most states, and there are many different options regarding how to wire your vehicle. The determination of which type to use is typically dependent on how frequently you plan to flat tow your Frontier. I would suggest the Blue Ox Bulb and Socket # BX8869 as a lighting system that allows you to bypass your vehicles wiring system.

The last item needed for your towing system is the supplemental braking kit. Again it is required by law in most states and helps to decrease braking distance of the entire towing setup. I would recommend the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System # BLU37TR.