2018 Nissan NV3500 SL Max Towing Capacity & Payload
Max Towing Capacity
8,700 lbs
Safe limit: 6,960 lbs (80% rule)
Max Payload
2,490 lbs
Often the real limiting factor
Fuel Economy
11.8 mpg
10 city / 14 hwy (EPA Est.)
The 2018 Nissan NV3500 SL is rated to tow up to 8,700 lbs powered by the 5.6L. For real-world towing, the practical limit is 6,960 lbs — that's 80% of max, giving you margin for hills, headwinds, and load variation. The payload rating of 2,490 lbs is the number to watch closely — once you add passengers, hitch weight, and gear, it fills faster than most people expect. With this setup, you're looking at most travel trailers and slide-in campers.
Recommended Equipment
Towing Gear for This Truck
Matched to this trim's Class III hitch class and 8,700 lb tow rating
Class III Hitch Receiver
Required for towing. 2" receiver is standard on tow-equipped models.
a•
Shop on Amazon
→
Trailer Wiring Adapter
7-pin to 4-pin adapters for trailer brake lights and signals.
a•
Shop on Amazon
→
Brake Controller
Required by law in most states for trailers over 3,000 lbs.
a•
Shop on Amazon
→
Weight Distribution Hitch
Strongly recommended for trailers over 6,000 lbs to level the load and reduce sway.
a•
Shop on Amazon
→
Full Data
Specifications
Towing & Capacity
Engine & Performance
Dimensions
SpecificationValueShopLearn More
Towing
Payload & Weight
Curb Weight
6,971 lbs
SpecificationValueShopLearn More
Engine
Engine
5.6L
Horsepower
375 HP @ 5800 rpm
Torque
387 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Transmission
7-speed shiftable automatic
Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Regular unleaded
Fuel Tank
28.0 gallons
Fuel Economy (EPA)
City10 mpg
Highway14 mpg
Combined12 mpg
Real-World (Fuelly, 19 owners)11.8 mpg
SpecificationValueShopLearn More
Dimensions
Overall Length240.6"
Overall Width79.9"
Height84.0"
What Can I Tow?
RV Class Compatibility
Based on a safe tow limit of 6,960 lbs and 2,490 lb payload. Shows what % of each RV class in our database you can tow.
RV Type
Weight Range
Coverage
Status
Travel Trailers
Bumper Pull
1,100 – 89,950 lbs
Limited
Toy Haulers
5th / Bumper
1,300 – 112,250 lbs
Limited
Fifth Wheels
5th Wheel
1,176 – 24,000 lbs
Limited
Destination Trailers
Bumper Pull
9,800 – 16,500 lbs
Out of Range
⚠ Vehicle capacity only — does not include passengers, gear, or tongue weight. Run the full calculator →
Compare Configurations
Other 2018 Nissan NV3500 Trims
| Configuration | Max Towing | MPG | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Nissan NV3500 SV RWD | 9,400 lbs | 11.7 mpg | View → |
| 2021 Nissan NV3500 SV RWD | 9,400 lbs | 11.7 mpg | View → |
| 2021 Nissan NV3500 SL RWD | 8,700 lbs | 11.7 mpg | View → |
| 2021 Nissan NV3500 S RWD | 6,200 lbs | 11.7 mpg | View → |
| 2021 Nissan NV3500 SV RWD | 6,200 lbs | 11.7 mpg | View → |
| 2020 Nissan NV3500 S RWD | 9,400 lbs | 11.3 mpg | View → |
| 2020 Nissan NV3500 S RWD | 9,400 lbs | 11.3 mpg | View → |
| 2020 Nissan NV3500 SV RWD | 9,400 lbs | 11.3 mpg | View → |
| 2020 Nissan NV3500 SV RWD | 9,400 lbs | 11.3 mpg | View → |
| 2020 Nissan NV3500 SL RWD | 8,700 lbs | 11.3 mpg | View → |
Questions & Answers
Common Questions
How much can I actually tow with my 2018 Nissan NV3500 SL?
+
The 2018 Nissan NV3500 SL is rated at 8,700 lbs maximum — but the real-world best practice is the 80% rule: target 6,960 lbs as your practical limit. This gives you margin for hills, headwinds, braking distance, and real-world load variance. More critically, check your payload first — the door sticker tells you your specific truck's limit, and payload may be your actual binding constraint.
What about payload — how much stuff can I put in the truck?
+
You have 2,490 lbs of payload capacity — that's everything going IN the truck: passengers (~150 lbs each), camping gear, coolers, and critically the tongue weight from your trailer. For bumper pull trailers, tongue weight is typically 10–15% of the trailer's loaded weight. It fills up faster than most people expect, especially on longer trips.
What kind of hitch do I need?
+
For the 2018 Nissan NV3500 SL, you need a Class III receiver hitch rated for 8,700 lbs. Don't skimp here — the hitch is the critical link between truck and trailer. For fifth wheel towing, you'll need a dedicated kingpin-style fifth wheel hitch mounted in the truck bed.
What types of RVs will work with my truck?
+
With your 6,960 lb safe towing capacity, you're looking at most travel trailers and slide-in campers. The compatibility chart above shows what percentage of each RV class in our database you can handle. Use the Tow Calculator to check a specific RV including gear, water, and passengers.
What does GVWR mean and why should I care?
+
GVWR is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating — the maximum your truck can weigh when fully loaded with people, gear, and fuel. Your truck's GVWR is 9,480 lbs. Exceed it and you're over-stressing brakes, suspension, and tires. This is different from towing capacity — it's about what the truck itself can carry.
Leave the Noise Behind.
Reconnect Outdoors.
Our mission is to help people make well-informed RV buying decisions, so they can leave the noise and screens behind, reconnect with family, and create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.
Free tools. No sales pressure. Just better decisions.