Towing capacity for a Nissan Primastar

Nissan Primastar towing capacity : the practical guide

The Nissan Primastar is a van. Designed for payload, it usually offers a high gross train weight and a comfortable margin for occasional towing of a trailer or a small caravan, on top of its main cargo role.

Nissan Primastar towing capacity in one line

Across the 4 engines listed, built 2021, towing capacity is 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) to 2,500 kg (5,512 lb), with a manufacturer maximum braked towing weight of 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) to 2,500 kg (5,512 lb). Take the lower of those two figures and you have the real limit, before factoring in your gross train weight.

The line-up is fully diesel. On the towing side, this is usually the most generous configuration: low-end torque and stable consumption while towing are the diesel advantages.

What you can actually tow with this Nissan Primastar

At 2,500 kg of towing capacity, you enter the world of large 4x4s, pickups and heavy commercial vehicles. Use cases: loaded two-horse trailer, plant trailers, large twin-axle caravan loaded for a long stay, cabin boats up to 7 metres.

Best fit: Professionals, farmers, cabin-boat owners, multi-horse owners. Out of reach for regular saloons and combustion SUVs.

Watch out: At this threshold, the towing capacity to power ratio is no longer the only criterion: low-end torque and the quality of the whole outfit's braking (braked trailer mandatory) become decisive for safe descents.

Gross vehicle weight, gross train weight and payload

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the maximum laden weight of the car alone : 3,010 kg (6,636 lb). Gross train weight (GTW) is the maximum laden weight of the whole outfit : not disclosed for the listed versions, check the V5C logbook. Payload (GVW minus kerbweight) sits at 1,120 kg (2,469 lb), the share you can use for passengers, luggage and the towbar noseweight.

What to check on the V5C of your own Nissan Primastar

• Field F.1 / F.2 : maximum laden weight (GVW). The figure on your logbook is the only one that legally applies to your car.
• Field F.3 : gross train weight (GTW). Compare it to the published values above to spot a discrepancy.
• Field O.1 : maximum braked towing weight. Sometimes lower than the manufacturer brochure if your car was originally fitted without a towbar.
• Field O.2 : maximum unbraked towing weight. Capped at 750 kg in most cases.

What licence do you need to tow with a Nissan Primastar?

If you passed the UK car driving test on or after 1 January 1997, you can now tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM with a standard category B licence: the rules changed in December 2021 and the separate car-and-trailer (B+E) test was scrapped. Drivers who passed earlier usually keep grandfather rights. As a stability rule, less experienced drivers should keep the loaded caravan weight to no more than about 85 % of the car kerbweight, especially on motorways and in crosswinds. Always check the V5C logbook and the manufacturer plate before hitching up.

FAQ

What is the gross vehicle weight of the Nissan Primastar?
The gross vehicle weight of the Nissan Primastar is 3,010 kg (6,636 lb).

How much can the Nissan Primastar tow?
The Nissan Primastar can tow up to 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) to 2,500 kg (5,512 lb) depending on the engine.

Can you tow a caravan with a Nissan Primastar?
Yes, within its towing capacity of 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) to 2,500 kg (5,512 lb). Compare it with your caravan loaded weight (MTPLM) before buying.

What licence do you need to tow with a Nissan Primastar?
In the UK, drivers who passed the car test on or after 1 January 1997 can tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM on a standard category B licence (the rules changed in December 2021 and the separate car-and-trailer test was scrapped). Drivers who passed before then usually keep larger entitlements. Always check the V5C logbook and the manufacturer plate.