New Pathfinder for tow vehicle? (Page 2 of 2)

Of your choices only the Tahoe or Armada I would use for towing.  The rest you're asking for trouble, as they are all technically jacked up cars (excluding the 4runner which is body on frame but just doesn't have the torque for towing often).

Recruit a teammate that has a big truck. Then have him pay to drive your race car. Why buy the cow when you can get paid to drink that milk.

How old is the F250? If it's a diesel and newer than about Q2 2003, insert standard warning about the 6.0 PowerStroke. I know nothing about Ford truck gas engines, though.

I'm assuming is an auto.  That's a solid combo as long as you aren't in a hurry, and like buying unleaded.  However if its been towing it entire life, the trans may be suspect.

I looked at it and if you go RWD or AWD you need the SXT Plus model at a minimum to get the towing package that you'd want.  Both have the same tow rating, 6200lbs, which will just about do the job.  In the end this is a far better option than the Pathfinder.  Now that said you're gonna find yourself unhappy when it comes to hills etc as the V6 doesn't have the torque to give you the oomph you probably want.  Also gas mileage when towing may well be worse than the V8 due to the V6 having to work much harder to move the load.  But if you're only towing a few times a year, the day to day MPG gain negates that.

I've towed our 740 Volvo Wagon using a number of different tow vehicles including a 2014 Nissan Frontier pickup, which I assume is similar to the Pathfinder.  I have also used a 2013 Suburban, 2005 Navigator and various Uhaul pickups (Ford and GMC).  By far my favorite alternative is the Uhaul.  It is so much easier to drive while towing than all of the other alternatives.  The Suburban and Navigator, while based on full sized pickup chassis, are not sprung for towing.  The Uhaul pickups are and there is quite a difference.  The truck drives the trailer and not vice versa.

As for the Nissan, I have only used it locally (<25 miles) and in no construct of the universe would I use it to tow any further than that.  The lack of mass in the truck makes the whole experience nerve wracking.  Nevermind that we could never fit all of the crap we haul to races in the Frontier's smaller than full-size bed which means loading the race car full of crap, which sucks.

If I were you, I would look for a car that you want to drive everyday and rent a rig from uhaul when you race.  You will be much happier and you will arrive at the track in a more rested and energetic state.

On the one hand, we've towed from Chicago to Texas and back with an XTerra full of spares and tools.

On the other hand, I've recently nearly killed myself while towing an un-caged Miata locally with the same XTerra - you should not try braking while going downhill.

Don't get the pathfinder, for a couple reasons...

1. My friends dad has one for a work vehicle and it's a real POS

2. The thing can barely handle a car and trailer, we towed a U-haul car trailer with a stipped out Daytona on it to Thompson last weekend and the rear suspension was so compressed the wheels has ~5degrees of camber

Great passenger vehicle, but for towing not so much

And the Nissan MAY soon follow in a year or two.

I still, now that I have one, argue the "dedicated" cheap American truck is about the best option if chosen carefully but that is not the point of this thread.  That said, my $1300 1995 C2500 has cost me (ignoring emissions issues) $180 in parts (battery and starer) and $150 in used tires over  year.  The insurance cost about $95 and tax/title/etc is about $75 a year.

Not sure why 4Runners haven't been mentioned in this thread. All are full frame.

2003-2009 model years were available with a 4.7L V8 that had 7000-7200 lb tow rating (4wd/2wd respectively). Also has a 5 speed automatic transmission that is incredibly stout (same auto used in 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Tundras in this same timeframe).

I've towed our Lemon on an open aluminum trailer (~4000lb) without it breaking a sweat, as well as a 21' travel trailer weighing 5000-5200 lb.
One of my team members has a Pathfinder (2010?) that has towed the car/trailer as well.

3rd gen are regarded as simple and bulletproof, 3.4 V6 was good for 5000lb tow rating IIRC.
4th gen have more complexity, still bulletproof. 4.0 V6 and 4.7 V8 available. 5000lb and 7000lb tow ratings.
5th gen got more complex, heavier, only have 4.0 V6, tow rating 4700-5000lb.

4th gen 4Runners can be found for $5k-20k with the V8, depending on year/mileage/condition.