My '87 stick shift PF had a 3500 pound tow capacity. The automatics were
3500 off the boat, IIRC.

My '95 stick shift PF had a 3500 pound tow capacity. The automatics were
5000 off the boat, IIRC.

This is odd. My impression is that 1995 model of PathFinder is a
different model from 1996. And 1995 model had less towing capacity than
1996 model, and my 1996 model definitely cannot two over 2500-lb
without a transimission oil cooler according to the spec. This means
the towing capacity of a 1995 should be even less than 2500-lb without
the use of a transimission oil cooler.

I am wondering yours might already have "towing package" installed from
the manufacturer. This will explain the high "off the boat" towing
capacity of your PathFinders.

Anyway, I don't know much about 1987 or 1995 model. Therefore, I will
have to take your words in face value.

I am very sure that the 1996 model can only tow 2500-lb without the use
of a transimission oil cooler because I get this info from the Owner
Manual. Mine doesn't have towing package installed from the
manufacturer (I bought it as a used car). Therefore, I need to add
things in a pieces meal fashion, such as frame-mounted tow hitch and
the related wiring, and a transmission oil cooler. This may explain why
mine has lower towing capacity.

My '01 stick shift PF has a 3500 pound tow capacity. The automatics ARE
5000 off the boat. The stick is lower because it's kinda underated for the
250HP 3.5L twincam engine.

I am not surprised that the newer model of PathFinder has greater
towing capacity than my 1996 model -- this seems to be the trend
anyway.

Jay Chan