2000 NISSAN FRONTIER Owners Manual

IDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum
front and rear GAWR's. If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, or it
can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss of
control and cause personal injury.
CAUTION
Overloading can shorten the life of your
vehicle. Failures caused by overloading
are not covered by your warranty.
Crew cab models:
Crew cab models should not be used to
carry a slide-in camper.
Regular and king cab models:
This information is provided for you to prop-
erly install a slide-in camper and is based on
the National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration regulations. It is recommended
that, before installing the camper, you care-
fully read the following information and en-
sure that the camper meets the specifica-
tions.
This information may not apply to some
Canada model vehicles.
Special body vehicles
Some vehicles are equipped with commer-
cial or camper bodies. However, this Own-
er's Manual does not cover these options.
For further information, please refer to the
body manufacturer's instruction manual.
Location for center of gravity
The illustration indicates the recommended
cargo center of gravity location zone.
Regular cab:
L1 = 950.0 mm (37.4 in), L2 = 1,077.0 mm
(42.4 in)
King cab:
L1 = 960.1 mm (37.8 in), L2 = 1,087.1 mm
(42.8 in)
ATI0703
TRUCK-CAMPER LOADING
Technical and consumer information10-17
ZX

WARNING
Improper loading may be dangerous. If
a load is too far back, it can affect
handling characteristics. If a load is too
far forward, the front axle may be over-
loaded.
When the truck is used to carry a slide-in
camper, the total cargo load of the truck
consists of the camper manufacturer's
weight figure, plus:
Ithe weight of installed additional camper
equipment not included in the camper
manufacturer's weight figure,
Ithe weight of camper cargo,
Iand the weight of occupants in the
camper.
The total cargo load should not exceed the
truck's pay load weight rating and the camp-
er's center of gravity should fall within thetruck's recommended center of gravity loca-
tion zone when installed.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading can
adversely affect vehicle handling, brak-
ing and performance and may lead to
accidents.
Payload Weight Ratings
The payload weight ratings shown on the
following pages indicate the maximum total
weight of passengers, optional equipment
(air conditioning, trailer hitch, etc) and cargo
that your vehicle is designed to carry.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm that
you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle. See²Ve -
hicle Loading Information²earlier in this
section for details.
ATI0705
10-18Technical and consumer information
ZX

Payload Weight Ratings(1)(KA24DE Engine)
2WD 4WD
Regular Cab King Cab King Cab
Manual
TransmissionAutomatic
TransmissionManual
TransmissionAutomatic
TransmissionManual
Transmission
XE XE XE XE XE
lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg
Federal 1400 635 1400 635 1400 635 1400 635 1400 635
California 1400 635 1400 635 1400 635 1400 635 1400 635
Canada N/A N/A N/A N/A 1400 635 1400 635 N/A N/A
(1) The payload weight rating is the maximum total weight of passengers, optional
equipment (air conditioning, trailer hitch, etc) and cargo that your vehicle is designed
to carry. Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm that you do not exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for your
vehicle. See²Vehicle Loading Information²earlier in this section for details.
Technical and consumer information10-19
ZX

Payload Weight Ratings(1)(VG33E Engine)
2WD 4WD
King Cab
Manual
TransmissionAutomatic
TransmissionManual
TransmissionAutomatic
TransmissionManual
TransmissionAutomatic
TransmissionManual
TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission
XE XE SE SE XE XE SE SE
lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg
Federal 1200 544 1200 544 1200 544 1200 544 1200 544 1200 544 1200 544 1168 530
California 1200 544 1200 544 1200 544 1200 544 1200 544 1200 544 1200 544 1168 530
Canada 1200 544 1200 544 N/A N/A N/A N/A 1200 544 1200 544 N/A N/A N/A N/A
(1) The payload weight rating is the maximum total weight of passengers, optional equipment (air conditioning, trailer hitch, etc) and cargo that your vehicle
is designed to carry. Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm that you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle. See²Vehicle Loading Information²earlier in this section for details.
Payload Weight Ratings(1)(VG33E Engine)
2WD 4WD
Crew Cab
Manual
TransmissionAutomatic
TransmissionManual
TransmissionAutomatic
TransmissionManual
TransmissionAutomatic
TransmissionManual
TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission
XE XE SE SE XE XE SE SE
lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg lbs kg
Federal 1200 544 1177 534 1133 5141111 5 0 4 111 3 5 0 51080 490 1036 470 1003 455
California 1200 544 1177 534 1133 5141111 5 0 4 111 3 5 0 51080 490 1036 470 1003 455
Canada 1200 544 1177 5341111 5 0 41089 494 1080 490 1047 475 1003 455 970 440
(1) The payload weight rating is the maximum total weight of passengers, optional equipment (air conditioning, trailer hitch, etc) and cargo that your vehicle
is designed to carry. Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm that you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle. See²Vehicle Loading Information²earlier in this section for details.
10-20Technical and consumer information
ZX

Measurement of weights
Secure loose items to prevent weight shifts
that could affect the balance of your vehicle.
When the truck camper is loaded, drive to a
scale and weigh the front and the rear
wheels separately to determine axle loads.
Individual axle loads should not exceed
either of the gross axle weight ratings
(GAWR). The total of the axle loads should
not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR). These ratings are given on the
vehicle certification label that is located on
the driver's door lock pillar. If weight ratings
are exceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
Remember that towing a trailer will place
additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
drive train, steering, braking and other sys-
tems.
ANissan Trailer Towing Guideis available
from an authorized NISSAN dealer. This
guide includes information on trailer towing
ability and the special equipment required
for proper towing.
Maximum load limits
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
the value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart. The total trailer
load equals trailer weight plus its cargo
weight.
IWhen towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs.
(454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined
Weight Rating) should not exceed the value
specified in the following Towing Load/
Specification Chart.
The GCWR equals the combined weight of
the towing vehicle (including passengers
and cargo) plus the total trailer load. Towing
loads greater than these or using improper
towing equipment could adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is
not only related to the maximum trailer
loads, but also the places you plan to tow.
Tow weights appropriate for level highway
driving may have to be reduced on very
steep grades or in low traction situations (for
CA0009
TRAILER TOWING
Technical and consumer information10-21
ZX

example, on slippery boat ramps).
WARNING
Vehicle damage and/or personal injury
resulting from improper towing proce-
dures are not covered by NISSAN war-
ranties. A NISSAN Trailer Towing Guide
(U.S. only) containing information on
trailer towing ability and the special
equipment required may be obtained
from an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Tongue load
Keep the tongue load between 9 to 11
percent of the total trailer load within the
maximum tongue load limits shown in the
following Towing Load/Specification Chart.
If the tongue load becomes excessive, re-
arrange cargo to allow for proper tongue
load.Maximum gross vehicle weight/maximum
gross axle weight
The gross vehicle weight of the towing
vehicle must not exceed the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) shown on the
FMVSS certification label. The gross vehicle
weight equals the combined weight of the
unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage,
hitch, trailer tongue load and any other
optional equipment. In addition, front or rear
gross axle weight must not exceed the
gross axle weight rating (GAWR) shown on
the FMVSS certification label.
CA0036
10-22Technical and consumer information
ZX

Unit: lbs (kg)
MODEL
WEIGHT2WD 4WD
M/T (4cyl) A/T (4cyl) M/T (V6) A/T (V6) M/T (4cyl) M/T (V6) A/T (V6)
MAXIMUM
TRAILER
WEIGHT*13,500 (1,588) 2,000 (907) 3,500 (1,588) 5,000 (2,268) 3,500 (1,588) 3,500 (1,588) 5,000 (2,268)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE
LOAD350 (159) 200 (91) 350 (159) 500 (227) 350 (159) 350 (159) 500 (227)
GROSS
COMBINED
WEIGHT
RATING7,000 (3,175) 6,000 (2,721) 8,000 (3,628) 9,500 (4,309) 7,700 (3,492) 8,000 (3,628) 9,500 (4,309)
RECOMMENDED
EQUIPMENT*2Sway Control
DeviceÐSway Control
DeviceSway Control
DeviceSway Control
DeviceSway Control
DeviceSway Control
Device
*1: ll towing above 1,000 lb (454 kg) requires the use of trailer brakes. NISSAN recommends the use of a tandem axle trailer whenever towing above 3,000
lb (1,361 kg).
*2: A sway control device is recommended for all towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Sway control devices are not offered by NISSAN. See a professional
trailer/hitch outlet for a properly designed sway control device for your trailer.
M/T = Manual Transmission
A/T = Automatic Transmission
2WD = 2-wheel drive
4WD = 4-wheel drive
TOWING LOAD/
SPECIFICATION CHART
Technical and consumer information10-23
ZX

Trailer hitch
Check the towing capacity of your bumper
hitch or receiver-type frame mounted hitch.
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A genuine Nissan trailer hitch is avail-
able from your NISSAN dealer. Make sure
the trailer hitch is securely attached to the
vehicle to help avoid personal injury or
property damage due to sway caused by
crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing
trucks.
CAUTION
ISpecial hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable
genuine NISSAN hitches for pickup
trucks and sport utility vehicles are
available at an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
IThe hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
IDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
IDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install
a trailer hitch.ITo reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use. Remove receiver
when not in use. After the hitch is
removed, seal the bolt holes to pre-
vent exhaust fumes, water or dust
from entering the passenger com-
partment.
IRegularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely
mounted.
Tire pressures
IWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pres-
sure indicated on the tire placard (af-
fixed to the inside of the glove box lid).
ITrailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should be
in accordance with the trailer and tire
manufacturers' specifications.
Safety chain
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. Safety chainsshould be crossed and should be attached
to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or
axle. Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chain to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with Federal
and/or local regulations. For assistance in
hooking up trailer lights, contact an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to Federal
and/or local regulations and that it is prop-
erly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
IBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle
if it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-
down condition; check for improper
10-24Technical and consumer information
ZX