2006 NISSAN MAXIMA ESP

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 1
INTRODUCTION

SAFETY IS PRIORITY ONE
Obviously, your first concern should be safety. Your vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Always remember that towing a trailer places
additional loads on your vehicle’s engine, drivetrain, steering, braking, and other systems.
Therefore, be certain that your vehicle can meet the demands of the towing application you
have in mind.
Rent or purchase only the highest-quality towing and safety equipment you can find.
Reinforced tow hitches designed especially for certain Nissan vehicles are available from
your Nissan dealer.* Hitches for the other Nissan models should be bought from and
installed by a professional supplier of towing equipment. Finally, it is important to follow the
towing capacity limit set for your specific vehicle, and to ensure that your vehicle is in top
mechanical condition; especially the tires, brakes, suspension, and engine cooling system.
See your owner’s manual for details.

NEVER EXCEED THE ESTABLISHED TOWING CAPACITY
Towing capacities vary from vehicle to vehicle. See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this
guide to view the towing capacities of 2006 Nissan vehicles produced at the time of
Towing Guide publication. Use this data to help select the proper Nissan vehicle to meet
your anticipated needs, and refer to it when renting a trailer or other piece of towing
equipment.

EQUIP YOUR NISSAN FOR TOWING
The frequency and type of towing should also influence the manner in which you equip
your vehicle. If you plan to tow often, either for recreation or work, select the engine size,
transmission type, suspension, and towing capacity that are best suited to your
requirements. This guide can help you select that equipment.
If, on the other hand, your towing will be infrequent, choose the Nissan vehicle and
equipment that best meets your day-to-day needs. Then, be careful not to exceed the
towing capacity on those few occasions when you do tow.


READ THIS GUIDE BEFORE YOU TOW
This guide was designed to provide an overview of safe towing practices. In it you’ll find
information on towing equipment, safety, proper loading and driving techniques, towing tips,
and much more.
It is also a good idea to discuss your towing requirements with either your Nissan dealer
or a professional supplier of towing equipment before you equip your Nissan vehicle for
towing. Finally, there are state and local laws on towing that you should review to ensure
you comply with all regulations.

*Quest tow hitch is factory installed only.

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 2
TOWING
EQUIPMENT

RENTING
The first thing to keep in mind when renting a trailer is to rent only from professional
companies that specialize in towing and towing equipment. More than likely, these
representatives will have some experience in selecting and fitting the towing equipment
that is appropriate for your Nissan vehicle.
When renting, make sure you have your owner’s manual on hand so that you can check
the towing capacities for your specific vehicle. Never rent a trailer that exceeds these
capacities, and make sure that any other equipment you rent is sufficient for your loaded
trailer.
While you’re there, ask questions: How much does the trailer weigh? What is the trailer
tongue load? How much weight will the trailer hold? What type of brakes is it equipped
with? All of these items have an effect on whether your Nissan vehicle is capable of safely
pulling that trailer or piece of equipment.
Make certain that all trailer stoplights, taillights, and turn signals are hooked up and
operate correctly, and that all safety equipment is properly installed. Check the safety
chains/cables, tie-downs, etc.
Carefully inspect the condition of the trailer and equipment. Are the tires worn
excessively? Are the tire pressures correct? Are there broken welds, missing bolts or
pieces? All these factors can also affect your safety.
Towing safety should be a high priority when choosing and renting equipment, and this
is especially true concerning hitches. Never rent a clamp-on-type hitch. Since Nissan
bumpers not specifically marked for towing are not designed for trailer loads, using this
type of hitch may cause damage to your vehicle and could result in trailer separation during
towing. Tow only with a permanent-type hitch.

PURCHASING
Purchase towing items such as hitches and hitch balls only from your Nissan dealer or a
professional supplier of towing equipment.
If you are intending to use your vehicle to tow a trailer you already own, first determine
the trailer’s weight when fully loaded. This will tell you if, in fact, your vehicle is capable of
pulling this amount of weight. In addition, it will also help you purchase the right type, style,
and class* of hitch and other equipment.

*See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide for equipment class information specific to your
vehicle.

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 14 TIRE PRESSURE
When towing a trailer, increase tow vehicle tire pressures to the recommended cold
specifications. You’ll find these figures in the owner’s manual and on the tire pressure chart
located in the vehicle. Trailer tire condition, size, load rating, and inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and tire manufacturer’s specifications.


TOWING
SAFETY

Towing can dramatically alter the handling and performance characteristics of your vehicle.
Plus, it puts increased strain on the engine and drivetrain. Therefore, it is always a good
idea to approach towing from the standpoint of safety — whether you’re purchasing
equipment or actually pulling the trailer.
Always make sure your vehicle’s towing capacity is adequate for the trailer you intend to
tow. Buy or lease only quality equipment, and have it installed only by professionals.
In addition, be certain that you have all of the equipment needed for safe towing,
including safety chains/cables, electric trailer brakes, electric trailer brake controller,
breakaway switch, extended rear view mirrors, and so on. All of these items have been
discussed in a previous section of this guide.
With regard to vehicle maintenance, you should follow a more frequent schedule, and
check fluid levels, pressures, tire condition, etc., more often when on the road. See your
owner’s manual for details.

LOADING YOUR TRAILER
Taking the time to load and balance your trailer properly will improve overall handling and
minimize the strain on your tow vehicle. Incorrectly loaded trailers tend to sway or swing
from side to side, upsetting vehicle handling. Careful loading and balancing can help
eliminate these problems.
As mentioned earlier, conventional trailer tongue load should fall between 10-15% of
the total trailer weight, and king pin load — if using a 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer —
should be between 15-25% of the total trailer weight. Excessive tongue/king pin load can
actually push the vehicle down in back, lifting the front wheels to a point where traction,
steering response, and braking are severely reduced. Insufficient tongue/king pin load can
cause instability, which may lead to “tail wagging” or jackknifing.

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 16 VEHICLE SPEED
Some states have specific regulations and speed limits for vehicles that are towing trailers.
Always obey these ordinances. Remember to reduce your speed in unsafe or less-than-
ideal road conditions or weather. When towing a trailer, braking distances increase while
handling agility decreases. Always leave yourself an extra margin of distance to respond to
emergency situations.

PASSENGERS
Never allow passengers to ride inside a trailer while it is being towed. Not only is this
unlawful in most areas, passengers could be seriously injured during sudden trailer
movement or in an accident. In addition, trailers may allow fumes from the tow vehicle to
leak inside. This could result in carbon monoxide poisoning from the engine exhaust.

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS
Vehicle modifications — beyond those required for proper hitch installation, wiring hook-up,
and necessary cooling system upgrading — are not recommended for any Nissan vehicle
being used for towing purposes. Changes to the drivetrain, suspension, exhaust systems,
frame structure/unibody, or other vehicle components are not necessary for towing within
the limits described in this guide. These changes may diminish the reliability and longevity
of your vehicle and possibly void warranty coverage as well.

TOOL KIT
It is always a good idea to travel with a special tool kit when towing. In addition to tools, it
should contain flares, a flashlight, emergency reflectors, jumper cables, extra fuses, extra
radiator coolant, oil, and easily replaced spare parts such as taillight bulbs. You should also
carry spare tires for your tow vehicle and trailer, as well as a jack suitable for use on the
trailer. Be aware that not all automotive jacks can be used safely on a trailer.

BEFORE STARTING OUT
Before starting out on a trip, make one last inspection of the tow vehicle and the trailer. Are
the tire pressures correct? Are the safety chains/cables securely in place? Is the cargo tied
down securely? Do all the lights work? Is the coupler properly attached over the hitch ball
and secured using a locking pin? Is the breakaway switch hooked up and functioning
properly? Are vehicle and electric trailer brakes working properly?
Make a checklist of key items to be inspected, and don’t forget the basics. When
towing, vehicle engine oil, transmission oil, and coolant should always be checked before
starting out. Finding a potential problem while in your driveway is better than discovering it
miles from home.

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 17
TOWING
TIPS

If you’ve never towed a trailer before, be aware that it does take getting used to. To begin
with, towing noticeably affects your vehicle’s performance:
Š It will not accelerate as quickly — an important point to keep in mind when merging onto
a highway.
Š It will not stop as quickly. Leave more room than usual between you and the traffic
ahead, and brake sooner when coming to a stop.
Š Abrupt maneuvering can unbalance the load and reduce the handling stability of your
tow vehicle. Plan ahead and make lane changes and turns smoothly.
If possible, before you actually hit the open road, practice towing in a large, uncrowded
area such as a stadium or shopping center parking lot. Become especially familiar with
backing up a trailer — the maneuver many people find most difficult.

REDUCE SPEED
Drive your vehicle at a moderate speed, and remember to reduce your speed in unsafe or
less-than-ideal road conditions or weather. The tendency for a trailer to sway increases
with speed, and such swaying can result in a loss of control.

BRAKE SOONER
The combination of your tow vehicle and trailer obviously requires a greater distance to
stop. A good rule of thumb to remember is that for each 10 mph of speed, allow yourself
one tow vehicle and trailer length of distance between the front of your vehicle and the
vehicle ahead.
When braking, use firm but gradual pressure on the pedal rather than panic braking.
Applying the brakes abruptly or with too much force can cause the trailer to skid or
jackknife at its point of attachment with the vehicle. This, in turn, can throw the tow vehicle
out of control.
If equipped with an electric trailer brake controller, follow the recommended operational
instructions.

PASS CAREFULLY
As mentioned in the introduction to this section, because of the added weight of the trailer,
acceleration capability is reduced and you’ll require a longer distance to pass another
vehicle. Be certain you have sufficient time and space to pass safely. Obviously, never
attempt passing on hills or when going around curves.

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 21
TOWING
GLOSSARY
5TH WHEEL
HITCH Located just forward of the rear axle centerline, this hitch uses a king pin to serve
as the pivot point for the trailer.
BALL MOUNT A bar that holds the hitch ball and is inserted into the hitch receiver. Also
commonly called a drawbar or “stinger.”
BREAKAWAY SWITCH A safety device using a trailer battery that automatically applies the trailer’s
brakes if it should accidentally become separated from the tow vehicle. A
breakaway switch may be used with both electric or surge trailer brake systems.
BUMPER HITCH A reinforced bumper designed to accommodate a hitch ball.
ELECTRIC TRAILER
BRAKES When the brakes on a tow vehicle are applied, an electric current is sent to an
actuator which applies the trailer’s brakes.
ELECTRIC TRAILER
BRAKE CONTROLLER A device that controls the electric trailer brakes.
GOOSENECK HITCH Located just forward of the rear axle centerline, this hitch uses a ball to serve as
the pivot point for the trailer.

GROSS AXLE
WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) The maximum amount of weight each vehicle axle (front and rear) is designed to
safely carry.
GROSS COMBINED
WEIGHT RATING (GCWR) The maximum allowable combined weight of the vehicle and trailer, including
passengers and all cargo.
GROSS VEHICLE
WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, fuel,
hitch, trailer tongue load, and any optional equipment.
KING PIN
LOAD The amount of trailer (5th wheel or gooseneck) weight pressing down on the tow
vehicle hitch.

HITCH BALL
A ball that connects the trailer to the tow vehicle hitch and provides the means
by which the trailer pivots during cornering. Available in a number of sizes and
weight capacities, it must correspond to the trailer coupler size, and have a
sufficient capacity rating for the trailer being pulled.
RECEIVER HITCH A frame- or structure-mounted hitch with a receiver that allows removal of the
ball mount.
SAFETY CHAINS/CABLES Provides an emergency connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer,
should the trailer become disengaged for any reason.
SURGE BRAKES
Hydraulic-type braking system activated by inertia. As the tow vehicle begins to
brake, the trailer pushes against the hitch ball, consequently activating the trailer
brakes.
TRAILER TONGUE/COUPLER The part of the trailer that extends forward to meet the tow vehicle, and also
carries the coupler assembly.

TRAILER TONGUE
LOAD The amount of trailer (conventional) weight pressing down on the tow vehicle
hitch.
WEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING HITCH
SYSTEM Type of hitch system that helps shift the trailer tongue weight to all trailer tires
and the tow vehicle front tires. Strongly recommended when towing trailers with
a Maximum Trailer Weight greater than 5,000 lbs.
WIRING HARNESS
Provides an electrical connection linking the tow vehicle’s electrical system to
the trailer’s system.