2006 Nissan Towing Guide 10
PREPARING
YOUR VEHICLE
BREAK-IN AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Nissan recommends that you allow a sufficient “break-in” (500 miles) of both the engine
and drivetrain before towing with your new Nissan vehicle. For the first 500 miles that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph.
Keep in mind, too, that towing places higher demands and added loads on vehicle
components, so more frequent maintenance is called for. Your service maintenance guide
provides the accelerated maintenance schedule for towing purposes. Engine oil, filter,
transmission oil, and possibly other fluids should be changed more frequently when towing.
MEASURING VEHICLE WEIGHT
The key to safe, efficient towing has to do with weight. Your vehicle — SUV, truck, Minivan,
or passenger car — is capable of carrying and towing only a certain amount of weight. You
must compare your vehicle’s tow-weight ratings with the combined weight of the vehicle,
trailer, and their contents. This will help ensure that the total weight does not exceed any of
your vehicle’s tow weight ratings. There are four weights to consider when towing:
Š Gross Vehicle Weight
Š Gross Axle Weight (Front and Rear)
Š Gross Combined Weight
Š Trailer Tongue/King Pin Load
These ratings are based upon normal highway driving and may be reduced if operating in
reduced-traction situations, e.g., slippery boat ramps.
NOTE – Attempting to tow loads greater than the GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, and the trailer
tongue/king pin load specified could adversely affect vehicle handling, braking, and
performance. Damage to your vehicle resulting from overloading may not be covered by
your vehicle warranty.
