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 27
COMMITMENT
At Nissan, our commitment to your satisfaction extends well beyond building a full line of
quality products. It begins with people dedicated to designing vehicles to satisfy your
needs. Then building them to standards that are beyond your expectations. Our nationwide
network of nearly 1,100 dealers will help you select the Nissan that’s right for you. For
further assistance, search our Web site at www.NissanUSA.com. For Nissan dealer
locations or for more information on this and other Nissan products, call 1-800-239-8810.
Or call 1-800-NISSAN-1 for answers to product-related issues and solutions to your
transportation needs.
All illustrations, photographs, and specifications in this publication are based on the latest
product information available at the time of printing. Some vehicle parts cannot be shown
in certain photographs. Some vehicles are shown with optional equipment. See the actual
vehicle for complete accuracy. Availability and delivery time for particular models and
equipment combinations may vary. Nissan North America, Inc. reserves the right to make
changes at any time, without prior notice, in prices, colors, materials, equipment,
specifications, and models, and to discontinue models or equipment. All specifications,
options, and accessories shown in this publication apply to the 49 continental states.
Specifications, options, and accessories may differ in Hawaii, U.S. territories, and other
countries. For information on availability, additional options, or accessories, see your
Nissan dealer.
Nissan, the Nissan Brand Symbol, “SHIFT_” tagline, and Nissan Model names are Nissan
trademarks.
©2005 Nissan North America, Inc.
