2007 NISSAN PATHFINDER tow

WARNING
cIt is extremely dangerous to ride
in a cargo area inside a vehicle. In
a collision, people riding in these
areas are more likely to be seri-
ously injured or killed.
cDo not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat
belts.
cBe sure everyone in your vehicle
is in a seat and using a seat belt
properly.
TERMS
It is important to familiarize yourself with
the following terms before loading your
vehicle:
cCurb Weight (actual weight of your
vehicle) - vehicle weight including:
standard and optional equipment, flu-
ids, emergency tools, and spare tire
assembly. This weightdoes notin-
clude passengers and cargo.cGVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb
weight plus the combined weight of
passengers and cargo.
cGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing) - maximum total combined
weight of the unloaded vehicle, pas-
sengers, luggage, hitch, trailer
tongue load and any other optional
equipment. This information is lo-
cated on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
label.
cGAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) -
maximum weight (load) limit specified
for the front or rear axle. This informa-
tion is located on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. label.
cGCWR (Gross Combined Weight
rating) - The maximum total weight
rating of the vehicle, passengers,
cargo, and trailer.cVehicle Capacity Weight, Load limit,
Total load capacity - maximum total
weight limit specified of the load
(passengers and cargo) for the ve-
hicle. This is the maximum combined
weight of occupants and cargo that
can be loaded into the vehicle. If the
vehicle is used to tow a trailer, the
trailer tongue weight must be in-
cluded as part of the cargo load. This
information is located on the Tire and
Loading Information label (if so
equipped) .
cCargo capacity - permissible weight
of cargo, the subtracted weight of
occupants from the load limit.
VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITY
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.
Both the GVWR and GAWR are located
on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. label. See
“Measurement of Weights” later in this
section.
VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION
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5. Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be trans-
ferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this re-
duces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle.
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.
See “Measurement of Weights” later in
this section.
Also check tires for proper inflation pres-
sures. See the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label.
SECURING THE LOAD
There are tie down hooks located in the cargo
area as shown. The tie down hooks can be used
to secure cargo with ropes or other types of
straps.
Do not apply a total load of more than 55
lbs. (245 N) to a single
sAplastic hook or 44
lbs. (196 N) to a single
sBplastic hook
when securing cargo.
Do not apply a total load of more than 110
lbs. (490 N) to a single metal floor tie-down
hook when securing cargo.
WARNING
cProperly secure all cargo with ropes or
straps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. Do not place cargo higher than
the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or col-
lision, unsecured cargo could cause
personal injury.
cThe child restraint top tether strap may
be damaged by contact with items in
the cargo area. Secure any items in the
cargo area. Your child could be seri-
ously injured or killed in a collision if
the top tether strap is damaged.
Cargo area ceiling tie-down hooks
WTI0125
Cargo area floor tie-down hooks
LTI0126
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WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
cDo not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 miles (800 km) . Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
cFor the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing and other systems.
A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available
on the website at www.nissanusa.com. This
guide includes information on trailer towing ca-
pability 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 “Towing
Load/Specification” chart found later in this sec-
tion. The total trailer load equals trailer weight
plus its cargo weight.
cWhen towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1587 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 appro-
priate for level highway driving may have to be
reduced for low traction situations (for example,
on slippery boat ramps) .
LTI0162
TOWING A TRAILER
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Temperature conditions can also affect towing.
For example, towing a heavy trailer in high outside
temperatures on graded roads can affect engine
performance and cause overheating. The engine
protection mode, which helps reduce the chance
of engine damage, could activate and automati-
cally decrease engine power. Vehicle speed may
decrease under high load. Plan your trip carefully
to account for trailer and vehicle load, weather
and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced
speed may be lower than other traffic,
which could increase the chance of a col-
lision. Be especially careful when driving.
Pull to the side of the road to a safe area.
Allow the engine to cool and return to
normal operation. See “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures is not covered by
NISSAN warranties.
Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight distrib-
uting hitch, keep the tongue load between 10 -
15 percent of the total trailer load within the
maximum tongue load limits shown in the follow-
ing “Towing Load/Specification” chart. If the
tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange cargo
to allow for proper tongue load.
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW)/maximum Gross Axle Weight
(GAW)
The GVW of the towing vehicle must not exceed
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label. The GVW equals the combined weight of
the unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage,
hitch, trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment. In addition, front or rear GAW must
not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label.
WTI0160ATI1025
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Towing capacities are calculated assuming a
base vehicle with driver and any options required
to achieve the rating. Additional passengers,
cargo and/or optional equipment, such as the
trailer hitch, will add weight to the vehicle and
reduce your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity
and trailer tongue load.
The vehicle and trailer need to be weighed to
confirm the vehicle is within the GVWR, Front
GAWR, Rear GAWR, Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) and Towing capacity.
All vehicle and trailer weights can be measured
using platform type scales commonly found at
truck stops, highway weigh stations, building
supply centers or salvage yards.
To determine the available payload capacity for
tongue load, use the following procedure.
1. Locate the GVWR on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
2. Weigh your vehicle on the scale with all of
the passengers and cargo that are normally
in the vehicle when towing a trailer.
3. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the
GVWR. The remaining amount is the avail-
able maximum tongue load.
To determine the available towing capacity, use
the following procedure.1. Find the GCWR for your vehicle on the
9Towing Load/Specification9chart found
later in this section.
2. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the
GCWR. The remaining amount is the avail-
able maximum towing capacity.
To determine the Gross Trailer Weight, weigh
your trailer on a scale with all equipment and
cargo, that are normally in the trailer when it is
towed. Make sure the Gross trailer weight is not
more than the Gross Trailer Weight Rating shown
on the trailer and is not more than the calculated
available maximum towing capacity.
Also weigh the front and rear axles on the scale to
make sure the Front Gross Axle Weight and Rear
Gross Axle Weight are not more than Front
Gross Axle Weight and Rear Gross Axle Weight
on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
The cargo in the trailer and vehicle may need to
be moved or removed to meet the specified rat-
ings.
Example:
cGross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed
on a scale - including passengers, cargo and
hitch - 5,425 lb. (2460 kg) .
cGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label -
6,000 lb. (2721 kg) .cGross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
from “Towing Load/Specification9chart -
11,133 lb. (5049 kg) .
cMaximum Trailer towing capacity from “Tow-
ing Load/Specification9chart - 6,000 lb.
(2721 kg) .
6,000 lb. (2721 kg) GVWR
– 5,425 lb. (2460 kg) GVW
= 575 lb. (260 kg) Available for tongue
weight
11,133 lb. (5049 kg) GCWR
– 5,425 lb. (2460 kg) GVW
= 5,708 lb. (2588 kg) Capacity available for
towing
575 lb. (260 kg) Available tongue weight
/ 5,708 lb. (2588 kg) Available capacity
= 10 % tongue weight
The available towing capacity may be less than
the maximum towing capacity due to the passen-
ger and cargo load in the vehicle.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight be-
tween 10 - 15% of the trailer weight. If the tongue
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load becomes excessive, rearrange the cargo to
obtain the proper tongue load. Do not exceed the
10 - 15% tongue weight specification even if the
calculated available tongue weight is greater
than 15%. If the calculated tongue weight is less
than 10% , reduce the total trailer weight to
match the available tongue weight.
Always verify that available capacities are within
the required ratings.
Trailer frontal area
CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum trailer frontal
area specification may exceed the towing
capacity of the vehicle. This may affect the
towing performance and lead to vehicle
damage.
The trailer frontal area affects the towing load of a
trailer. The frontal area is the total area of the
vehicle and trailer that is affected by air resis-
tance while towing. Do not exceed the maximum
trailer frontal area specification shown in the
9Towing Load/Specification” chart. The frontal
area can be determined by multiplying the width
of the trailer by the height of the trailer. For
example, a trailer that is 8 feet wide by 6 feet tall
has a trailer frontal area of 48 square feet.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
US & CAN
2WD 4WD
Towing Capac-
ity*16,000 lb.
(2721 kg)6,000 lb.
(2721 kg)
Tongue Load600 lb.
(272 kg)600 lb.
(272 kg)
Gross Com-
bined Weight
Rating11,133 lb.
(5,049 kg)11,133 lb.
(5,049 kg)
Maximum trailer
frontal area60 sq ft (5.52 sq meters)
*1: The towing capacity values are calculated
assuming a base vehicle with driver and any
options required to achieve the rating. Additional
passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment
will add weight to the vehicle and reduce your
vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional
trailer tow package. The trailer tow package in-
cludes a receiver-type frame mounted hitch. This
hitch is rated for the maximum towing capacity ofthis vehicle when the proper towing equipment is
used. Choose a proper ball mount and hitch ball
that is rated for the trailer to be towed. Genuine
Nissan ball mounts and hitch balls are available
from your NISSAN dealer.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the optional
trailer tow package, 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 available 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.
WARNING
Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be capable
of towing a trailer heavier than the weight
rating of the hitch components. Never ex-
ceed the weight rating of the hitch compo-
nents. Doing so can cause serious personal
injury or property damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight
rating for your trailer:
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cThe required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on the top of the ball.
cChoose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.
cThe diameter of the threaded shank of the
hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should
be no more than 1/16” smaller than the hole
in the ball mount.
cThe threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount and
the ball mount is inserted into the hitch receiver.
Choose a proper class ball mount based on the
trailer weight. Additionally, the ball mount should
be chosen to keep the trailer tongue level with the
ground.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or9dead weight9ball mount is
one that is designed to carry the whole amount of
tongue weight and gross weight directly on the
ball mount and on the receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-leveling” or
“equalizing” hitch. A set of bars attach to the ball
mount and to the trailer to distribute the tongue
weight (hitch weight) of your trailer. Many ve-
hicles can’t carry the full tongue weight of a given
trailer, and need some of the tongue weight
transferred through the frame and pushing down
on the front wheels. This gives stability to the tow
vehicle.
Another reason to have a weight distributing ball
mount is to comply with the rating on your re-
ceiver. Most receivers have a weight carrying
rating of 5,000 lbs. gross weight, 500 lbs. tongue
weight and a weight distribution rating of 10,000
lbs. gross weight, 1,000 lbs. tongue weight. This
means that without using a weight distributing
ballmount, the receiver is only designed to carry
5,000 lbs.
When hooking up a trailer using a weight distrib-
uting hitch, always refer to the hitch manufactur-
er’s instructions.
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface.
With the ignition on and the doors closed,
allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes
so that it can level.2. Measure the height of a reference point on
the front and rear bumpers at the center of
the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust
the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper
height is within0-.5inches (0 – 13 mm) of
the reference height measured in step 2. The
rear bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured in step 2.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no
higher than the measured reference
height when the trailer is attached. If the
rear bumper is higher than the measured
reference height when loaded, the vehicle
may handle unpredictably which could
cause a loss of vehicle control and cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer han-
dling. Sway control devices may be used to help
control these affects. If you choose to use one,
contact a reputable trailer hitch supplier to make
sure the sway control device will work with the
vehicle, hitch, trailer and the trailer’s brake sys-
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tem. Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the sway
control device.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (909 kg) .
Class II hitch
Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb (1,510 kg) .
Class III hitch
Class III trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 5,000 lb (2,272 kg) .
The genuine NISSAN step bumper is considered
a Class III ball mount.
Class IV hitch
Class IV trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 10,000 lb (4,545 kg) . A
weight distributing hitch should be used to tow
trailers that weigh over 5,000 lb (2,272 kg) .Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000 lb
(4,545 kg) maximum weight rating, but your ve-
hicle is only capable of towing the maximum
trailer weights shown in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart earlier in this section.
CAUTION
cSpecial hitches which include frame re-
inforcements are required for towing
above 2,000 lb (907 kg) . Suitable genu-
ine NISSAN hitches, ball mounts and
hitch balls for pickup trucks and sport
utility vehicles are available at a
NISSAN dealer.
cThe hitch should not be attached to or
affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-
tem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
cTo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
hitch and/or receiver when not in use.
cRegularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.cWhen towing with the hitch ball
mounted to the rear bumper, do not
make sharp turns. The trailer may con-
tact the bumper and cause damage to
the bumper or trailer.
Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the ve-
hicle tires to the recommended cold
tire pressure indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and
tire manufacturer’s specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. The safety
chains can be attached to the bumper if the hitch
ball is mounted to the bumper. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chains to permit turning
corners.
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