Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight
rating for your trailer:
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.
Bumper towing
The genuine NISSAN step bumper has provi-
sions to install a trailer hitch ball and is designed
to tow trailers of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb
(1,588 kg) .
To install a trailer hitch ball cut out the circle in the
center of the step bumper
sA, then remove it to
install the trailer hitch ball.
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.
LTI0132
9-28Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/30/07Ðdebbie
X
