2009 NISSAN VERSA HATCHBACK tow

2009 Nissan Towing Guide 8 binding; however, note that excessive slack will allow the chains/cables to drag on the ground.
Do not use S-hooks for attaching, as they may become un-hooked and are illegal in many
states. To avoid damage to the bumper and chains/cables when making a sharp turn, do not
attach the chains/cables too close to the coupler. Consult your trailer manufacturer for the
proper location of the chain/cable attachment to the trailer.

REAR VIEW MIRRORS
In many cases, a trailer can block your rear vision when you are using only the standard
Nissan rear view mirrors. These mirrors were not designed for towing. “Extended” mirrors
specifically designed for trailer towing should be used when your rearward vision is
obstructed. Before using these mirrors, make certain that they comply with state and local
regulations. Telescoping Tow Mirrors are available as an accessory for Armada and Titan
vehicles. Contact your Nissan dealer for details.

BREAKAWAY SWITCH
On a trailer with electric brakes, a breakaway switch can automatically activate the trailer
brake system if the trailer becomes separated from the tow vehicle. Should the trailer become
detached, a breakaway switch may help prevent the trailer from wandering into another lane.
A breakaway switch relies on the power of a trailer battery, so make sure it is not
discharged.
Never use the breakaway switch to “park” the trailer on a grade. The battery would
eventually discharge and release the brake, allowing the trailer to roll.
Be sure to leave enough slack in the tether on the breakaway switch to turn corners
without binding. If you do not, the electric trailer brakes will lock-up and not release. See your
trailer manufacturer for proper installation of a breakaway switch that is compatible with your
trailer braking system.

TRAILER LIGHTS
Trailer lights should comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and should
be in proper working order at all times. A trailer’s taillights, stoplights, and turn signal lights
must be wired into the tow vehicle’s electrical system.*
Most trailers operate on a four-wire system in which the stoplights and turn signal lights
utilize the same wire. All Nissan vehicles have separate wires for the stoplights and turn signal

*
Vehicles equipped with LED taillights require that wiring be connected at a specific location. For

assistance in hooking up trailer lights, contact your Nissan dealer or a professional supplier of towing

equipment.

2009 Nissan Towing Guide 9 lights, therefore a device called a “converter” is needed.* Specifically, a “powered converter”
must be used, as a converter of this type creates only minimal additional electrical demand
(draw) on the vehicle lighting circuits, which helps to ensure protection for the vehicle’s
sensitive electronics.
Always check for correct operation of the taillights, stoplights, and turn signal lights every
time you connect a trailer for towing. Never replace vehicle fuses with fuses of a higher
amperage rating than the original.
NOTE – Improper or poor quality trailer harness wiring may affect your vehicle’s electrical
system. Use only a Nissan approved wiring harness, or consult your dealer or a professional
supplier of towing equipment for compatible equipment.

BRAKES
As with hitches, several types of braking systems are available. Most states require a separate
braking system on trailers with a loaded weight above a specific amount, therefore you should
check to ensure you comply with all regulations. Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment demonstrate proper brake function testing.

NOTE – Never connect a hydraulic trailer brake system directly to the vehicle hydraulic
brake system.

Surge Brakes – The surge brake actuator is mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydraulic
line running to each trailer wheel. Surge brakes are activated by the trailer pushing against the
hitch ball when the tow vehicle is braking. Hydraulic surge brakes are common on rental
trailers and some boat trailers. In this type of system, there is no hydraulic or electric
connection for brake operation between the tow vehicle and the trailer.

Electric Trailer Brakes – Electric braking systems are activated by an electronic signal sent
from a trailer brake controller (special brake-sensing module). If electric trailer brakes are
used, Nissan recommends all-electronic actuation because with this system it will not be
necessary to tap into the tow vehicle’s hydraulic system.
For your convenience, Armada, Frontier, Pathfinder, and Titan vehicles are pre-wired to
accommodate most popular electric trailer brake controllers. A wiring harness** is either
included with your vehicle or available from your Nissan dealer. This harness provides electric
trailer brake controller input and output connections to the vehicle wiring. See a professional
supplier of towing equipment for electric trailer brake controller availability.

*Armada, Frontier, Pathfinder, and Titan vehicles are pre-wired for trailer lighting and do not require a
converter.
**
See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide for wiring harness information specific to your
vehicle.

2009 Nissan Towing Guide 10 NOTE – Improper or poor quality trailer harness wiring may affect your vehicle’s electrical
system. Use only a Nissan approved wiring harness, or consult your dealer or a professional
supplier of towing equipment for compatible equipment.

SWAY CONTROL DEVICE
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting caused by other vehicles can affect trailer
handling. Sway control devices may be used to help control these effects. 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 system. Follow the instructions
provided by the manufacturer for installing and using the sway control device.

GENUINE NISSAN PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Whether you will be towing occasionally or on a regular basis, Nissan offers a full range of
Genuine Nissan Parts and Accessories to help you tow with confidence.
Every accessory is thoroughly tested and inspected for fit and workmanship. Therefore, you
can be certain that every item is designed to be compatible with the standard features of your
vehicle and designed to assist you with your towing needs.
Contact your Nissan dealer for more information on accessories or towing-related parts for
your Nissan vehicle.


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. In addition, for the first 500 miles that
you tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph and do not make starts at full throttle.
Keep in mind, too, that towing places higher demands and added loads on vehicle
components, so more frequent maintenance is called for. Your Nissan 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, crossover, truck,
minivan, or passenger car — is capable of carrying and towing only a certain amount of

2009 Nissan Towing Guide 11 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, for example, slippery boat ramps.
NOTE – Attempting to tow loads greater than the GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, and/or 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.














GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT (GVW)
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of the vehicle, plus passengers, cargo,
fuel, hitch, trailer tongue/king pin load, and any optional equipment.
The best way to determine the GVW is by having the vehicle — loaded and ready to
tow — weighed at a public scale. To that figure, add the combined weight of all passengers.
Then, add the trailer tongue/king pin load to determine the approximate GVW. The GVW you
come up with must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for your
vehicle.

2009 Nissan Towing Guide 12 On all Nissan vehicles, the GVWR is shown on the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (F.M.V.S.S.)
certification label located in the driver’s-side door area.
To avoid overloading the vehicle, be sure
to include the trailer tongue/king pin load as a
part of the cargo when determining how much weight
can be safely carried inside the vehicle. The weight of
the roof rack cargo should also be included.






















GROSS AXLE WEIGHT (GAW)
The Gross Axle Weight (GAW) is the maximum weight each axle (front and rear) is designed
to safely carry.
To determine the GAW, load the vehicle as you would for towing and attach the loaded
trailer. At a public scale, with the loaded trailer attached, place only the tow vehicle front
wheels on the scale to determine the actual front axle GAW. To obtain the rear axle GAW,
place all four tow vehicle wheels on the scale. From that figure, subtract the front GAW and
you will have the rear GAW amount.
The GAW you come up with must not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
for your vehicle. On Nissan vehicles, the GAWR for both axles is listed on the F.M.V.S.S.
certification label.

MFD BY NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD
DATE
GVWR
GAWR FR.
WITH

GAWR RR.
WITH
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO
ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY
STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON
THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE
SHOWN ABOVE.
SEE OWNERS MANUAL FOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
TIRES
TIRES
TYPE: TRUCK
MODEL: 3B000
COLOR TRIM TRANS
AXLE ENGINE

RIMS AT PSI
COLD SINGLERIMS AT PSI
COLD SINGLE

F.M.V.S.S.
Certification Label

2009 Nissan Towing Guide 13










GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT (GCW)
The Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is the total weight of the tow vehicle with all
passengers, cargo, and fuel, plus the total weight of the trailer and all its cargo.
To determine the GCW, simply weigh your vehicle when fully loaded and ready to tow, and
add in the weight of the loaded trailer.
The GCW you come up with must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) for your vehicle. See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide or refer to your
vehicle owner’s manual to view the GCWR listed for your vehicle.

TRAILER TONGUE/KING PIN LOAD
The amount of weight pressing down on the tow vehicle hitch is called trailer tongue load
(conventional trailer) or king pin load (5th wheel and gooseneck trailers).
To measure trailer tongue/king pin load, place the tongue of the trailer on a scale when the
trailer is not attached to the
vehicle. A separate vehicle
jack — not the trailer jack —
should be used, as the
location of the trailer jack is
rearward of the trailer tongue
and will not give you an
accurate measurement of the
true tongue/king pin load.
Make sure the vehicle jack is
placed directly under the
trailer tongue coupler, and the tongue is set at the height/level of the tow vehicle hitch.
For proper handling, you must keep conventional trailer tongue load between 10-15% of
the actual trailer weight, within the limits of the maximum trailer tongue load allowable.

2009 Nissan Towing Guide 14 For example, to determine the proper trailer tongue load for a 1,500-lb. trailer, multiply the
weight of 1,500 lbs. by 10% to arrive at a figure of 150 lbs. 5th wheel and gooseneck trailer
king pin load must be kept between 15-25% of the actual trailer weight, within the limits of
the king pin load allowable.
Some trailer types may require different trailer tongue loads for safe towing. Always follow
the trailer manufacturer’s recommendations for proper trailer set-up and trailer tongue load.
Keep the trailer tongue load within the maximum trailer tongue load allowable. Additionally,
make sure the vehicle has the payload capacity available for the trailer tongue load.
See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide or refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to
view the maximum conventional trailer tongue load listed for your vehicle.
NOTE – The vehicle weight ratings (GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, etc.) must not be
exceeded, regardless of trailer or hitch type.











HITCH & TRAILER HEIGHT
It is important that your trailer floor and tongue ride as level as possible. This will help prevent
over-angling, bottoming-out, and improper load transfer. Therefore, the hitch or trailer tongue
must be adjusted during the initial vehicle/trailer fit-up to ensure a level ride. Ball mounts are
available in different configurations to adjust the hitch ball height.

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

2009 Nissan Towing Guide 15
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 are 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
vehicle 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 must fall between 10-15% of the
total trailer weight, or within the limits of the maximum trailer tongue load specified by the
trailer manufacturer. King pin load — if using a 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer — must be
between 15-25% of the total trailer weight.
Excessive tongue/king pin load can actually
push down the vehicle 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.
With this in mind, proper loading is extremely
important. When loading a trailer, 60% of the
total cargo weight should be positioned in the front portion of the trailer and 40% in the back.
Then, the load should be adjusted until the proper tongue/king pin load ratio is achieved.