Page 162 of 373

For proper truck box loading see “Vehicle loading
information” in the “Technical and consumer in-
formation” section of this manual.
WARNING
cIt is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside a vehicle. In a colli-
sion, people riding in these areas are
more likely to be seriously 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.
Removing the tailgate
1. Release the tailgate support cables.
CAUTION
cThe tailgate is heavy. Two people
should remove or install it. Be careful
not to drop it during removal.
cAfter releasing the support cables, do
not let the tailgate rest on the bumper.
2. Hold the tailgate at a 45 degree angle.
3. Pull the tailgate out from the right side hinge.
4. Slide the tailgate out of the left side hinge.
Installing the tailgate
1. Insert the tailgate into the left side hinge.
2. Hold the tailgate at a 45 degree angle and
insert into the right side hinge.
3. Continue to hold the tailgate at a 45 degree
angle and attach the tailgate support cables.
4. Close the tailgate securely.
LPD0271
3-16Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Page 163 of 373
Locking the tailgate
To lock the tailgate, turn the key toward the pas-
senger side of the vehicle
s1. To unlock, turn the
key toward the driver side
s2.
BED EXTENDER (if so equipped)
CAUTION
cDo not overload the bed extender.
Maximum load on the open tailgate is
890N (200 lbs) .
cEvenly distribute and properly secure
all cargo.
cDo not use the bed extender or tailgate
to secure cargo.
Positioning the bed extender
To use the bed extender in the inward position
perform the following:
1. Rotate the bed extender
s1toward the cab
of the truck.
2. Close the tailgate.
3. Place cargo inside the bed extender in the
truck bed.
4. Properly secure the cargo.
LPD0272LPD0480
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-17
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To use the bed extender in the outward position
perform the following:
1. Open the tailgate.
2. Rotate the bed extender
s2away from the
cab of the truck until the extender sits on the
tailgate.
3. Lock the buckles
s3into the tailgate latch.
The bed extender can be adjusted in the outward
position by moving the extender along the rail.NOTE:
Use care when rotating extender, buckles
may come in contact with the truck bed
railing.
Removing and installing the bed
extender
To remove or install the bed extender perform the
following:
1. Open the tailgate.
2. Rotate the bed extender into a vertical posi-
tion and lift straight up (to remove) or lower
straight down (to install) .
To store the bed extender in the front of the truck
when not in use perform the following:
1. Position the sliding brackets past the center
of the wheel well.
2. Re-install the extender into the brackets (see
above) .
3. Rotate the extender to the inward position.
4. Push the brackets forward until the extender
comes in contact with the front wall of the
truck box.
TIE DOWN HOOKS (if so equipped)
For your convenience, tie down hooks are placed
at each corner of the truck box. These may be
used to help secure cargo loaded into the truck
box.
cThe weight of the cargo load must be evenly
distributed over both the front and the rear
axles.
cAll cargo should be securely fastened with
ropes or straps to prevent it from shifting or
sliding within the vehicle.
LPD0479LTI0102
3-18Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Page 165 of 373
WARNING
cProperly secure all cargo with ropes or
straps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause personal
injury.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-19
Page 220 of 373

WARNING
cDo not leave children or adults who
would normally require the assistance
of others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should also not be left alone. They
could accidentally injure themselves or
others through inadvertent operation of
the vehicle. Also, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe or possibly fatal injuries to
people or animals.
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.
EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
cDo not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is danger-
ous. It can cause unconsciousness or
death.cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all win-
dows fully open, and have the vehicle
inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in closed spaces
such as a garage.
cDo not park the vehicle with the engine
running for any extended length of time.
cKeep the lift gate and rear windows
closed while driving, otherwise exhaust
gases could be drawn into the passen-
ger compartment. If you must drive with
the lift gate or rear windows open, fol-
low these precautions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the
air recirculation but-
ton (if so equipped) to off and the fan
control dial to 4 (high) to circulate
the air.
cIf electrical wiring or other cable con-
nections must pass to a trailer through
the seal on the lift gate or the body,
follow the manufacturer’s recommen-
dation to prevent carbon monoxide en-
try into the vehicle.cThe exhaust system and body should be
inspected by a qualified mechanic
whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound of
the exhaust system.
d. You have had an accident involving
damage to the exhaust system, un-
derbody, or rear of the vehicle.
cIf a special body, camper, or other
equipment is added for recreational or
other usage, follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle. Do not
occupy these areas while the engine is
running even if the vehicle is parked.
Some recreational vehicle appliances
such as stoves, refrigerators, heaters,
etc. may also generate carbon
monoxide.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving
Page 226 of 373

cMany hills are too steep for any vehicle.
If you drive up them, you may stall. If
you drive down them, you may not be
able to control your speed. If you drive
across them, you may roll over.
cDo not shift gears while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.
cStay alert when driving to the top of a
hill. At the top there could be a drop-off
or other hazard that could cause an
accident.
cIf your engine stalls or you cannot make
it to the top of a steep hill, never at-
tempt to turn around. Your vehicle
could tip or roll over. Always back
straight down in R (Reverse) gear. Never
back down in N (Neutral) or with the
clutch depressed (manual transmission
vehicles) , using only the brake, as this
could cause loss of control.
cHeavy braking going down a hill could
cause your brakes to overheat and fade,
resulting in loss of control and an acci-
dent. Apply brakes lightly and use a low
gear to control your speed. Use the hill
descent control feature (if so
equipped) .cUnsecured cargo can be thrown around
when driving over rough terrain. Prop-
erly secure all cargo so it will not be
thrown forward and cause injury to you
or your passengers.
cTo avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capacity of the roof rack (if so
equipped) and evenly distribute the
load. Secure heavy loads in the cargo
area as far forward and as low as pos-
sible. Do not equip the vehicle with tires
larger than specified in this manual.
This could cause your vehicle to roll
over.
cDo not grip the inside or spokes of the
steering wheel when driving off-road.
The steering wheel could move sud-
denly and injure your hands. Instead
drive with your fingers and thumbs on
the outside of the rim.
cBefore operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers have
their seat belts fastened.
cAlways drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become hot.cLower your speed when encountering
strong crosswinds. With a higher center
of gravity, your NISSAN is more af-
fected by strong side winds. Slower
speeds ensure better vehicle control.
cDo not drive beyond the performance
capability of the tires, even with 4WD
engaged.
cFor 4WD equipped vehicles, do not at-
tempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result in
drivetrain damage or unexpected ve-
hicle movement which could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
5-8Starting and driving
Page 262 of 373

WARNING
cMake sure the parking brake is securely
applied and the manual transmission is
shifted into R (Reverse) , or the auto-
matic transmission into P (Park) .
cNever change tires when the vehicle is
on a slope, ice or slippery areas. This is
hazardous.
cNever change tires if oncoming traffic is
close to your vehicle. Wait for profes-
sional road assistance.
Blocking wheels
Place suitable blockss1at both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire
s2to prevent the vehicle from moving when it is
jacked up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the vehicle
may move and result in personal injury.
Getting the spare tire and tools
For King Cab models:
The tool storage compartment is located be-
tween the two rear jump seats.
1. Turn the knob from the lock to the unlock
position and remove the lid from the tool
storage compartment.
2. Release the strap to remove the tool bag.
3. Collapse the jack to remove it from the stor-
age location.
4. Remove the jack and jacking tools.
WCE0044
King Cab models
LCE0109
6-4In case of emergency
Page 265 of 373
2. Place the jack directly under the jack-up
point as illustrated so the top of the jack
contacts the vehicle at the jack-up point. The
jack-up points are indicated by stamped ar-
rows on the side of the frame.The jack should be used on firm and
level ground.3. Install the assembled jack rod into the jack
as shown.
4. To lift the vehicle, securely hold the jack lever
and rod. Carefully raise the vehicle until the
tire clears the ground.
WCE0152LCE0087
In case of emergency6-7