2017 NISSAN ARMADA towing

TI1012M
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.
Towing capacities are calculated assuming a
base vehicle with driver and any optionsrequired to achieve the rating. Additional pas-
sengers, 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/king pin load, use the following proce-
dure.
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/king pin load.
To determine the available towing capacity, use
the following procedure.
1. Find the GCWR for your vehicle on the “Towing Load/Specification” chart 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
ratings.
Example:
. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed
on a scale - including passengers, cargo
and hitch - 5,822 lb. (2,641 kg) .
. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label -
7,300 lb. (3,311 kg) .
. Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
from “Towing Load/Specification” chart -
14,700 lb. (6,668 kg) .
Technical and consumer information10-19

10-20Technical and consumer information
.Maximum Trailer towing capacity from “Tow-
ing Load/Specification” chart - 8,500 lb.
(3,856 kg) .
7,300 lb. (3,311 kg) GVWR
í 5,822 lb. (2,641 kg) GVW
= 1,478 lb. (670 kg) Available for tongue
weight
14,700 lb. (6,668 kg) GCWR
í 5,822 lb. (2,641 kg) GVW
= 8,878 lb. (4,027 kg) Capacity available for
towing
1,478 lb. (670 kg) / Available tongue weight
8,878 lb. (4,027 kg) Available capacity
= 11 % tongue weight
The available towing capacity may be less than
the maximum towing capacity due to the
passenger and cargo load in the vehicle.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight be-
tween 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or within
the trailer tongue load specification recom-
mended by the trailer manufacturer. If the tongue
load becomes excessive, rearrange the cargo to
obtain the proper tongue load. Do not exceed
the maximum tongue weight specification shown
in the “Towing load/specification” chart 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.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
WARNING
The towing capacities provided in this
manual are for general reference only.
The safe towing capacity of your vehicle
is affected by dealer and factory in-
stalled options and passenger and
cargo loads. You must weigh the vehi-
cle and trailer as described in this
manual to determine the actual vehicle
towing capacity. Do not exceed the
published maximum towing capacity,
or the GCWR or the GVWR shown on
the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label. Doing so can result in an accident
causing serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage.

Towing load/specification chart
Axle Type Two-Wheel Drive (2WD)Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Maximum Towing Capacity*1, *2 8,500 lb (3,856 kg)
Maximum Tongue Load 850 lb (385 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 14,450 lb (6,554 kg)14,700 lb (6,668 kg)
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.
2: Use of a weight-distributing hitch system is recommended when towing over 5,000 lb (2,267 kg) .TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle is equipped with a trailer tow
package. The trailer tow package includes a
receiver-type frame mounted hitch. This hitch is
rated for the maximum towing capacity of this
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 avail-
able from a NISSAN dealer.
Technical and consumer information10-21

10-22Technical and consumer information
JVT0457X
To access the trailer hitch*A, remove the trailer
hitch cover located on the lower part of the rear
bumper.
To remove the trailer hitch cover:
1. Remove the 2 bolts. 2. Pull the bottom of the cover straight back-
ward to remove the inner side and upper
clips.
JVT0458X
To install the trailer hitch cover:
1. Insert the upper clips to the recesses
*B,
and then push in the cover to its original
position.
2. Install the 2 bolts
*C.
Bolt tightening torque:
2.2 to 3.3 ft-lb (3 to 4.4 N·m)
Do not use excessive force.
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 compo-
nents. Never exceed the weight rating
of the hitch components. Doing so can
cause serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and
weight rating for your trailer:
.The required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on top of the ball.
. Choose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.
. The 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.
. The 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 or “dead weight” ball 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 vehicles cannot 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.
A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) is
recommended if you plan to tow trailers with a
maximum weight over 5,000 lbs (2,267 kg) .
Check with the trailer and towing equipment
manufacturers to determine if they recommend
the use of a weight-distributing hitch system. NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may
affect the operation of trailer surge brakes.
If you are considering use of a weight-
distributing hitch system with a surge
brake-equipped trailer, check with the
surge brake, hitch or trailer manufacturer
to determine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the manu-
facturer for installing and using the weight-
distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface.
With the ignition switch in the ON position
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 within 0 - .5 inches (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.
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10-24Technical and consumer information
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 unpre-
dictably which could cause a loss of
vehicle control and cause serious per-
sonal injury or property damage.
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 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
system. 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 (907 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 (1,588 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 (2,267 kg).
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 (2,267 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
vehicle is only capable of towing the maximum
trailer weights shown in the “Towing Load/
Specification” chart earlier in this section.
CAUTION
.Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
. Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc.
. Do not attach any additional hitches
to your vehicle because a hitch is
already mounted to your vehicle
frame.
Tire pressures
.When towing a trailer, inflate the
vehicle tires to the recommended
cold tire pressure indicated on the
Tire and Loading Information label.
. Trailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and
tire manufacturers’ specifications.
Safety chains
Always use a suitable chain 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. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chains to permit

turning corners.
STI0745
Trailer lights (if so equipped)
Your vehicle is equipped with a towing package,
which also includes the 7-pin trailer harness
connector located under the trailer hitch cover
on the rear bumper.
CAUTION
.When splicing into the vehicle elec-
trical system, a commercially avail-
able power-type module/converter
must be used to provide power for
all trailer lighting. This unit uses the
vehicle battery as a direct power source for all trailer lights while
using the vehicle tail light, stoplight
and turn signal circuits as a signal
source. The module/converter must
draw no more than 15 milliamps
from the stop and tail lamp circuits.
Using a module/converter that ex-
ceeds these power requirements
may damage the vehicle’s electrical
system. See a reputable trailer re-
tailer to obtain the proper equip-
ment and to have it installed.
. Do not connect electrical devices
that draw more than 40 amps to the
vehicle. The fusible link may melt.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or
reputable trailer retailer.
Trailer brakes
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used. However, most states
require a separate braking system on trailers
with a loaded weight above a specific amount.
Make sure the trailer meets the local regulations
and the regulations where you plan to tow.
Technical and consumer information10-25

10-26Technical and consumer information
Several types of braking systems are available.
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 connec-
tion 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) .
Have a professional supplier of towing equip-
ment make sure the trailer brakes are properly
installed and demonstrate proper brake function
testing.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
. Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it has an
abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition;
check for improper tongue load, overload,
worn suspension or other possible causes
of either condition.
. Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
. Keep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
. Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
. Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure,
vehicle tire pressure, trailer light operation,
and trailer wheel lug nuts every time you
attach a trailer to the vehicle.
. Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
. Determine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability, and braking
performance will be somewhat different than
under normal driving conditions.
.Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
. Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
. Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
. Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
. Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed. Some states or provinces have
specific speed limits for vehicles that are
towing trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
. When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so: