2017 NISSAN Towing Guide 6 5th Wheel or Gooseneck Hitch –
A 5th wheel or gooseneck hitch mounts
in the bed of a pick-up and is designed for
heavy-duty applications. A gooseneck
hitch is available from NISSAN for the
Titan XD. At this time, the Titan XD is the
only NISSAN vehicle approved for 5th
wheel and gooseneck trailer towing
.
BALL MOUNT
A ball mount (also known as a drawbar) is
a bar that holds a hitch ball, which inserts
into a receiver-type hitch. Ball mounts come
in a number of weight capacities (3,500 lbs.,
5,000 lbs., etc.) and sizes (1-7/8”, 2”, etc.),
and can be weight distributing or non-weight-
distributing. Choose a proper class ball
mount based on the trailer weight.
HITCH BALL
A hitch ball is bolted through a ball mount or
hitch hole in the tow vehicle’s rear bumper.
The coupler on the trailer tongue attaches over the hitch ball. Like ball mounts, hitch balls are
available in a number of weight capacities and sizes. Most hitch balls have the size stamped
on the top of the ball. The required hitch ball size is stamped on most trailer couplers.
Always make sure the hitch ball selected has the proper shank diameter and weight rating for
the ball mount as well as the coupler on your trailer. Using a 1-
7/8” hitch ball in a 2” coupler,
for example, could result in the trailer separating from the tow vehicle.
The diameter of the hitch ball shank must be matched to the ball mount hole diameter. The
5th Wheel Hitch
Gooseneck Hitch
Hitch
Mount BallBall
2017 NISSAN Towing Guide 22
NOTES – All NISSAN vehicles have an engine protection mode, which helps reduce the
chance of engine damage if the engine coolant reaches a specified temperature. See your
vehicle owner’s manual for details.
1 Maximum Trailer Weight values are calculated assuming a base vehicle with driver and any
options to achieve the rating. Additional passengers, cargo and/or additional optional
equipment will add weight to the vehicle and reduce your vehicle’s maximum towing
capacity and trailer tongue load.
2 Use of a weight-distributing hitch system is required when towing over 5,000 lbs.
3 The Maximum Trailer Weight and Gross Combined Weight ratings for 5th wheel and
gooseneck trailer towing are the same as specified for conventional trailer towing.
4 Most states require a separate braking system on trailers with a loaded weight above a
specific amount. Check local regulations where you plan to tow. A 4 or 7-pin type
connector trailer wire harnesses may be required for use with trailer brakes (available
separately).
Other Recommendations and Information – Towing performance and speed are affected by
vehicle payload, tow weight, road grades, and weather conditions, including high
temperatures. See your vehicle owner’s manual for details.
TOWING GLOSSARY
5TH WHEEL
HITCH Located just forward of the rear axle centerline, this hitch uses a king pin to
serve as the pivot point for the trailer.
BALL MOUNT A bar that holds the hitch ball and is inserted into the hitch receiver. Also
commonly called a drawbar.
BREAKAWAY SWITCH A safety device using a trailer battery that automatically applies the trailer’s
brakes if the trailer accidentally becomes separated from the tow vehicle.
A breakaway switch may be used with both electric or surge trailer brake
systems.
BUMPER HITCH A reinforced bumper designed to accommodate a hitch ball.
ELECTRIC TRAILER
BRAKES When the brakes on a tow vehicle are applied, an electric current is sent to
an actuator, which applies the trailer’s brakes.
ELECTRIC TRAILER
BRAKE CONTROLLER A device that controls the electric trailer brakes.
GOOSENECK HITCH Located just forward of the rear axle centerline, this hitch uses a ball to serve
as the pivot point for the trailer.
