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 with Weight Distributing Class 4
Hitch
The Class 4 towing capacities shown in the
towing load specification charts are calculated
per the SAE J2807 standards. 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 ca-
pacity 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.
Towing with Gooseneck Hitch
The gooseneck towing capacities are calculated
assuming a base vehicle with driver and any
options required to achieve the rating. Additional
passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment,
such as the trailer hitch, will add weight to the
vehicle and reduce your vehicle’s maximum tow-
ing capacity and trailer tongue load.
The vehicle and trailer need to be weighed to
confirm the vehicle is within the GVWR, FrontGAWR, 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 in
this section.
2. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the GCWR. The remaining amount is the avail-
able maximum towing capacity.
CA0036
10-36Technical and consumer information
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 rat-
ings.
Example:● Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed
on a scale - including passengers, cargo and
hitch - 7,804 lb. (3,540 kg).
● Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label -
7,804 lb. (3,540 kg).
● Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
from “Towing Load/Specification chart -
19,450 lb. (8,822 kg). ●
Maximum Trailer towing capacity from “Tow-
ing Load/Specification chart - 9,200 lb.
(4,173 kg).
8,990 lb. (4,078 kg) GVWR
– 7,804 lb. (3,540 kg) GVW
= 1,186 lb. (538 kg) Available for tongue/king pin weight
19,450 lb. (8,822 kg) GCWR
– 7,804 lb. (3,540 kg) GVW
= 11,644 lb. (5,282 kg) Capacity available for tow- ing
1,186 lb. (538 kg) Available tongue weight
/ 11,644 lb. (5,282 kg) Available capacity
= 10 % tongue weight
The available towing capacity may be less than
the maximum towing capacity due to the passen-
ger 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 weight specification recommended
by the trailer manufacturer. If the tongue weight
becomes excessive, rearrange the cargo to ob-
tain the proper tongue weight. 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%, shift the trailer load forward until the
trailer tongue weight reaches 10% of the trailer
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 truck is af-
fected by dealer and factory installed op-
tions and passenger and cargo loads. You
must weigh the vehicle and trailer as de-
scribed in this manual to determine the
actual vehicle towing capacity. Do not ex-
ceed the published maximum towing ca-
pacity or the GCWR or the GVWR shown
on the FMVSS/CMVSS label. Doing so
can result in an accident causing serious
personal injury or property damage.
NOTE:
The SAE J2807 Weight Distributing Class 4
Hitch specifications are based on S and SV
grade models . The Gooseneck Hitch speci-
fications are based on SV grade models.
Technical and consumer information10-37
Non-XD models — Single cab — Gasoline engine towing load specification chart — SAE J2807 Weight Distributing Class 4 Hitch
Axle type2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 1,910 lb (866.4 kg) 1,930 lb (875.4 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 9,730 lb (4,413.5 kg)9,550 lb (4,331.8 kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 973 lb (441.3 kg)955 lb (433.2 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 15,300 lb (6,940 kg)15,300 lb (6,940 kg)
Non-XD models — Crew cab — Gasoline engine towing load specification chart — SAE J2807 Weight Distributing Class 4 Hitch
Axle type 2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 1,590 lb (721.2 kg) 1,610 lb (730.3 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 9,270 lb (4,204.8 kg)9,230 lb (4,186.7 kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 927 lb (420.5 kg)923 lb (418.7 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 15,300 lb (6,940 kg)15,300 lb (6,940 kg)
XD models — Single cab — Diesel engine towing load specification chart — SAE J2807 Weight Distributing Class 4 Hitch
Axle type 2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 2,420 lb (1,097.7 kg) 2,330 lb (1,056.9 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 12,640 lb (5,733.4 kg)12,360 lb (5,606.4 kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 1,264 lb (573.3 kg)1,236 lb (560.6 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 19,450 lb (8,822 kg)19,450 lb (8,822 kg)
XD models — Crew cab — Diesel engine towing load specification chart — SAE J2807 Weight Distributing Class 4 Hitch
Axle type 2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 2,080 lb (943.5 kg) 2000 lb (907.2 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 12,310 lb (5,583.7 kg)12,030 lb (5,456.7 kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 1,231 lb (558.4 kg)1,203 lb (545.7 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 19,450 lb (8,822 kg)19,450 lb (8,822 kg)
10-38Technical and consumer information
XD models — Single Cab — Diesel engine towing load specification chart — Gooseneck Hitch
Axle type2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 2,260 lb (1,025.1 kg) 2,170 lb (984.3 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 12,760 lb (5,787.8 kg)12,480 lb (5,660.8 kg)
Maximum King pin load *2, *3 1,914 lb (868.2 kg)1,872 lb (849.1 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 19,450 lb (8,822 kg)19,450 lb (8,822 kg)
XD models — Crew Cab — Diesel engine towing load specification chart — Gooseneck Hitch
Axle type 2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 1,930 lb (875.4 kg) 1,840 lb (834.6 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 11,900 lb (5,397.7 kg)11,330 lb (5,139.2 kg)
Maximum King pin load *2, *3 1,785 lb (809.7 kg)1,700 lb (770.9 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 19,450 lb (8,822 kg)19,450 lb (8,822 kg)
XD models — Single cab — Gasoline engine towing load specification chart — SAE J2807 Weight Distributing Class 4 Hitch
Axle type 2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 2,910 lb (1,320 kg)2,850 lb (1,292.7 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 11,590 lb (5,257.1 kg)11,330 lb (5,139.2 kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 1,159 lb (525.7 kg)1,133 lb (513.9 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating*4 17,700 lb (8,029 kg)17,700 lb (8,029 kg)
Technical and consumer information10-39
XD models — Crew cab — Gasoline engine towing load specification chart — SAE J2807 Weight Distributing Class 4 Hitch
Axle type2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 2,590 lb (1,174.8 kg) 2,520 lb (1,143.1 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 11,260 lb (5,107.5 kg)10,990 lb (4,985 kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 1,126 lb (510.7 kg)1,099 lb (498.5 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating*4 17,700 lb (8,029 kg)17,700 lb (8,029 kg)
XD models — Single cab — Gasoline engine towing load specification chart — Gooseneck Hitch
Axle type 2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 2,690 lb (1,220.2 kg) 2,700 lb (1,224.7 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 11,710 lb (5,311.6 kg)11,450 lb (5,193.6 kg)
Maximum King pin load *2, *3 1,757 lb (796.7 kg)1,718 lb (779 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating*4 17,700 lb (8,029 kg)17,700 lb (8,029 kg)
XD models — Crew cab — Gasoline engine towing load specification chart — Gooseneck Hitch
Axle type 2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 2,440 lb (1,106.8 kg) 2,310 lb (1,047.8 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 11,390 lb (5,166.4 kg)11,120 lb (5,043.9 kg)
Maximum King pin load *2, *3 1,709 lb (775 kg)1,668 lb (756.6 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating*4 17,700 lb (8,029 kg)17,700 lb (8,029 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 lbs. (2,268 kg).
*3: The maximum towing capacity when using the Genuine NISSAN step bumper as a ball mount is 5,000 lb. (2,268 kg) and 500 lb. (227 kg) tongue load.
*4: The maximum gross combined weight rating for XD gasoline engine vehicles equipped with 20 inch wheels is 16,900 lbs (7,666 kg).
10-40Technical 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 unpredictably which could
cause a loss of vehicle control and cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer han-
dling. 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 sys-
tem. 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 (1,587 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 (2,268 kg).
Class IV hitch
Class IV hitches are weight carrying (WC) and
weight distributing (WD) hitches depending on
the vehicle and hitch specifications. Not all Class
IV hitches are rated to be both. See the specific
hitch for that information. Class IV trailer hitch
equipment (receiver, ball mount and hitch ball)
used as weight carrying are rated up to 10,000 lb
(4,535 kg) gross trailer weight (GTW) with a
maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 1000 lb
(453 kg) . Class IV hitches used for weight dis-
tributing are rated up to 14,000 lb (6,350 kg)
gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer
tongue weight (TW) of 1400 lb (635 kg) . A Class
IV hitch usually has a 2square receiver opening.
A higher class drawbar does not increase the
towing capacity of the hitch. To use this class of
hitch for weight distribution requires a weight
distribution system. Class IV hitches attach to the vehicle frame only. A weight distributing hitch
should be used to tow trailers that weigh over
5,000 lb (2,268 kg).
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
weigh distributing trailer hitch that has a
14,000 lb (6,350 kg) maximum weight rating, but
your vehicle is only capable of towing the maxi-
mum trailer weights shown in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart in this section.
5th wheel/gooseneck
A 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer can be towed by
installing a 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer hitch.
These types of hitches are mounted in the bed of
the pick-up. A professional trailer equipment sup-
plier should install these hitches as it is very
important to mount the hitch correctly to distrib-
ute the king pin weight for the proper load carry-
ing and sway control performance.
The king pin weight should be 15% of the fully
loaded trailer. Make sure the king pin weight does
not cause the gross vehicle weight to exceed the
Gross Maximum Weight Rating or the rear axle
weight to exceed the Rear Gross Axle Weight
rating. For additional information, refer to “Maxi-
mum load limits” in this section.
Technical and consumer information10-43
The weight of the trailer should not exceed the
maximum towing capacity for the vehicle. For
additional information, refer to “Towing
Load/Specification” chart in this section.
Make sure the trailer design allows for the correct
vehicle to trailer clearances before purchasing a
5th wheel trailer.
WARNING
●The hitch should not be attached to or
affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
● Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
● Do not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-
tem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
● To reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
receiver when not in use.
● Regularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.
● When towing with the hitch ball
mounted to the rear bumper, do not
make sharp turns. The trailer may con-
tact the bumper and cause damage to
the bumper or trailer. ●
When towing a 5th wheel trailer, do not
make sharp turns while driving or back-
ing. The trailer may contact the vehicle
and cause damage to both the trailer
and vehicle.
CAUTION
● A 5th wheel hitch adapter is necessary
to use an aftermarket 5th wheel hitch. A
Genuine NISSAN 5th wheel hitch
adapter (as shown) may be available at
a NISSAN dealer.
● Ensure kit components are properly
stored when not in use. Improperly
stowed components could result in se-
rious personal injury during a collision
or sudden stop.
LTI2204
10-44Technical and consumer information