2017 NISSAN TITAN Owners Manual

Bumper towing
The Genuine NISSAN step bumper has provi-
sions to install a trailer hitch ball and is designed
to tow trailers of a maximum weight of 5,000 lb
(2,268 kg).
NOTE:
The tailer hitch ball can not be installed on
the step bumper if the receiver-type frame
mounted hitch is installed on the vehicle.
To install a trailer hitch ball cut out the circle in the
center of the step bumper
A, then remove it to
install the trailer hitch ball.
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 ve-
hicles can’t 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 (2,268 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 af-
fect 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 manufac-
turer 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 on 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 within0-.5inches (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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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.
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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.
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Gooseneck hitch ball and safety chain an-
chor attachment installation1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Remove the gooseneck hitch ball and safety chain anchor attachments from the storage
pouch.
3. Remove the center and both of the rear capsfrom the puck plugs.
● Once removed, place the pucks in the
storage pouch for future use. 4. Lift the handle from the center of the hitch
ball and rotate 90° from the resting position.
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5. Position the ball bearings to the sides of thetruck bed and Insert the gooseneck hitch
ball into the center receiver tube of the truck
bed. 6. Rotate the handle 90° seat the handle back
to the original resting position. If the handle
does not seat fully, rotate the hitch ball until
the handle drops into the original resting
position. 7. Place the safety chain anchor attachments
into the q-turn pucks.
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8. Rotate the safety chain anchor attachments90° until the center of the anchor seats into
place. NOTE:
Removal of the gooseneck hitch ball and
safety chain anchor attachments are in the
reverse order of installation. To remove
safety chain anchor attachment, lift the
center
1, rotate 90°, and lift safety chain
anchor attachment away.
Tire pressures
● When towing a trailer, inflate the ve-
hicle 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 manufacturer’s specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains 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. The safety
chains can be attached to the bumper if the hitch
ball is mounted to the bumper. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chains to permit turning
corners.
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Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available 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 that
15 milliamps from the stop and tail lamp
circuits. Using a module/converter that
exceeds these power requirements may
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
See a reputable trailer retailer to obtain
the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, it is recommended that you contact a
NISSAN dealer or reputable trailer retailer. Ve-
hicles equipped with the optional trailer tow
package are equipped with a 7-pin trailer har-
ness connector. If your trailer is equipped with a
flat 4-pin connector, an adapter will be needed to
connect the trailer lights to the vehicle. Adapters
are available at auto parts stores and hitch retail-
ers.
Trailer brakes (if so equipped)
If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
Vehicles equipped with a 7–pin trailer harness
connector are pre-wired for a trailer brake con-
troller. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for a trailer brake adapter harness.
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1587 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.
WARNING
The Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) must never exceed the vehicle
manufacturers recommendation.
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 connection for brake op-
eration between the tow vehicle and the trailer.
CAUTION
Your factory trailer brake control unit will
not activate surge-style trailer brakes
Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking sys-
tems are activated by an electronic signal sent
from a trailer brake controller (special brake-
sensing module) . If electric trailer brakes are
used, refer to “Electric trailer brake controller in
this section.
Have a professional supplier of towing equip-
ment make sure the trailer brakes are properly
installed and demonstrate proper brake function
testing.
WARNING
The NISSAN trailer brake controller has
been verified to be compatible with trail-
ers having electric actuated drum brakes
(one to four axles) and electric-over-
hydraulic brakes. It will not activate hy-
draulic surge-style trailer brakes
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WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may re-
quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer
brake controller.
Your vehicle is equipped with a connector and
jumper harness that is specifically designed to be
used when installing an aftermarket brake con-
troller.To install the electric trailer brake controller
jumper harness, perform the following proce-
dure:
1. Open the driver door. Move the seat to the rearmost position.
example
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