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.
LTI2227
10-42Technical 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.
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