King pin load
When using a 5th wheel hitch, keep the
tongue load between 15 - 25% of the total
trailer load within the maximum king pin
load limits shown in the following “Towing
Load/Specification” chart. If the king pin
load becomes excessive, rearrange cargo
to allow for proper king pin load.
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 ex-
ceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certifica-
tion label.Towing with Weight Distributing Class 4
Hitch
The Class 4 towing capacities shown in the
towing load specification charts are calcu-
lated per the SAE J2807 standards. Addi-
tional passengers, 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 mea-
sured using platform type scales com-
monly found at truck stops, highway weigh
stations, building supply centers or salvage
yards.
Towing with Gooseneck Hitch
The gooseneck towing capacities are cal-
culated 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.
CA0036
10-38Technical and consumer information
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 mea-
sured using platform type scales com-
monly found at truck stops, highway weigh
stations, building supply centers or salvage
yards.
To determine the available payload capac-
ity for tongue/king pin load, use the follow-
ing procedure.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 available 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 available maximum towing ca-
pacity.
To determine the Gross Trailer Weight,
weigh your trailer on a scale with all equip-
ment 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 speci-
fied ratings.
Example: ∙ Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed on a scale - including passengers, cargo
and hitch - 7,804 lbs. (3,540 kg).
∙ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification la-
bel - 8,990 lbs. (4,078 kg). ∙ Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
from “Towing Load/Specification" chart
- 19,450 lbs. (8,822 kg).
∙ Maximum Trailer towing capacity from “Towing Load/Specification" chart -
9,200 lbs. (4,173 kg).
8,990 lbs. (4,078 kg) GVWR
– 7,804 lbs. (3,540 kg) GVW
= 1,186 lbs. (538 kg) Available for tongue/ king pin weight
19,450 lbs. (8,822 kg) GCWR
– 7,804 lbs. (3,540 kg) GVW
= 11,644 lbs. (5,282 kg) Capacity available for towing
1,186 lbs. (538 kg) Available tongue weight
/ 11,644 lbs. (5,282 kg) Available capacity
= 10 % tongue weight
The available towing capacity may be less
than the maximum towing capacity due to
the passenger and cargo load in the ve-
hicle.
Technical and consumer information10-39
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight
between 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or
within the trailer tongue weight specifica-
tion recommended by the trailer manufac-
turer. If the tongue weight becomes exces-
sive, rearrange the cargo to obtain 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%,
shif t the trailer load forward until the trailer
tongue weight reaches 10% of the trailer
weight.
Always verif y 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 vehicle
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
FMVSS/CMVSS label. Doing so can re-
sult in an accident causing serious per-
sonal 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
specifications are based on SV grade
models.
Non-XD models — Single cab — Gasoline engine towing load specification chart — SAE J2807 Weight Distributing Class 4 Hitch
Axle type 2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 1,940 lbs. (880.0 kg) 1,940 lbs. (880.0 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 9,740 lbs. (4,418.0 kg)9,550 lbs. (4,331.8 kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 974 lbs. (441.8 kg)955 lbs. (433.2 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 15,300 lbs. (6,940 kg)15,300 lbs. (6,940 kg)
10-40Technical and consumer information
Non-XD models — Crew cab — Gasoline engine towing load specification chart — SAE J2807 Weight Distributing Class 4 Hitch
Axle type2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 1,590 lbs. (721.2 kg)1,610 lbs. (730.3 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 9,400 lbs. (4,263.8 kg)9,230 lbs. (4,186.7 kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 940 lbs. (426.4 kg)923 lbs. (418.7 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 15,300 lbs. (6,940 kg)15,300 lbs. (6,940 kg)
Non-XD models — King Cab® — Gasoline engine towing load specification chart — SAE J2807 Weight Distributing Class 4 Hitch
Axle type 2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 1,600 lbs. (725.7 kg)1,630 lbs. (739.4 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 9,400 lbs. (4,263.8 kg)9,240 lbs. (4,191.2 kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 940 lbs. (426.4 kg)924 lbs. (419.1 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 15,300 lbs. (6,940 kg)15,300 lbs. (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 lbs. (1,097.7 kg) 2,330 lbs. (1,056.9 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 12,310 lbs. (5,583.7 kg)12,030 lbs. (5,456.7kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 1,231 lbs. (558.4 kg)1,203 lbs. (545.7 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 19,450 lbs. (8,822 kg)19,450 lbs. (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 lbs. (943.5 kg) 2000 lbs. (907.2 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 12,310 lbs. (5,583.7 kg)12,030 lbs. (5,456.7 kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 1,231 lbs. (558.4 kg)1,203 lbs. (545.7 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 19,450 lbs. (8,822 kg)19,450 lbs. (8,822 kg)
Technical and consumer information10-41
XD models — King Cab® — Diesel engine towing load specification chart — SAE J2807 Weight Distributing Class 4 Hitch
Axle type2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 2,290 lbs. (1,038.7 kg) 2,120 lbs. (961.6 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 12,510 lbs. (5,674.4 kg)12,150 lbs. (5,511.1 kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 1,251 lbs. (567.4 kg)1,215 lbs. (551.1 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 19,450 lbs. (8,822 kg)19,450 lbs. (8,822 kg)
XD models — Single Cab — Diesel engine towing load specification chart — Gooseneck Hitch
Axle type 2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 2,260 lbs. (1,028.5 kg) 2,170 lbs. (988.7 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 12,760 lbs. (5,790.9 kg)12,480 lbs. (5,664.9 kg)
Maximum King pin load *2, *3 1,915 lbs. (868.6 kg)1,873 lbs. (849.7 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 19,450 lbs. (8,822 kg)19,450 lbs. (8,822 kg)
XD models — Crew Cab — Diesel engine towing load specification chart — Gooseneck Hitch
Axle type 2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 1,930 lbs. (878.2 kg)1,840 lbs. (839.0 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 11,900 lbs. (5,401.3 kg)11,330 lbs. (5,140.1 kg)
Maximum King pin load *2, *3 1,786 lbs. (810.2 kg)1,700 lbs. (771.0 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 19,450 lbs. (8,822 kg)19,450 lbs. (8,822 kg)
XD models — King Cab® — Diesel engine towing load specification chart — Gooseneck Hitch
Axle type 2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 2,130 lbs. (968.5 kg)1,970 lbs. (895.9 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 12,630 lbs. (5,730.9 kg)12,160 lbs. (5,519.3 kg)
Maximum King pin load *2, *3 1,895 lbs. (859.6 kg)1,825 lbs. (827.9 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 19,450 lbs. (8,822 kg)19,450 lbs. (8,822 kg)
10-42Technical and consumer information
XD models — Single cab — Gasoline engine towing load specification chart — SAE J2807 Weight Distributing Class 4 Hitch
Axle type2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 2,910 lbs. (1,319.9 kg)2,850 lbs. (1,292.7 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 11,590 lbs. (5,257.1 kg)11,330 lbs. (5,139.2 kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 1,159 lbs. (525.7 kg)1,133 lbs. (513.9 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating*4 17,700 lbs. (8,029 kg)17,700 lbs. (8,029 kg)
XD models — Crew cab — Gasoline engine towing load specification chart — SAE J2807 Weight Distributing Class 4 Hitch
Axle type 2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 2,590 lbs. (1,174.8 kg) 2,520 lbs. (1,143.0 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 11,270 lbs. (5,111.9 kg)10,990 lbs. (4,985.0 kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 1,127 lbs. (511.2 kg)1,099 lbs. (498.5 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating*4 17,700 lbs. (8,029 kg)17,700 lbs. (8,029 kg)
XD models — King Cab® — Gasoline engine towing load specification chart — SAE J2807 Weight Distributing Class 4 Hitch
Axle type 2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 2,710 lbs. (1,229.2 kg) 2,560 lbs. (1,161.2 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 11,380 lbs. (5,161.9 kg)11,040 lbs. (5,007.7 kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 1,138 lbs. (516.2 kg)1,104 lbs. (500.8 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating*4 17,700 lbs. (8,029 kg)17,700 lbs. (8,029 kg)
XD models — Single cab — Gasoline engine towing load specification chart — Gooseneck Hitch
Axle type 2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 2,690 lbs. (1,221.6 kg) 2,700 lbs. (1,225.0 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 11,710 lbs. (5,313.5 kg)11,450 lbs. (5,194.4 kg)
Maximum King pin load *2, *3 1,757 lbs. (797.0 kg)1,718 lbs. (779.2 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating*4 17,700 lbs. (8,029 kg)17,700 lbs. (8,029 kg)
Technical and consumer information10-43
XD models — Crew cab — Gasoline engine towing load specification chart — Gooseneck Hitch
Axle type2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 2,440 lbs. (1,107.2 kg)2,310 lbs. (1,052.3 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 11,390 lbs. (5,167.3 kg)11,120 lbs. (5,044.4 kg)
Maximum King pin load *2, *3 1,709 lbs. (775.1 kg)1,668 lbs. (756.7 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating*4 17,700 lbs. (8,029 kg)17,700 lbs. (8,029 kg)
XD models — King Cab® — Gasoline engine towing load specification chart — Gooseneck Hitch
Axle type 2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 2,550 lbs. (1,161.0 kg) 2,430 lbs. (1,106.1 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 11,510 lbs. (5,221.1 kg)11,180 lbs. (5,075.5 kg)
Maximum King pin load *2, *3 1,727 lbs. (783.2 kg)1,678 lbs. (761.3 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating*4 17,700 lbs. (8,029 kg)17,700 lbs. (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 lbs. (2,268 kg) and 500 lbs. (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).
10-44Technical 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 mea-
sured reference height when loaded,
the vehicle may handle unpredictably
which could cause a loss of vehicle con-
trol and cause serious personal injury or
property damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buf-
feting 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 lbs.
(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 lbs. (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 lbs. (2,268 kg).
Class IV hitch
Class IV hitches are weight carrying (WC)
and weight distributing (WD) hitches de-
pending on the vehicle and hitch specifica-
tions. Not all Class IV hitches are rated to be
both. See the specific hitch for that infor-
mation. Class IV trailer hitch equipment (re-
ceiver, ball mount and hitch ball) used as
weight carrying are rated up to 10,000 lbs.
(4,535 kg) gross trailer weight (GTW) with a
maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of
1,000 lbs. (453 kg). Class IV hitches used for
weight distributing are rated up to
14,000 lbs. (6,350 kg) gross trailer weight
(GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue
weight (TW) of 1,400 lbs. (635 kg). A Class IV
hitch usually has a 2" square receiver open-
ing. A higher class drawbar does not in-crease the towing capacity of the hitch. To
use this class of hitch for weight distribu-
tion 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 lbs. (2,268 kg).
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
weigh distributing trailer hitch that has a
14,000 lbs. (6,350 kg) maximum weight rat-
ing, but your vehicle is only capable of tow-
ing the maximum 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 goose-
neck trailer hitch. These types of hitches
are mounted in the bed of the pick-up. A
professional trailer equipment supplier
should install these hitches as it is very im-
portant to mount the hitch correctly to dis-
tribute the king pin weight for the proper
load carrying and sway control perfor-
mance.
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
Technical and consumer information10-47