2018 NISSAN TITAN trailer

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

TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle may be equipped with an op-
tional trailer tow package. The trailer tow
package includes a receiver-type frame
mounted hitch. This hitch is rated for the
maximum towing capacity of this vehicle
when the proper towing equipment is
used. Choose a proper ball mount and
hitch ball that is rated for the trailer to be
towed. Genuine NISSAN ball mounts and
hitch balls are available at a NISSAN dealer.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the op-
tional trailer tow package, check the tow-
ing capacity of your bumper hitch or
receiver-type frame mounted hitch.
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A Genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is
available at a NISSAN dealer. Make sure the
trailer hitch is securely attached to the ve-
hicle to help avoid personal injury or prop-
erty damage due to sway caused by cross-
winds, rough road surfaces or passing
trucks.A hitch used for towing 5th wheel and
gooseneck trailers can also be installed on
your vehicle. Contact a professional sup-
plier of towing equipment to purchase and
have a 5th wheel or gooseneck hitch in-
stalled.
WARNING
Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca-
pable of towing a trailer heavier than
the weight rating of the hitch compo-
nents. Never exceed the weight rating
of the hitch components. Doing so can
cause serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and
weight rating for your trailer:
∙ The required hitch ball size is stamped on most trailer couplers. Most hitch
balls also have the size printed on the
top of the ball.
∙ Choose the proper class hitch ball based on the trailer weight. ∙ The diameter of the threaded shank of
the hitch ball must be matched to the
ball mount hole diameter. The hitch ball
shank should be no more than 1/16”
smaller than the hole in the ball mount.
∙ The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be long enough to be properly
secured to the ball mount. There should
be at least 2 threads showing beyond
the lock washer and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount
and the ball mount is inserted into the
hitch receiver. Choose a proper class ball
mount based on the trailer weight. Addi-
tionally, the ball mount should be chosen to
keep the trailer tongue level with the
ground.
Technical and consumer information10-45

Bumper towing
The Genuine NISSAN step bumper has pro-
visions to install a trailer hitch ball and is
designed to tow trailers of a maximum
weight of 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg).
NOTE:
The trailer hitch ball cannot 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 vehicles 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 trail-
ers 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
affect 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 manufac-
turer to determine if and how this can be
done.
Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the
weight-distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level sur- face. 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 ad- just the hitch equalizers so that the
front bumper height is within 0 -
.5 inches (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
10-46Technical 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

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.
The weight of the trailer should not exceed
the maximum towing capacity for the ve-
hicle. 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 oraffect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
∙ Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
∙ Do not modif y the vehicle exhaust system, 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
contact the bumper and cause dam-
age to the bumper or trailer.
∙ When towing a 5th wheel trailer, do not make sharp turns while driving or
backing. The trailer may contact the
vehicle and cause damage to both the
trailer and vehicle.CAUTION
∙ A 5th wheel hitch adapter is necessaryto use an af termarket 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
serious personal injury during a colli-
sion or sudden stop.
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10-48Technical and consumer information

8. Rotate the safety chain anchor attach-ments 90° until the center of the an-
chor seats into place. NOTE:
Removal of the gooseneck hitch ball and
safety chain anchor attachments are in
the reverse order of installation. To re-
move safety chain anchor attachment,
lif t the center
1, rotate 90°, and lif t
safety chain anchor attachment away.
Tire pressures
∙ When towing a trailer, inflate the
vehicle tires to the recom-
mended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the Tire and Loading In-
formation label.
∙ Trailer tire condition, size, load rat- ing 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 turn-
ing corners.
LTI2212LTI2192
Technical and consumer information10-51

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 bat-
tery 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
than 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 repu-
table 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 repu-
table trailer retailer. Vehicles equipped with
the optional trailer tow package are
equipped with a 7-pin trailer harness con-
nector. 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 retailers.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 prop-
erly installed.
Vehicles equipped with a 7–pin trailer har-
ness connector are pre-wired for a trailer
brake controller. 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 regu-
lations 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 avail-
able. Surge Brakes -
The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hy-
draulic 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 operation between the tow ve-
hicle and the trailer.
CAUTION
Your factory trailer brake control unit
will not activate surge-style trailer
brakes
Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking
systems are activated by an electronic sig-
nal sent from a trailer brake controller (spe-
cial brake-sensing module). If electric trailer
brakes are used, refer to “Electric trailer
brake controller" in this section.
Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes are
properly installed and demonstrate proper
brake function testing.
10-52Technical and consumer information