They must be installed so they are properly
seated in the detents in the channel.
Install the channels end stoppers as fol-
lows:1. Remove the channel protectors by slid- ing them out the back of the truck bed.
Properly store the channel protectors.
2. Loosen the bolt on the center of the end stopper with the provided wrench
and insert it into the channel.
3. Position the end stopper to the desired location on the channel so the nubs on
the bottom of the end stopper fully
seat into the channel detents.
4. Tighten the bolt on the center of the end stopper with the provided wrench.
LOADING TIPS
∙ The GVW must not exceed GVWRor GAWR as specified on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label.
∙ Do not load the front and rear axle to the GAWR. Doing so will
exceed the GVWR.
WARNING
∙ Properly secure all cargo with ropes or straps to help prevent
it from sliding or shif ting. Do not
place cargo higher than the
seatbacks. In a sudden stop or
collision, unsecured cargo could
cause personal injury.
∙ Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or the
maximum front and rear
GAWRs. If you do, parts of your
vehicle can break, tire damage
could occur, or it can change the
way your vehicle handles. This
could result in loss of control
and cause personal injury. ∙ Overloading not only can
shorten the life of your vehicle
and the tire, but can also cause
unsafe vehicle handling and
longer braking distances. This
may cause a premature tire fail-
ure which could result in a seri-
ous accident and personal in-
jury. Failures caused by
overloading are not covered by
the vehicle’s warranty.
Technical and consumer information10-27
CREW CAB MODELS
Crew Cab short wheel base models
should not be used to carry a slide-in
camper.
KING CAB® MODELS
This information is provided for you to
properly install a slide-in camper and is
based on the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration regulations. It is rec-
ommended that, before installing the
camper, you carefully read the following in-
formation and ensure that the camper
meets the specifications.
This information may not apply to some
Canada model vehicles.
SPECIAL BODY VEHICLES
Some vehicles are equipped with commer-
cial or camper bodies. However, this Own-
er’s Manual does not cover these options.
For additional information, refer to the
body manufacturer’s instruction manual.
LOCATION FOR CENTER OF
GRAVITY
The illustration indicates the recom-
mended cargo center of gravity location.
King Cab®:
L1 = 36.7 in (931 mm)
WARNING
Improper loading may be dangerous. If
a load is too far back, it can affect han-
dling characteristics. If a load is too far
forward, the front axle may be
overloaded.When the truck is used to carry a slide-in
camper, the total cargo load of the truck
consists of the camper manufacturer’s
weight figure, plus:
∙ the weight of installed additional camper equipment not included in the
camper manufacturer’s weight figure,
∙ the weight of camper cargo,
∙ and the weight of occupants in the camper.
LTI0128LTI0129
TRUCK-CAMPER LOADING
INFORMATION
10-28Technical and consumer information
The total cargo load should not exceed the
truck’s pay load weight rating and the
camper’s center of gravity should fall within
the truck’s recommended center of gravity
location when installed.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading can
adversely affect vehicle handling, brak-
ing and performance and may lead to
accidents.
VEHICLE LOAD WEIGHT CAPACITY
The vehicle payload weight capacity
shown on the Tire and Loading Information
label, refer to “Tire and Loading Information
label” in this section, indicates the maxi-
mum total weight of passengers, optional
equipment (air conditioning, trailer hitch,
etc.) and cargo that your vehicle is de-
signed to carry.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm
that you do not exceed the GVWR or the
GAWR for your vehicle. For additional infor-
mation, refer to ’’Vehicle loading informa-
tion’’ in this section.
Also check tires for proper inflation pres-
sures. For additional information, refer to
the Tire and Loading Information label.
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent
weight shif ts that could affect the
balance of your vehicle. When the ve-
hicle is loaded, drive to a scale and
weigh the front and the rear wheels
separately to determine axle loads.
Individual axle loads should not ex-
ceed either of the GAWR. The total of
the axle loads should not exceed the
GVWR. These ratings are given on
the vehicle certification label. If
weight ratings are exceeded, move
or remove items to bring all weights
below the ratings.
WARNING
∙ Overloading or improper loading of atrailer and its cargo can adversely af-
fect vehicle handling, braking and
performance and may lead to
accidents.
∙ Do not tow a trailer when the TEMPO- RARY FULL SIZE spare tire is installed.
CAUTION
∙ Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavyload for the first 500 mile (805 km).
Your engine, axle or other parts could
be damaged.
∙ For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you tow a trailer, do not drive over
50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make
starts at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of your vehicle
wear in at the heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
Remember that towing a trailer places ad-
ditional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
drive train, steering, braking and other sys-
tems.
TOWING A TRAILER
Technical and consumer information10-29
A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is avail-
able on the website at
www.nissanusa.com. This guide includes
information on trailer towing capability and
the special equipment required for proper
towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
the value specified in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart found in this sec-
tion. The total trailer load equals trailer
weight plus its cargo weight.∙ When towing a trailer load of
3,500 lbs. (1,587 kg) or more, trailers
with a brake system MUST be used.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) should not exceed the value
specified in the following “Towing
Load/Specification” chart. The GCWR equals the combined weight of
the towing vehicle (including passengers
and cargo) plus the total trailer load. Tow-
ing loads greater than these or using im-
proper towing equipment could adversely
affect vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is
not only related to the maximum trailer
loads, but also the places you plan to tow.
Tow weights appropriate for level highway
driving may have to be reduced for low
traction situations (for example, on slippery
boat ramps).Temperature conditions can also affect
towing. For example, towing a heavy trailer
in high outside temperatures on graded
roads can affect engine performance and
cause overheating. The engine protection
mode, which helps reduce the chance of
engine damage, could activate and auto-
matically decrease engine power. Vehicle
speed may decrease under high load. Plan
your trip carefully to account for trailer and
vehicle load, weather and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced en-
gine power and vehicle speed. The re-
duced speed may be lower than other
traffic, which could increase the chance
of a collision. Be especially careful when
driving. If the vehicle cannot maintain a
safe driving speed, pull to the side of the
road in a safe area. Allow the engine to
cool and return to normal operation. For
additional information, refer to “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of
emergency ” section of this manual.LTI0161
10-30Technical and consumer information
5,815 lbs. (2638 kg) GVWR
– 5,185 lbs. (2352 kg) GVW
= 630 lbs. (286 kg) Available for tongue weight
11,133 lbs. (5050 kg) GCWR
– 5,185 lbs. (2352 kg) GVW
= 5,948 lbs. (2698 kg) Capacity available for towing
630 lbs. (286 kg) Available tongue weight
/ 5,948 lbs. (2698 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.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight
between 10 - 15 percent of the trailer weight
or within the trailer tongue load specifica-
tion recommended by the trailer manufac-
turer. If the tongue load becomes exces-
sive, rearrange the cargo to obtain the
proper tongue load. 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 percent. If
the calculated tongue weight is less than
10 percent, reduce the total trailer weight to
match the available tongue weight.
Always verif y that available capacities are
within the required ratings.
Trailer frontal area
CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum trailer frontal
area specification may exceed the tow-
ing capacity of the vehicle. This may af-
fect the towing performance and lead
to vehicle damage.
The trailer frontal area affects the towing
load of a trailer. The frontal area is the total
area of the vehicle and trailer that is af-
fected by air resistance while towing. Do
not exceed the maximum trailer frontal
area specification shown in the "Towing
Load/Specification” chart. The frontal area
can be determined by multiplying the
width of the trailer by the height of the
trailer. For example, a trailer that is 8 feet
wide by 6 feet tall has a trailer frontal area of
48 square feet.
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.
Technical and consumer information10-33
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 from 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 from a NISSAN dealer. Make sure
the trailer hitch is securely attached to the
vehicle to help avoid personal injury or
property damage due to sway caused by
crosswinds, rough road surfaces or pass-
ing trucks.
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 information10-35
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).
The Genuine NISSAN step bumper is con-
sidered a Class II ball mount.
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 trailer hitch equipment (receiver,
ball mount and hitch ball) can be used to
tow trailers of a maximum weight of
10,000 lbs. (4,535 kg). 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
trailer hitch equipment that has a
10,000 lbs. (4,535 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.
CAUTION
∙ Special hitches which include framereinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lbs. (907 kg). Suitable
Genuine NISSAN hitches, ball mounts
and hitch balls for pickup trucks and
sport utility vehicles are available at a
NISSAN dealer.
∙ The hitch should not be attached to or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
WARNING
∙ Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
∙ Do not modif y the vehicle exhaustsystem, 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.
Technical and consumer information10-37
Tire pressures
∙ When towing a trailer, inflate thevehicle 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.
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, stop light 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 dealer 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 visit a NISSAN dealer or reputable
trailer dealer. Vehicles equipped with the
optional trailer tow package are equipped
with a 7-pin trailer harness connector. A flat
4–pin harness is available from your dealer
for vehicles without a tow package. If your
trailer is equipped with a flat 4-pin connec- tor, an adapter will be needed to connect
the trailer lights to the vehicle. Adapters are
available at auto parts stores and hitch re-
tailers.Trailer brakes
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.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
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.
Several types of braking systems are avail-
able.
10-38Technical and consumer information