2021 NISSAN ARMADA Owner´s Manual

STI0542
Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load
between 10 to 15% of the total trailer load
or use the trailer tongue load specified by
the trailer manufacturer. The tongue load
must be within the maximum tongue
load limits shown in the following “Towing
Load/Specification” chart. If the tongue
load becomes excessive, rearrange cargo
to allow for proper tongue load.
TI1012M
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
exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label.
Towing capacities are calculated assum-
ing a base vehicle with driver and anyoptions required to achieve the rating.
Additional passengers, cargo and/or op-
tional 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
measured using platform type scales
commonly found at truck stops, highway
weigh stations, building supply centers or
salvage yards.
To determine the available payload capa-
city for tongue/king pin load, use the
following 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 capa-
city, use the following procedure.
Technical and consumer information10-21

10-22Technical and consumer information
1. Find the GCWR for your vehicle on the“Towing Load/Specification” chart
found later in this section.
2. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the GCWR. The remaining
amount is the available maximum
towing capacity.
To determine the Gross Trailer Weight,
weigh your trailer on a scale with all
equipment 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 specified
ratings.
Example:
. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as
weighed on a scale - including pas-
sengers, cargo and hitch - 5,822 lb.
(2,641 kg). .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
from F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label - 7,300 lb. (3,311 kg).
. Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) from “Towing Load/Specifica-
tion” chart - 14,520 lb. (6,586 kg).
. Maximum Trailer towing capacity
from “Towing Load/Specification”
chart - 8,500 lb. (3,856 kg).
7,300 lb. (3,311 kg) GVWR
− 5,822 lb. (2,641 kg) GVW
= 1,478 lb. (670 kg) Available for tongue
weight
14,520 lb. (6,586 kg) GCWR
− 5,822 lb. (2,641 kg) GVW
= 8,698 lb. (3,945 kg) Capacity available for
towing
1,478 lb. (670 kg) / Available tongue
weight
8,698 lb. (3,945 kg) Available capacity
= 11 % tongue weight
The available towing capacity may be less
than the maximum towing capacity due
to the passenger and cargo load in the
vehicle.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight
between 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or
within the trailer tongue load specifica- tion recommended by the trailer manu-
facturer. If the tongue load becomes
excessive, rearrange the cargo to obtain
the proper tongue load. Do not exceed
the maximum tongue weight specifica-
tion shown in the “Towing load/specifica-
tion” chart even if the calculated available
tongue weight is greater than 15%. If the
calculated tongue weight is less than 10%,
reduce the total trailer weight to match
the available tongue weight.
Always verify 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 installed options and
passenger and cargo loads. You
must weigh the vehicle and trailer
as described in this manual to de-
termine the actual vehicle towing
capacity. Do not exceed the pub-
lished maximum towing capacity, or
the GCWR or the GVWR shown on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification la-
bel. Doing so can result in an acci-
dent causing serious personal injury
or property damage.
Towing Load/Specification ChartUS Canada
Axle Type Two-Wheel Drive
(2WD) Four-Wheel Drive
(4WD) Four-Wheel Drive
(4WD)
Maximum Towing Capacity*1, *2 8,500 lb (3,856 kg)8,500 lb (3,856 kg)
Maximum Tongue Load 850 lb (385 kg)850 lb (385 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined
Weight Rating 14,520 lb (6,586 kg) 14,760 lb (6,695 kg)
14,770 lb (6,700 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 lb (2,267 kg).
Technical and consumer information10-23

10-24Technical and consumer information
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle is equipped with a trailer tow
package. The trailer tow package in-
cludes 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.
WAJ0218X
To access the trailer hitch, remove the
trailer hitch cover located on the lower
part of the rear bumper.
To remove the trailer hitch cover:
1. Remove the 2 clips.
2. Pull the bottom of the cover straight backward to remove the inner side and upper clips.

WAJ0219X
To install the trailer hitch cover:
1. Insert the upper clips to the recesses
, and then push in the cover to its
original position.
2. Install the 2 clips
.
WARNING
Trailer hitch components have spe-
cific weight ratings. Your vehicle may
be capable of towing a trailer heavier
than the weight rating of the hitch
components. Never exceed the
weight rating of the hitch compo-
nents. Doing so can cause serious personal injury or property 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 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.
Additionally, the ball mount should be
chosen to keep the trailer tongue level
with the ground.
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
cannot 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 (2,267 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
Technical and consumer information10-25

10-26Technical and consumer information
with the surge brake, hitch or trailer
manufacturer 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 switch in the ON
position and the doors closed, allow
the vehicle to stand for several min-
utes 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 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.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distribut-
ing hitch so the rear of the bumper is
no higher than the measured refer-
ence height when the trailer is at-
tached. 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 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 instruc-
tions 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 (1,588 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 (2,267 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 lb (4,545 kg). A weight distributing
hitch should be used to tow trailers that
weigh over 5,000 lb (2,267 kg).
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class
IV trailer hitch equipment that has a
10,000 lb (4,545 kg) maximum weight
rating, but your vehicle is only capable of
towing the maximum trailer weights
shown in the “Towing Load/Specification”
chart earlier in this section.
CAUTION
.
Do not use axle-mounted hitches.

.Do not modify the vehicle ex-
haust system, brake system, etc.
. Do not attach any additional
hitches to your vehicle because
a hitch is already mounted to
your vehicle frame.
Tire pressures
.When towing a trailer, inflate the
vehicle tires to the recom-
mended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the Tire and Loading
Information label.
. Trailer tire condition, size, load
rating and proper inflation pres-
sure should be in accordance
with the trailer and tire manu-
facturers’ specifications.
Safety chains
Always use a suitable chain between your
vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains
should be crossed and should be at-
tached to the hitch, not to the vehicle
bumper or axle. Be sure to leave enough
slack in the chains to permit turning
corners.
STI0745
Trailer lights (if so equipped)
Your vehicle is equipped with a towing
package, which also includes the 7-pin
trailer harness connector located under
the trailer hitch cover on the rear bumper.
CAUTION
. When splicing into the vehicle
electrical system, a commercially
available power-type module/
converter must be used to pro-
vide power for all trailer lighting.
This unit uses the vehicle battery
as a direct power source for all trailer lights while using the ve-
hicle 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 require-
ments may damage the vehicle’s
electrical system. See a reputable
trailer retailer to obtain the prop-
er equipment and to have it
installed.
. Do not connect electrical devices
that draw more than 40 amps to
the vehicle. The fusible link may
melt.
Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/or local regulations. For assistance in
hooking up trailer lights, contact a NISSAN
dealer or reputable trailer retailer.
Trailer brakes
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 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.
Technical and consumer information10-27

10-28Technical and consumer information
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 operation
between the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking
systems are activated by an electronic
signal sent from a trailer brake controller
(special brake sensing module).
Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes
are properly installed and demonstrate
proper brake function testing.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
WAJ0207X
Gain –
Gain +
Manual control lever
Boost
Trailer Brake Controller Unit (TBCU)
The Trailer Brake Controller Unit (TBCU),
located on the lower instrument panel, is
a device that assists the vehicle in having
effective and smooth braking while tow-
ing a trailer. Operating modes:
.
Automatic mode:
This is the normal operation of the
TBCU depending on the gain and
boost settings adjusted by the custo-
mer. This mode will activate when
vehicle brake pedal is pressed.
. Manual mode:
This mode is initiated by adjusting the
manual control lever from resting
position. This mode will provide out-
put power to trailer brakes without
applying the vehicle brake pedal.
To determine the output operation of the
system:
. Gain + and Gain - :
Used to increase or decrease the
braking force supplied to the trailer
brakes.To adjust the gain, press Gain +
or Gain - to the desired point (0-10).
For example: gain setting 6.0 is a
typical starting point for heavy loads.
. Boost:
Used to adjust the feel of the auto-
matic brake event that occurs when
the vehicle brake pedal is applied. To
set up boost, press Boost button once
to display for current boost setting
(display for 3 seconds). Keep pressing
to increase boost level until the de-
sired level (0-3) is achieved.