2021 NISSAN ROGUE Owner´s Manual

available 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” (P.10-20) chart found
in this section. The total trailer load
equals trailer weight plus its cargo
weight.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) should not exceed the
value specified in the following “Towing
Load/Specification” chart.
STI0541
The GCWR equals the combined weight of
the towing vehicle (including passengers
and cargo) plus the total trailer load.
Towing loads greater than these or using
improper towing equipment could ad-
versely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.
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 high-
way 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 heavytrailer in high outside temperatures on
graded roads can affect engine perfor-
mance and cause overheating. The trans-
mission high fluid temperature and
engine protection mode, which helps
reduce the chance of transmission and
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
engine power and vehicle speed.
The reduced speed may be lower
than other traffic, which could in-
crease the chance of a collision. Be
especially careful when driving. If the
vehicle cannot maintain a safe driv-
ing speed, pull to the side of the road
in a safe area. Allow the engine to
cool and return to normal operation.
(See “If your vehicle overheats” (P.6-
13).)
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10-18Technical and consumer information
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from im-
proper towing procedures is not
covered by NISSAN warranties.
STI0542
Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load
between 10 – 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 any

options 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. 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 - 6,350 lb.
(2,880 kg). .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
from F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label - 7,250 lb. (3,289 kg).
. Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) from “Towing Load/Specifica-
tion” chart - 15,100 lb. (6,849 kg).
. Maximum Trailer towing capacity
from “Towing Load/Specification”
chart - 9,100 lb (4,128 kg).
7,250 lb. (3,289 kg) GVWR
− 6,350lb. (2,880 kg) GVW
= 900 lb. (409 kg) Available for tongue
weight
15,100 lb. (6,849 kg) GCWR
− 6,350 lb. (2,880 kg) GVW
= 8,750 lb. (3,969 kg) Capacity available for
towing
900 lb. (409 kg) / Available tongue
weight
8,750 lb. (3,969 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
vehicle.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight
between 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or
within the trailer tongue load specifica-
Technical and consumer information10-19

10-20Technical and consumer information
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 chart
Axle Type Two-Wheel Drive (2WD)All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Maximum Towing Capacity*1 1,350 lbs (612 kg)
Maximum Tongue Load 135 lbs (61 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rat-
ing 5,836 lbs (2,647 kg)
5,969 lbs (2,707 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.TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle
and trailer. 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 passing trucks.
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.
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10-22Technical and consumer information
.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
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).
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.
Trailer lights (if so equipped)
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle elec-
trical system, a commercially avail-
able power-type module/converter
must be used to provide power for
all trailer lighting. This unit uses the
vehicle battery 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 ex-
ceeds these power requirements
may damage the vehicle’s electrical
system. See a reputable trailer retai-
ler 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, contact a NISSAN
dealer or reputable trailer retailer.
Pre-towing tips
.
Be certain your vehicle maintains a
level position when a loaded or un-
loaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive
the vehicle if it has an abnormal nose-
up or nose-down condition; check for
improper tongue load, overload, worn
suspension or other possible causes
of either condition.
. Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
. Keep the cargo load as low as possible
in the trailer to keep the trailer center
of gravity low.
. Load the trailer so approximately 60%
of the trailer load is in the front half
and 40% is in the back half. Also make
sure the load is balanced side to side.
. Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure,
vehicle tire pressure, trailer light op-
eration, and trailer wheel lug nuts
every time you attach a trailer to the
vehicle.
. Be certain your rearview mirrors con-
form to all federal, state or local
regulations. If not, install any mirrors
required for towing before driving the
Technical and consumer information10-23

10-24Technical and consumer information
vehicle.
. Determine the overall height of the
vehicle and trailer so the required
clearance is known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understand-
ing of the vehicle’s behavior, you should
practice turning, stopping and backing up
in an area which is free from traffic.
Steering stability, and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than
under normal driving conditions.
.Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
. Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a
pin or lock to prevent the coupler from
inadvertently becoming unlatched.
. Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or
stops.
. Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
. Always drive your vehicle at a moder-
ate speed. Some states or provinces
have specific speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits.
. When backing up, hold the bottom of
the steering wheel with one hand.
Move your hand in the direction in
which you want the trailer to go. Make
small corrections and back up slowly.
If possible, have someone guide you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so:CAUTION
If you push the park button to
engage the P (Park) position before
blocking the wheels and applying
the parking brake, transmission da-
mage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill side of the vehicle and trailer
wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until
the blocks absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Push the park button to engage the P (Park) position.
6. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine. 3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and
trailer are clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
. While going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may
decrease overall stability. Therefore, to
maintain adequate control, reduce
your speed and shift to a lower gear.
Avoid long or repeated use of the
brakes when descending a hill, as this
reduces their effectiveness and could
cause overheating. Shifting to a lower
gear instead provides “engine braking”
and reduces the need to brake as
frequently.
. If the engine coolant temperature
rises to a high temperature, see “If
your vehicle overheats” (P.6-13).
. Trailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
. Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s
first 500 miles (800 km).
. For the first 500 miles (800 km) that
you do tow, do not drive over 50 MPH
(80 km/h).