2021 NISSAN TITAN tow

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 reputable 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, see “Electric trailer brake
controller" (P. 10-49).
Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes are
properly installed and demonstrate proper
brake function testing.
10-46Technical and consumer information

1Gain –
2Gain +
3Manual control lever
4Boost
Trailer brake controller unit (if so
equipped)
The Trailer Brake Controller Unit (TBCU), lo-
cated on the lower instrument panel, is a
device that assists the vehicle in having
effective and smooth braking while towing
a trailer.Operating modes:
•
Automatic mode: This is the normal op-
eration of the TBCU depending on the
gain and boost settings adjusted by the
customer. 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
output 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 au-
tomatic brake event that occurs when
the vehicle brake pedal is applied. To set
up boost, press Boost button once to dis-
play for current boost setting (display for
3 seconds). Keep pressing to increase
boost level until the desired level (0-3) is
achieved. •
Manual Control Lever: Provides brake
output power to trailer brakes without
applying the vehicle brake pedal. The
amount of brake output supplied corre-
sponds to the amount of pinch pressure
applied to the manual control lever.
LTI2157
Technical and consumer information10-49

WARNING
Do not exceed Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GVWR). For additional informa-
tion about GVWR, see “Towing load/
specification” (P. 10-37).
Pre-towing tips
• Be certain your vehicle maintains a level position when a loaded and/or unloaded
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 condi-
tion.
• Always secure items in the trailer to pre- vent load shif t 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, ve- hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation,
and trailer wheel lug nuts every time you
attach a trailer to the vehicle.
LTI2156
This graphic shows the suggested boost levels for different trailer sizes relative to the vehicle size.
Technical and consumer information10-51

• Be certain your rearview mirrors conformto all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
• Determine the overall height of the ve- hicle and trailer so the required clearance
is known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in
an area which is free from traffic. Steering
stability and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal
driving conditions.
• Always secure items in the trailer to pre-vent load shif t while driving.
• Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
• Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
• Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
• Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed. • 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 back-
ing 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 move the shif t selector to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage 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. Af ter the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the
blocks absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shif t the transmission into P (Park). 6. Make sure the
indicator light (if so
equipped) indicates the transfer case is
in 4H, 4LO, or 2H and that the ATP light is
off. If the
indicator light is flashing,
or the ATP light is ON, make sure the
transmission is in P (Park) (A/T) and turn
the 4WD switch to 2WD or 4H. For addi-
tional information, see “Automatic
transmission park warning light” (P. 2-13)
and “Using 4-wheel drive (4WD)” (P. 5-105).
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shif t 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.
10-52Technical and consumer information

• While going downhill, the weight of thetrailer pushing on the tow vehicle may
decrease overall stability. Therefore, to
maintain adequate control, reduce your
speed and shif t to a lower gear. Avoid
long or repeated use of the brakes when
descending a hill, as this reduces their
effectiveness and could cause overheat-
ing. Shif ting to a lower gear instead pro-
vides “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. 6-12).
• Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal circumstances.
• Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle's first 500 miles (805 km).
•
For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h).
• Have your vehicle serviced more of ten than at intervals specified. For additional
information, see the “Maintenance and
schedules” section of this manual.
• When making a turn, your trailer wheels will be closer to the inside of the turn than
your vehicle wheels. To compensate for
this, make a larger than normal turning
radius during the turn. • Crosswinds and rough roads will ad-
versely affect vehicle/trailer handling,
possibly causing vehicle sway. When be-
ing passed by larger vehicles, be pre-
pared for possible changes in crosswinds
that could affect vehicle handling.
Trailer Sway Assist :
To minimize trailer sway, your vehicle may
apply braking to individual wheels based
on input from your vehicle sensors and ve-
hicle speed. Trailer sway control is a func-
tion of the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system and is active when the VDC func-
tion is enabled.
CAUTION
If the VDC-OFF switch is on (meaning
VDC system OFF), the Trailer Sway As-
sist is also disabled
When Trailer Sway Assist is in operation, the
VDC warning light blinks. When vehicle con-
trol is regained, VDC warning light will turn
OFF.
For additional information about the VDC
system, see “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFF switch” (P. 2-57) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system” (P. 5-118). If Trailer Sway Assist activates, do the fol-
lowing:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal
to allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions
allow. This combination will help stabilize
the vehicle
CAUTION
Do not try to correct trailer sway by
steering or applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side of the
road in a safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is balanced. For additional information,
see “Pre-towing tips” (P. 10-51).
NOTE:
Trailer Sway Assist cannot reduce trailer
sway in all situations.
• Be careful when passing other vehicles.Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember, the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
Technical and consumer information10-53

• Use the Tow Mode or downshif t thetransmission to a lower gear for engine
braking when driving down steep or long
hills. This will help slow the vehicle without
applying the brakes.
• Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
• Increase your following distance to allow for greater stopping distances while tow-
ing a trailer. Anticipate stops and brake
gradually.
• NISSAN recommends that the cruise control (if so equipped) not be used while
towing a trailer.
• While towing a trailer, do not use the fol- lowing systems (if so equipped):–– the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) sys- tem
–– the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system
– – the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) sys-
tem
– – the Automatic Emergency Braking
(AEB) system
– – the Intelligent Forward Collision Warn-
ing (I-FCW) system
– – the Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) sys-
tem –
– the Moving Object Detection (MOD)
system
– – the Cross Traffic Alert system
–– the Rear Sonar system
• Some states or provinces have specific regulations and speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits.
• Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts
af ter 50 miles (80 km) of travel and at
every break.
• When launching a boat, don't allow the water level to go over the exhaust tail
pipe or rear bumper.
• Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights before backing the trailer into the
water or the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission oil/
fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see
the “Do-it-yourself ” section of this
manual.Tow mode
Using tow mode is recommended when
pulling a heavy trailer or hauling a heavy
load. Press the TOW MODE switch to acti-
vate tow mode. The indicator light on the
TOW MODE switch illuminates when tow
mode is selected. Press the TOW MODE
switch again to turn tow mode off. Tow
mode is automatically canceled when the
ignition switch is turned off.
Tow mode includes the following features:
• Grade logic — Adjusts transmission shif ts when pulling a trailer or hauling a load up
a grade.
• Downhill Speed Control (DSC) — auto- matically downshif ts when driving down
a grade with a trailer or heavy load to help
control vehicle speed.
Driving the vehicle in the tow mode with no
trailer/load or light trailer/light load will not
cause any damage. However, fuel
economy may be reduced and the
transmission/engine driving characteris-
tics may feel unusual.
10-54Technical and consumer information

When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission oil/
fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see
the “Do-it-yourself ” section of this
manual.
FLAT TOWING FOR 2-WHEEL DRIVE
(2WD) VEHICLE (if so equipped)
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is sometimes called flat towing.
This method is sometimes used when
towing a vehicle behind a recreational ve-
hicle, such as a motor home.
CAUTION
•
Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
• Never flat tow your 2WD vehicle.
• Never tow your 2WD vehicle with the
rear wheels on the ground. Doing so
may cause serious and expensive
damage to the powertrain.
• DO NOT tow your 2WD vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground (flat tow-
ing). Doing so WILL DAMAGE internal
transmission parts due to lack of
transmission lubrication. •
For emergency towing procedures
see “Towing recommended by
NISSAN” (P. 6-13).
FLAT TOWING FOR 4-WHEEL DRIVE
(4WD) VEHICLE (if so equipped)
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is sometimes called flat towing.
This method is sometimes used when
towing a vehicle behind a recreational ve-
hicle, such as a motor home.
CAUTION
•
Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
• Never flat tow your 4WD vehicle.
• DO NOT tow your 4WD vehicle with
any wheels on the ground. Doing so
may cause serious and expensive
damage to the powertrain.
• For emergency towing procedures
see “Towing recommended by
NISSAN” (P. 6-13).
Automatic Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with an auto-
matic transmission, an appropriate vehicle
dolly MUST be placed under the towed ve-
hicle's drive wheels. Alwaysfollow the dolly
manufacturer's recommendations when
using their product.
NOTE:
If the battery is completely drained the
transmission will not manually shif t to
other positions.
Technical and consumer information10-55

Headlight control switch.........2-43Hill descent control switch........2-58Instrument brightness control.....2-50Power door lock switch..........3-6Power inverter switch...........2-61Rear sonar system OFF switch.....2-61Tow mode switch.............2-62Turn signal switch.............2-50
T
Tachometer...................2-8Tailgate.................... .3-36Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-8Thef t (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System),
engine start...............2-38, 5-16Three-way catalyst...............5-4Tie down hooks................3-40TireFlat tire................... .6-3Spare tire...............6-4, 8-46Tire and Loading Information label. .10-19Tire chains.................8-42Tire pressure................8-35Tire rotation.................8-43Tires of 4-wheel drive...........8-46Types of tires................8-41Uniform tire quality grading......10-56Wheel/tire size...............10-10Wheels and tires..........8-35, 10-10Tire pressure................. .8-35Low tire pressure warning light.....2-18
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)................... .5-5, 6-3Tow mode switch...............2-62Towing
2-wheel drive models...........6-15Flat towing................ .10-55Towing load/specification.......10-37Trailer towing...............10-33Towing a trailer................10-33Towing your vehicle..............6-13Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)........5-24Trailer Brake Controller Unit (TBCU). . . .2-63Transceiver
HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver
......2-89, 2-90, 2-92, 2-93Transfer case shif ting procedures. . . .5-106TransmissionDriving with automatic
transmission
................5-18Travel (See registering a vehicle in another
country).................... .10-17Trip odometer..................2-7Truck - camper loading...........10-31Truck box....................3-36Turn signal switch...............2-50
U
Under seat storage bin.....2-70,2-74,2-75Uniform tire quality grading........10-56USB/iPod® Charging Ports.........4-42Using 4-wheel drive.............5-105
V
Vanity mirror..................3-30Variable voltage control system......8-19Vehicle dimensions and weights.....10-11Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
switch..................... .2-57Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system.....................5-118Vehicle identification.............10-17Vehicle identification number (VIN). . . .10-17Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number)...............10-17Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate...................... .10-17Vehicle immobilizer system.....2-38, 5-16Vehicle information display.........2-22Vehicle loading information........10-22Vehicle recovery.............6-15,6-16Vehicle security system...........2-37Vehicle security system
(NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System),
engine start
...............2-38, 5-16Vents......................4-28Visors......................3-30Voltmeter....................2-10
W
Warning
Air bag warning light........1-82, 2-16Anti-lock brake warning light......2-13Battery charge warning light......2-14
11-7