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
OA, 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 surface. With the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion and the doors closed, allow the ve-
hicle 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 within0-.5inches (0 –
13 mm) of the reference height mea-
sured in step 2. The rear bumper should
be no higher than the reference height
measured in step 2.
LTI2227
10-40Technical 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
measured reference height when
loaded, the vehicle may handle unpre-
dictably which could cause a loss of ve-
hicle control and cause serious per-
sonal 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 opening. A higher
class drawbar does not increase the tow-
ing capacity of the hitch. To use this class of
hitch for weight distribution 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
Technical and consumer information10-41
