10 Technical and consumer information
Recommended fluids/lubricants and
capacities...................................... 10-2
Fuel recommendation ......................10-4
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendations .......................... 10-7
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .......................10-8
Specifications .................................. 10-9
Engine ...................................... 10-9
Wheels and tires ............................ 10-9
Dimensions and weights ....................10-11
When traveling or registering in another
country ....................................... 10-17
Vehicle identification .......................... 10-17
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
plate ....................................... 10-17
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ........................... 10-17
Engine serial number ......................10-18
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........10-18
Emission control information label .........10-19
Tire and Loading Information label .........10-19
Air conditioner specification label ..........10-20
Installing front license plate ...................10-21
Vehicle loading information ...................10-22Terms
...................................... 10-23
Vehicle load capacity ....................... 10-23
Securing the load .......................... 10-25
Utili-track® channel system
(if so equipped) ............................. 10-26
Rear assist step (if so equipped) ............10-30
Loading tips ................................ 10-31
Truck-camper loading information ............10-31
Crew cab models .......................... 10-31
King Cab® models .......................... 10-31
Special Body vehicles ......................10-31
Location for center of gravity ...............10-32
Vehicle load weight capacity ...............10-33
Measurement of weights ...................10-33
Towing a trailer ................................ 10-33
Maximum load limits ....................... 10-34
T
owing load/specification ..................10-37
Towing safety .............................. 10-39
Flat towing for 2-Wheel Drive (2WD)
vehicle (if so equipped) .....................10-55
Flat towing for 4-Wheel Drive (4WD)
vehicle (if so equipped) .....................10-55
Snowplow .................................... 10-56
Uniform tire quality grading ...................10-56
Emission control system warranty ............10-57
5. Determine the combined weightof luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That weight
may not safely exceed the avail-
able cargo and luggage load ca-
pacity calculated in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Con-
sult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity
of your vehicle.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, con-
firm that you do not exceed the
GVWR or the GAWR for your vehicle.
For additional information, see “Mea-
surement of weights” (P. 10-33).
Also check tires for proper inflation
pressures. For additional informa-
tion, see “Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label” (P. 8-37).
SECURING THE LOAD
For your convenience, tie down hooks are
placed at each corner of the truck box.
These may be used to help secure cargo
loaded into the truck box.
WARNING
• Properly secure all cargo with ropes
or straps to help prevent it from slid-
ing or shif ting. Do not place cargo
higher than the seatbacks. In a sud-
den 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 re-
sult in loss of control and cause per-
sonal injury.
LTI2481
Technical and consumer information10-25
The total cargo load should not exceed the
truck's cargo weight rating and the camp-
er's center of gravity should fall within the
truck's recommended center of gravity
zone 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 indicates the maximum total weight
of passengers, optional equipment (air
conditioning, trailer hitch, etc.) and cargo
that your vehicle is designed to carry.
For additional information, see “Tire and
Loading Information label” (P. 8-37).
Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm
that you do not exceed the GVWR or the
GAWR for your vehicle. For additional infor-
mation, see “Vehicle loading information”
(P. 10-22).
Also check tires for proper inflation pres-
sures. For additional information, see “Tire
and Loading Information label” (P. 8-37).
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent
weight shif ts that could affect the
balance of your vehicle. When the
truck camper is loaded, drive to a
scale and weigh on the front and on
the rear wheels separately to deter-
mine axle loads. Individual axle loads
should not exceed either of the
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR).
The total of the axle loads should not
exceed the gross vehicle weight rat-
ing (GVWR). These ratings are given
on the vehicle certification label that
is located on the lef t side of the ve-
hicle, normally the dash, hinge pillar,
door latch post, or door edge next to
the driver. If weight ratings are ex-
ceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely af-
fect vehicle handling, braking and per-
formance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
• Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy
load for the first 500 miles (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 ve-
hicle wear in at the heavier load.
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 information10-33
Towing with Weight Distributing Class 4
Hitch
The Class 4 towing capacities shown in the
towing load specification charts are calcu-
lated per the SAE J2807 standards. Addi-
tional passengers, cargo and/or optional
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 mea-
sured using platform type scales com-
monly found at truck stops, highway weigh
stations, building supply centers or salvage
yards.
Towing with Gooseneck Hitch
The gooseneck towing capacities are cal-
culated assuming a base vehicle with
driver and any options required to achieve
the rating. Additional passengers, cargo
and/or optional equipment, such as the
trailer hitch, will add weight to the vehicle
and reduce your vehicle's maximum tow-
ing 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 mea-
sured using platform type scales com-
monly found at truck stops, highway weigh
stations, building supply centers or salvage
yards.
To determine the available payload capac-
ity for tongue/king pin load, use the follow-
ing 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 capacity,
use the following procedure.
1. Find the GCWR for your vehicle on the "Towing load/specification" chart found
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 equip-
ment 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 passengers, cargo
and hitch - 7,804 lbs. (3,540 kg).
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label -
8,990 lbs. (4,078 kg).
10-36Technical and consumer information
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)from “Towing load/specification" chart -
19,450 lbs. (8,822 kg).
• Maximum Trailer towing capacity from “Towing load/specification" chart - 9,200
lbs. (4,173 kg).
8,990 lbs. (4,078 kg) GVWR
– 7,804 lbs. (3,540 kg) GVW = 1,186 lbs. (538 kg) Available for tongue/king pinweight
19,450 lbs. (8,822 kg) GCWR
– 7,804 lbs. (3,540 kg) GVW
= 11,644 lbs. (5,282 kg) Capacity available for towing
1,186 lbs. (538 kg) Available tongue weight
/ 11,644 lbs. (5,282 kg) Available capacity = 10 % tongueweight
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% of the trailer weight or
within the trailer tongue weight specifica-
tion recommended by the trailer manufac-
turer. If the tongue weight becomes exces-
sive, rearrange the cargo to obtain the
proper tongue weight. 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%. If the
calculated tongue weight is less than 10%,
shif t the trailer load forward until the trailer
tongue weight reaches 10% of the trailer
weight.
Always verif y 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 ve-
hicle is affected by dealer and factory
installed options and passenger and
cargo loads. You must weigh the ve-
hicle 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.
NOTE:
The SAE J2807 Weight Distributing Class
4 Hitch specifications are based on S and
SV grade models . The Gooseneck Hitch
specifications are based on SV grade
models.
Technical and consumer information10-37
Non-XD models — Crew cab — Towing load specification chart — SAE J2807 Weight Distributing Class 4 Hitch
Axle type2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 1,590 lbs. (721.2 kg)1,640 lbs. (743.9 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 9,360 lbs. (4,245.6 kg)9,220 lbs. (4,182.1 kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 936 lbs. (424.6 kg)922 lbs. (418.2 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 15,300 lbs. (6,940 kg)15,300 lbs. (6,940 kg)
Non-XD models — King Cab® — Towing load specification chart — SAE J2807 Weight Distributing Class 4 Hitch
Axle type 2WD4WD
Maximum Payload 1,610 lbs. (730.3 kg)1,690 lbs. (766.6 kg)
Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 9,380 lbs. (4,254.7 kg)9,260 lbs. (4,200.3 kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 938 lbs. (425.5 kg)926 lbs. (420 kg)
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 15,300 lbs. (6,940 kg)15,300 lbs. (6,940 kg)
XD models — Crew cab — Towing load
specification chart — SAE J2807 Weight
Distributing Class 4 Hitch
Axle type4WD
Maximum Payload 2,440 lbs. (1,106.8 kg) Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 10,930 lbs. (4,957.8 kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 1,093 lbs. (495.8 kg)
Maximum Gross Com- bined Weight Rating*4 17,700 lbs. (8,029 kg)
XD models — Crew cab — Towing load
specification chart — Gooseneck Hitch
Axle type
4WD
Maximum Payload 2,440 lbs. (1,106.8 kg) Maximum Towing Capacity *1, *2, *3 11,040 lbs. (5,007.7 kg)
Maximum King pin load *2, *3 1,656 lbs. (751.1 kg)
Maximum Gross Com- bined Weight Rating*4 17,700 lbs. (8,029 kg) *1: The towing capacity values are calculated as-
suming a base vehicle with driver and any options
required to achieve the rating. Additional passen-
gers, 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 lbs. (2,268
kg).
*3: The maximum towing capacity when using the
Genuine NISSAN step bumper as a ball mount is
5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg) and 500 lbs. (227 kg) tongue
load.
*4: The maximum gross combined weight rating
for XD vehicles equipped with 20 inch wheels is
16,900 lbs. (7,666 kg).
10-38Technical and consumer information
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 at 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 at a NISSAN dealer. Make sure the
trailer hitch is securely attached to the ve-
hicle to help avoid personal injury or prop-
erty damage due to sway caused by cross-
winds, rough road surfaces or passing
trucks.A hitch used for towing 5th wheel and
gooseneck trailers can also be installed on
your vehicle. Contact a professional sup-
plier of towing equipment to purchase and
have a 5th wheel or gooseneck hitch in-
stalled.
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 information10-39
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