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).
The Genuine NISSAN step bumper is con-
sidered a Class II ball mount.
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 trailer hitch equipment (receiver,
ball mount and hitch ball) can be used to
tow trailers of a maximum weight of 10,000
lbs. (4,535 kg). 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
trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000
lbs. (4,535 kg) maximum weight rating, but
your vehicle is only capable of towing the
maximum trailer weights shown in the
“Towing Load/Specification” chart in this
section.
CAUTION
• Special hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lbs. (907 kg). Suitable
Genuine NISSAN hitches, ball mounts
and hitch balls for pickup trucks and
sport utility vehicles are available at
a NISSAN dealer.
• The hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
10-34Technical and consumer information
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.
Several types of braking systems are
available.
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.
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. 10-36).. Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes are
properly installed and demonstrate proper
brake function testing.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may
require the installation of an af termarket
trailer brake controller.
A Genuine NISSAN jumper harness is avail-
able that is specifically designed to be used
when installing an af termarket brake
controller.
Install the af termarket electric trailer brake
controller according to the manufacturer's
instructions.
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
condition.
• 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.
• Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to 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 sta-
bility 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.
10-36Technical and consumer information
• Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin orlock 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 lever 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 4WD shif t indicator light (if so equipped) indicates the transfer case
is in 4H, 4LO, or 2WD and that the ATP
light is off. If the 4WD shif t indicator light
is flashing, or the ATP light is ON, make
sure the transmission is in P (Park) and
turn the 4WD switch to 2WD or 4H. For
additional information, see “Automatic
transmission park warning light” (P. 2-11)
and “Using 4-wheel drive (4WD)” (P. 5-109).
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.
• 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 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. 6-13).
• 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).
Technical and consumer information10-37
Cargo lamp switch..............2-46Cargo light...................2-75Check tire pressure..........2-29,2-31Child restraint with top tether strap. . . .1-33Child restraints.......1-25,1-26,1-28, 1-30Precautions on child
restraints.........1-40, 1-43, 1-55, 1-66Top tether strap anchor point
locations.................. .1-33Child safety rear door lock..........3-7Cleaning exterior and interior......7-2,7-4Cold weather driving............5-129Console box..................2-66Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls. .4-36Heater and air conditioner controls
(manual)...................4-26CoolantCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
...............10-2Changing engine coolant.........8-5Checking engine coolant level......8-5Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-6Corrosion protection..............7-7Cruise control................ .5-51Cup holders................. .2-67Curtain side-impact and rollover air
bag....................... .1-83
D
Daytime Running Light System......2-43Daytime Running Lights (DRL) system. .2-43
Dimensions and weights..........10-11Dimmer switch for instrument panel. . .2-44Door locks....................3-4Drive belt....................8-16Driving
Cold weather driving...........5-129Driving with automatic
transmission................5-18Precautions when starting and
driving................. .5-4, 5-11Driving the vehicle...............5-18
E
Economy - fuel................5-109Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system.....................5-116Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch.................2-50Emergency call (SOS) button........2-53Emergency engine shutoff.......5-15,6-2Emission control information label. . . .10-13Emission control system warranty. . . .10-41Engine
Before starting the engine........5-17Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2Changing engine coolant.........8-5Changing engine oil............8-6Changing engine oil filter.........8-6Checking engine coolant level......8-5Checking engine oil level.........8-6Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-6
Engine cooling system...........8-4Engine oil.................. .8-6Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation.............10-7Engine oil pressure gauge.........2-8Engine oil pressure warning light. . . .2-13Engine oil viscosity.............10-7Engine serial number..........10-12Engine specifications...........10-9Engine Block Heater.............5-130Engine coolant temperature gauge. . . .2-6Engine oil pressure gauge..........2-8Event Data recorders............10-43Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)......5-4Explanation of maintenance items.....9-2Explanation of scheduled maintenance
items...................... .9-5Extended storage switch..........2-61Eyeglass case.................2-67
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch)......................6-2Flat tire..................... .6-3Floor mat positioning aid...........7-6Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-12Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2Engine coolant................8-4Engine oil.................. .8-6Power steering fluid............8-11
11-2
Tire pressure................8-30Tire rotation.................8-39Tires of 4-wheel drive...........8-41Types of tires................8-37Uniform tire quality grading......10-40Wheel/tire size...............10-10Wheels and tires..........8-30, 10-10Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light.....2-15Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)...................... .5-5Top tether strap child restraint.......1-33Tow mode switch...............2-53Towing
2-wheel drive models...........6-16Flat towing................ .10-39Tow truck towing..............6-14Towing load/specification.......10-30Trailer towing...............10-27Towing a trailer................10-27Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)........5-24Transceiver
HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver
. . .2-76, 2-77, 2-78, 2-79, 2-80TransmissionDriving with automatic
transmission
................5-18Travel (See registering a vehicle in another
country)................... .10-12Trip odometer..................2-5Truck - camper loading...........10-25Truck box....................3-27Turn signal switch...............2-44
U
Under seat storage bin...........2-64Uniform tire quality grading........10-40USB Charging Ports.............2-58Using four wheel drive (4WD).......5-109
V
Vanity mirror..................3-24Variable voltage control system......8-16Vehicle dimensions and weights.....10-11Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
switch..................... .2-48Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system.....................5-121Vehicle identification.............10-12Vehicle identification number (VIN). . . .10-12Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate...................... .10-12Vehicle immobilizer system.....2-36, 5-16Vehicle information display.........2-20Vehicle loading information........10-16Vehicle recovery................6-16Vehicle security system...........2-34Vehicle security system (NISSAN Vehicle
Immobilizer System), engine start.2-36, 5-16Ventilators...................4-26Visors......................3-24Voltmeter....................2-8
W
Warning
Air bag warning light........1-88, 2-14Anti-lock brake warning light.......2-11Battery charge warning light......2-13Brake warning light............2-12Engine oil pressure warning light. . . .2-13Hazard warning flasher switch......6-2Loose fuel cap warning..........2-28Low fuel warning light. . . .2-13, 2-18, 2-29Low tire pressure warning light.....2-15Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light......................2-29Passenger air bag and status light. . .1-80Seat belt warning light.......1-18,2-13Supplemental air bag warning
light................. .1-88, 2-14Vehicle security system.........2-34Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-88Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-11Warning lights.................2-11Warning lights, indicator lights and audible
reminders....................2-10Warning systems switch..........2-48Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders....................2-11Audible reminders.............2-11Indicator lights...............2-11Warning lights................2-11Weights
(See dimensions and weights).......10-11Wheel/tire size................10-10
11-7