XD models — Crew cab — Towing load
specification chart — SAE J2807 Weight
Distributing Class 4 Hitch
Axle type4WD
Maximum Payload 2,430 lbs. (1,102.2 kg)
Maximum Towing Ca- pacity *1, *2, *3 10,920 lbs. (4,953.2 kg)
Maximum Tongue load *2, *3 1,092 lbs. (495.3 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 2,360 lbs. (1,070.5 kg)
Maximum Towing Ca- pacity *1, *2, *3 11,060 lbs. (5,016.7 kg)
Maximum King pin load *2, *3 1,659 lbs. (752.5 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).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
installed.
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.
Technical and consumer information10-37
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and
weight rating for your trailer:
• The required hitch ball size is stamped onmost 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.
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.
LTI2227
10-38Technical and consumer information
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
should install these hitches as it is very im-
portant to mount the hitch correctly to dis-
tribute the king pin weight for the proper
load carrying and sway control
performance.
The king pin weight should be 15% of the
fully loaded trailer. Make sure the king pin
weight does not cause the gross vehicle
weight to exceed the Gross Maximum
Weight Rating or the rear axle weight to
exceed the Rear Gross Axle Weight rating.
For additional information, see “Maximum
load limits” (P. 10-32).
The weight of the trailer should not exceed
the maximum towing capacity for the ve-
hicle. For additional information, see “Tow-
ing load/specification” chart (P. 10-36).
Make sure the trailer design allows for the
correct vehicle to trailer clearances before
purchasing a 5th wheel trailer.
WARNING
• The hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
• Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
• Do not modif y the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
• To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the receiver when not in use.
• Regularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely
mounted.
• When towing with the hitch ball
mounted to the rear bumper, do not
make sharp turns. The trailer may
contact the bumper and cause dam-
age to the bumper or trailer.
• When towing a 5th wheel trailer, do
not make sharp turns while driving or
backing. The trailer may contact the
vehicle and cause damage to both
the trailer and vehicle.
10-40Technical and consumer information
CAUTION
• A 5th wheel hitch adapter is neces-
sary to use an af termarket 5th wheel
hitch. A Genuine NISSAN 5th wheel
hitch adapter (as shown) may be
available at a NISSAN dealer.
• Ensure kit components are properly
stored when not in use. Improperly
stowed components could result in
serious personal injury during a colli-
sion or sudden stop.
Gooseneck hitch ball and safety chain
anchor attachment installation
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Remove the gooseneck hitch ball and safety chain anchor attachments from
the storage pouch.
3. Remove the center and both of the rearcaps from the puck plugs.
• Once removed, place the pucks in the storage pouch for future use.
LTI2305LTI2209
Technical and consumer information10-41
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. 10-48).
Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes are
properly installed and demonstrate proper
brake function testing.
WARNING
The NISSAN trailer brake controller has
been verified to be compatible with
trailers having electric actuated drum
brakes (one to four axles) and electric-
over-hydraulic brakes. It will not acti-
vate hydraulic surge-style trailer
brakes
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Electric trailer brake controller (if
so equipped)
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may
require the installation of an af termarket
trailer brake controller.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a con-
nector and jumper harness that is specifi-
cally designed to be used when installing
an af termarket brake controller.
LTI0117
example
Technical and consumer information10-45
WARNING
Do not exceed Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GVWR). For additional informa-
tion about GVWR, see “Towing load/
specification” (P. 10-36).
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.
LTI2156
This graphic shows the suggested boost levels for different trailer sizes relative to the vehicle size.
10-50Technical and consumer information
• 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 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.
• 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. 5-107).
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.
Technical and consumer information10-51
• 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. 2-58) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system” (P. 5-120). If Trailer Sway Assist activates, do the
following:
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. 10-50).
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.
10-52Technical and consumer information