
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.
Technical and consumer information10-35

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. 10-37)..
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.
• Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
Technical and consumer information10-37

Seat belt maintenance..........1-23Seat belts................1-14,7-6Shoulder belt height adjustment. . . .1-22Three-point type with retractor.....1-18Seat belt extenders..............1-22Seat belt warning light.........1-17,2-15Seatback pockets...............2-68SeatsAdjustment..................1-2Front seats..................1-2Manual front seat adjustment......1-3Rear seat.................. .1-6Security indicator light............2-15Security system (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System), engine start.........2-41, 5-16Security systems
Vehicle security system.........2-39Self-adjusting brakes.............8-22Service manual order form........10-44Servicing air conditioner...........4-43Shif tingAutomatic transmission.........5-20Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-22Side air bag system (See supplemental side
air bag, curtain and rollover air bag
systems)
................... .1-86Sonar
Rear system................5-124Spark plug replacement...........8-19Spark plugs...................8-19Specifications................ .10-9Speedometer................. .2-5Speedometer and odometer........2-4SRS warning label...............1-90
Stability control................5-121Standard maintenance............9-8Starting
Before starting the engine........5-17Jump starting............6-11,8-18Precautions when starting and
driving................. .5-4, 5-11Push starting................6-13Starting the engine (gasoline engine
only).......................5-17Steering
Power steering fluid............8-14Power steering system.........5-117Tilting steering wheel...........3-23Steering wheel.................3-23Stop light....................8-29Storage.................... .2-67Storage tray...................2-71Sun visors....................3-24Sunglasses case................2-72Sunglasses holder..............2-72Sunroof...................2-77,7-5Supplemental air bag warning labels. . .1-90Supplemental air bag warning
light....................1-90, 2-15Supplemental front impact air bag
system......................1-77Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.....1-90Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-70Supplemental restraint system (Supplemen-
tal air bag system)...............1-70Switch Autolight switch
..............2-44Automatic power window switch. . .2-76Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch...............2-55Fog light switch..............2-49Hazard warning flasher switch......6-2Headlight and turn signal switch. . . .2-43Headlight control switch.........2-43Hill descent control switch........2-54Instrument brightness control.....2-49Power door lock switch..........3-6Power inverter switch...........2-56Rear sonar system OFF switch.....2-56Tow mode switch.............2-57Turn signal switch.............2-49
T
Tachometer..................
.2-6Tailgate.....................3-27Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-6Thef t (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System),
engine start...............2-41, 5-16Three-way catalyst...............5-5Tie down hooks................3-31Tilting steering wheel.............3-23TireFlat tire................... .6-3Spare tire..........6-4, 6-5, 6-6, 8-44Tire and Loading Information label. .10-14Tire chains.................8-40Tire pressure................8-32
11-6