LOCATION FOR CENTER OF
GRAVITY
The illustration indicates the recom-
mended cargo center of gravity location.
King Cab®:
Short wheel base models without
bedliner/tailgate liner,L1 = 41.1 in (1,045 mm)
Short wheel base models with bed liner/
tailgate liner (SV/PRO-4X with comfort and
convenience package), L1 = 40.5 in (1,028 mm) Crew Cab:
Short wheel base models without
bedliner/tailgate liner,
L1 = 41.1 in (1,045 mm)
Short wheel base models with bedliner/
tailgate liner (SV/PRO-4X with comfort and
convenience package), L1 = 40.5 in (1,028 mm)
Long wheel base models, L1 = 40.63 in (1,032 mm)
WARNING
Improper loading may be dangerous.
If a load is too far back, it can affect
handling characteristics. If a load is too
far forward, the front axle may be
overloaded.
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. 8-34).
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. 10-16).
Also check tires for proper inflation pres-
sures. For additional information, see “Tire
and Loading Information label” (P. 8-34).
LTI0128
10-26Technical and consumer information
WARNING
• Overloading or improper loading of
a trailer and its cargo can adversely
affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance and may lead to
accidents.
• Do not tow a trailer when the TEMPO-
RARY FULL SIZE spare tire is installed.
CAUTION
• Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy
load for the first 500 mile (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 loads.
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
systems.
A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available
on the website at www.nissanusa.com. This
guide includes information on trailer towing
capability and the special equipment re-
quired for proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
the value specified in the “Towing Load/
Specification” chart found in this section.
The total trailer load equals trailer weight
plus its cargo weight.
• When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) should not exceed the value
specified in the following “Towing Load/
Specification” chart. The GCWR equals the combined weight of
the towing vehicle (including passengers
and cargo) plus the total trailer load. Tow-
ing loads greater than these or using im-
proper towing equipment could adversely
affect vehicle handling, braking and
performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is
not only related to the maximum trailer
loads, but also the places you plan to tow.
Tow weights appropriate for level highway
driving may have to be reduced for low
traction situations (for example, on slippery
boat ramps).
LTI0161
TOWING A TRAILER
Technical and consumer information10-27
Temperature conditions can also affect
towing. For example, towing a heavy trailer
in high outside temperatures on graded
roads can affect engine performance and
cause overheating. The engine protection
mode, which helps reduce the chance of
engine damage, could activate and auto-
matically decrease engine power. Vehicle
speed may decrease under high load. Plan
your trip carefully to account for trailer and
vehicle load, weather and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced en-
gine power and vehicle speed. The re-
duced speed may be lower than other
traffic, which could increase the chance
of a collision. Be especially careful
when driving. If the vehicle cannot
maintain a safe driving speed, pull to
the side of the road in a safe area. Allow
the engine to cool and return to normal
operation. For additional information,
see “If your vehicle overheats” (P. 6-13).
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from im-
proper towing procedures is not cov-
ered by NISSAN warranties.
Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load be-
tween 10 - 15% of the total trailer load or use
the trailer tongue load specified by the
trailer manufacturer. The tongue load
must be within the maximum tongue load
limits shown in the following “Towing Load/
Specification” chart. If the tongue load be-
comes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow
for proper tongue load.
WTI0160
10-28Technical and consumer information
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW)/maximum Gross Axle
Weight (GAW)
The GVW of the towing vehicle must not
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label. The GVW equals the
combined weight of the unloaded vehicle,
passengers, luggage, hitch, trailer tongue
load and any other optional equipment. In
addition, front or rear GAW must not ex-
ceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certifica-
tion label.Towing capacities are calculated assum-
ing a base vehicle with driver and any op-
tions required to achieve the rating. 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.
To determine the available payload capac-
ity for tongue load, use the following proce-
dure.
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 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.
CA0036
Technical and consumer information10-29
Example:
• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighedon a scale- including passengers, cargo
and hitch - 5,185 lbs. (2352 kg).
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label -
5,815 lbs. (2638 kg).
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) from “Towing Load/Specification" chart -
11,133 lbs. (5050 kg).
• Maximum Trailer towing capacity from “Towing Load/Specification" chart - 6,100
lbs. (2767 kg).
5,815 lbs. (2638 kg) GVWR
– 5,185 lbs. (2352 kg) GVW = 630 lbs. (286 kg) Available for tongue weight
11,133 lbs. (5050 kg) GCWR
– 5,185 lbs. (2352 kg) GVW
= 5,948 lbs. (2698 kg) Capacity available for towing
630 lbs. (286 kg) Available tongue weight
/ 5,948 lbs. (2698 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
vehicle.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight
between 10 - 15 percent of the trailer weight
or within the trailer tongue load specifica-
tion recommended by the trailer manufac-
turer. If the tongue load becomes exces-
sive, rearrange the cargo to obtain the
proper tongue load. 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 percent. If
the calculated tongue weight is less than
10 percent, reduce the total trailer weight to
match the available tongue weight.
Always verif y that available capacities are
within the required ratings.
Trailer frontal area
CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum trailer frontal
area specification may exceed the tow-
ing capacity of the vehicle. This may
affect the towing performance and
lead to vehicle damage. The trailer frontal area affects the towing
load of a trailer. The frontal area is the total
area of the vehicle and trailer that is af-
fected by air resistance while towing. Do
not exceed the maximum trailer frontal
area specification shown in the "Towing
Load/Specification” chart. The frontal area
can be determined by multiplying the
width of the trailer by the height of the
trailer. For example, a trailer that is 8 feet
wide by 6 feet tall has a trailer frontal area of
48 square feet.
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.
10-30Technical and consumer information
King Cab® models
Axle type2WD 4WD
Metric Measure US MeasureMetric Measure US Measure
Maximum Payload 730 kg1,610 lbs. 653 kg1,440 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity*1, *2, *3 3,026 kg6,670 lbs.2,948.4 kg 6,500 lbs.
Maximum Tongue Load*2, *3 303 kg667 lbs. 295 kg650 lbs.
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 5,183 kg11,427 lbs. 5,183 kg11,427 lbs.
Maximum trailer frontal area 2.78 sq meters30 sq feet2.78 sq meters 30 sq feet
Crew Cab – Short wheel base models
Axle type 2WD 4WD
Metric Measure US MeasureMetric Measure US Measure
Maximum Payload 671 kg1,480 lbs. 585 kg1,290 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity*1, *2, *3 2,967 kg6,540 lbs. 2,889 kg6,370 lbs.
Maximum Tongue Load*2, *3 297 kg654 lbs. 289 kg637 lbs.
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 5,183 kg11,427 lbs. 5,183 kg11,427 lbs.
Maximum trailer frontal area 2.78 sq meters30 sq feet2.78 sq meters 30 sq feet
Technical and consumer information10-31
Crew Cab – Long wheel base models
Axle type2WD 4WD
Metric Measure US MeasureMetric Measure US Measure
Maximum Payload 599 kg1,320 lbs. 508 kg1,120 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity*1, *2, *3 2,912 kg6,420 lbs. 2,821 kg6,220 lbs.
Maximum Tongue Load*2, *3 291 kg642 lbs. 282 kg622 lbs.
Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating 5,183 kg11,427 lbs. 5,183 kg11,427 lbs.
Maximum trailer frontal area 2.78 sq meters30 sq feet2.78 sq meters 30 sq feet
*1: • The towing capacity is calculated using the SAE International SAE J2807 test method. Additional passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment will a dd weight
to the vehicle and reduce your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
• All towing above 3,500 lbs. (1,587 kg) requires the use of trailer brakes.
• NISSAN recommends the use of a tandem axle trailer whenever towing above 3,000 lbs. (1,361 kg).
*2: The maximum towing capacity when using the Genuine NISSAN step bumper as a ball mount is 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg) and 350 lbs. (158 kg) tongue load.
*3: Use of a weight-distributing hitch system is recommended when towing over 5,000 lbs.
10-32Technical 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 from 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 from a NISSAN dealer. Make sure
the trailer hitch is securely attached to the
vehicle to help avoid personal injury or
property damage due to sway caused by
crosswinds, rough road surfaces or pass-
ing trucks.
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 information10-33