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 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg).
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.
NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may
affect the operation of trailer surge
brakes. If you are considering use of a
weight-distributing hitch system with a
surge brake-equipped trailer, check with
the surge brake, hitch or trailer manufac-
turer to determine if and how this can be
done.
Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the
weight-distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion and the doors closed, allow the ve-
hicle to stand for several minutes so that
it can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the
center of the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and ad- just the hitch equalizers so that the front
bumper height is within0-.5inches (0 –
13 mm) of the reference height mea-
sured in step 2. The rear bumper should
be no higher than the reference height
measured in step 2.
LTI2569
10-34Technical and consumer information
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
• Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
• Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
• Always drive your vehicle at a moderatespeed.
• 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. 2-13)
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).
• 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.
10-38Technical and consumer information
Check tire pressure..........2-34, 2-36Child restraint with top tether strap. . . .1-31Child restraints.......1-23,1-24,1-26,1-28Precautions on child
restraints.........1-38, 1-41, 1-54, 1-64Top tether strap anchor point
locations...................1-31Child safety rear door lock..........3-7Cleaning exterior and interior......7-2,7-4Cold weather driving............5-134Console box..................2-72Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls. .4-39Heater and air conditioner controls
(manual)...................4-29CoolantCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
...............10-2Changing engine coolant.........8-7Checking engine coolant level......8-7Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-6Corrosion protection..............7-7Cruise control..............5-50, 5-51Cup holders...................2-73Curtain side-impact and rollover air
bag....................... .1-86
D
Daytime Running Light System......2-48Daytime Running Lights (DRL) system. .2-48Dimensions and weights..........10-11Dimmer switch for instrument panel. . .2-49
Door locks....................3-4Drive belt....................8-19Driving
Cold weather driving...........5-134Driving with automatic transmission.5-19Precautions when starting and
driving................. .5-4, 5-11Driving the vehicle...............5-18
E
Eco Drive Report................2-9Economy - fuel................5-109Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system.....................5-115Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch.................2-55Emergency call (SOS) button........2-58Emergency engine shutoff.......5-15,6-2Emission control information label. . . .10-13Emission control system warranty. . . .10-42Engine
Before starting the engine........5-17Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2Changing engine coolant.........8-7Changing engine oil............8-8Changing engine oil filter.........8-8Checking engine coolant level......8-7Checking engine oil level.........8-8Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-6Engine cooling system...........8-6Engine oil.................. .8-8
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation.............10-7Engine oil pressure gauge.........2-8Engine oil pressure warning light. . . .2-15Engine oil viscosity.............10-7Engine serial number..........10-12Engine specifications...........10-9Engine Block Heater.............5-135Engine coolant temperature gauge. . . .2-6Engine oil pressure gauge..........2-8Event Data recorders............10-44Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)......5-4Explanation of maintenance items.....9-2Explanation of scheduled maintenance
items...................... .9-5Extended storage switch..........2-66Eyeglass case.................2-72
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch)......................6-2Flat tire......................6-3Floor mat positioning aid...........7-6Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-14Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2Engine coolant................8-6Engine oil.................. .8-8Power steering fluid............8-14Windshield-washer fluid.........8-15Fog light switch................2-49
11-2
Tire rotation.................8-41Tires of 4-wheel drive...........8-43Types of tires................8-39Uniform tire quality grading.......10-41Wheel/tire size...............10-10Wheels and tires..........8-32, 10-10Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light.....2-17Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).5-5Top tether strap child restraint.......1-31Tow mode switch...............2-57Towing2-wheel drive models...........6-16Flat towing................ .10-40Tow truck towing..............6-14Towing load/specification.......10-30Trailer towing...............10-27Towing a trailer................10-27Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)........5-24Transceiver
HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver
......2-80, 2-81, 2-83, 2-84TransmissionDriving with automatic transmission.5-19Travel (See registering a vehicle in another
country)................... .10-12Trip odometer..................2-5Truck - camper loading...........10-25Truck box....................3-27Turn signal switch...............2-49
U
Under seat storage bin...........2-69Uniform tire quality grading........10-41USB Charging Ports..............2-63Using four wheel drive (4WD).......5-109
V
Vanity mirror..................3-24Variable voltage control system......8-18Vehicle dimensions and weights.....10-11Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
switch..................... .2-53Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.5-121Vehicle identification.............10-12Vehicle identification number (VIN). . . .10-12Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate...................... .10-12Vehicle immobilizer system.....2-41, 5-16Vehicle information display.........2-22Vehicle loading information........10-16Vehicle recovery................6-16Vehicle security system...........2-39Vehicle security system (NISSAN Vehicle Im-
mobilizer System), engine start. . .2-41, 5-16Ventilators...................4-28Visors......................3-24Voltmeter....................2-8
W
Warning
Air bag warning light........1-90, 2-15Anti-lock brake warning light......2-13Battery charge warning light......2-14Brake warning light............2-13Engine oil pressure warning light. . . .2-15Hazard warning flasher switch......6-2Loose fuel cap warning..........2-33Low fuel warning light. . . .2-15, 2-19, 2-34Low tire pressure warning light.....2-17Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light..................... .2-34Passenger air bag and status light. . .1-80Seat belt warning light.......1-17,2-15Supplemental air bag warning
light...................1-90, 2-15Vehicle security system.........2-39Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-90Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-13Warning lights.................2-13Warning lights, indicator lights and audible
reminders....................2-11Warning systems switch..........2-52Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders....................2-13Audible reminders.............2-13Indicator lights...............2-13Warning lights................2-13Weights (See dimensions and weights).10-11Wheel/tire size................10-10Wheels and tires............8-32, 10-10
11-7