2008 NISSAN TOWING GUIDE Table of Contents Introduction _____________________________________________________1 Towing Equipment ______________________________________________2 What’s Right for You ____________________________________________3 Preparing Your Vehicle _________________________________________10 Towing Safety _________________________________________________14 Towing Tips ___________________________________________________17 Towing Glossary _______________________________________________21 Spe
INTRODUCTION SAFETY IS PRIORITY ONE Obviously, your first concern should be safety. Your vehicle was designed to be used primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Always remember that towing a trailer places additional loads on your vehicle’s engine, drivetrain, steering, braking, and other systems. Therefore, be certain that your vehicle can meet the demands of the towing application you have in mind. Rent or purchase only the highest-quality towing and safety equipment you can find.
Finally, there are state and local laws on towing that you should review to ensure compliance with all regulations. TOWING EQUIPMENT RENTING The first thing to keep in mind when renting a trailer is to rent only from professional companies that specialize in towing and towing equipment. More than likely, specialized companies hire professional staff that can assist you in selecting and installing the proper towing equipment for your Nissan vehicle.
Your vehicle owner’s manual should ALWAYS be referenced before making any towing decisions. Naturally, you will want to buy the highest-quality equipment you can find for maximum towing safety. And if you plan to tow often, consider convenience. Quick-disconnect trailer light connectors and ratchet-type tie-downs, for example, make the job go faster and easier and are usually worth the extra small investment.
For receiver-type hitches using a ball mount, the ball mount should be removed when not towing. If you install a hitch yourself, remember that it must be securely attached to the frame or underbody, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Never attach a hitch or towing device to the vehicle axle housing. This may damage the housing, wheel bearings, wheels, or tires. Hitch Types Bumper Hitch – This is a special reinforced bumper designed to accommodate a hitch ball.
Weight-Distributing Hitch System – This type of system uses a “load-leveling” or “equalizing” hitch. The weight-distributing feature helps shift trailer tongue weight to all trailer tires and the tow vehicle front tires. For Armada, Frontier, Pathfinder, and Titan vehicles, a weight-distributing hitch ball mount (Class IV) IS REQUIRED if you plan to tow trailers with a maximum weight over 5,000 lbs. 5 This ball mount includes a 2 /16” hitch ball rated for up to 10,000 lbs.
5th Wheel or Gooseneck Hitch – Mounted in the bed of a pick-up and designed for 5th Wheel Hitch heavy-duty applications, these types of hitches are not available from Nissan but can be purchased from a professional supplier of towing equipment.* A 5th wheel or gooseneck hitch is usually installed and adjusted to meet the requirements of a particular trailer, but two basic rules hold true in every case.
from the tow vehicle. The diameter of the hitch ball shank must be matched to the ball mount hole diameter. The 1 shank should be no more than /16” smaller than the hole. To keep the hitch ball in top condition, a simple maintenance routine is recommended. Coating it with light grease will minimize wear of both the coupler and hitch ball. Also, by removing the hitch ball when not towing, or by protecting it with a special cover, you will help prevent rust from forming on it.
to the bumper and chains/cables when making a sharp turn, do not attach the chains/cables too close to the coupler. Consult your trailer manufacturer for the proper location of the chain/cable attachment to the trailer. REAR VIEW MIRRORS In many cases, a trailer can block your rear vision when you’re using only the standard Nissan rear view mirrors. These mirrors were not designed for towing. “Extended” mirrors specifically designed for trailer towing should be used when your rearward vision is obstructed.
a 3-wire to 2-wire power converter* must be used. A power converter of this type creates only minimal additional demand (draw) on the vehicle lighting circuits to power the trailer lighting. Always check for correct operation of the turn signals, stoplights, and taillights every time you connect a trailer for towing. Never replace vehicle fuses with fuses of a higher amperage rating than the original. NOTE – Improper or poor quality trailer harness wiring may affect your vehicle’s electrical system.
SWAY CONTROL DEVICE Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting 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.
tow weight ratings. There are four weights to consider when towing: Gross Vehicle Weight Gross Axle Weight (Front and Rear) Gross Combined Weight Trailer Tongue/King Pin Load These ratings are based upon normal highway driving and may be reduced if operating in reduced-traction situations, for example, slippery boat ramps. NOTE – Attempting to tow loads greater than the GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, and the trailer tongue/king pin load specified could adversely affect vehicle handling, braking, and performance.
On all Nissan vehicles, the GVWR is shown on the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (F.M.V.S.S.) certification label located in the driver’s-side door area. To avoid overloading the vehicle, be sure to include the trailer tongue/king pin load as a part of the cargo when determining how much weight can be safely carried inside the vehicle. The weight of the roof rack cargo should also be included. F.M.V.S.S. Certification Label MFD BY NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD DATE GVWR GAWR FR.
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT (GCW) The Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is the total weight of the tow vehicle with all passengers, cargo, and fuel, plus the total weight of the trailer and all its cargo. To determine the GCW, simply weigh your vehicle when fully loaded and ready to tow, and add in the weight of the loaded trailer. The GCW you come up with must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) for your vehicle.
example, to determine the proper trailer tongue load for a 1,500-lb. trailer, multiply the weight of 1,500 lbs. by 10% to arrive at a figure of 150 lbs. 5th wheel and gooseneck trailer king pin load must be kept between 15-25% of the actual trailer weight, within the limits of the king pin load allowable. See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide or refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to view the maximum conventional trailer tongue load listed for your vehicle.
Always make sure your vehicle’s towing capacity is adequate for the trailer you intend to tow. Buy or lease only quality equipment, and have it installed only by professionals. In addition, be certain that you have all of the equipment needed for safe towing, including safety chains/cables, electric trailer brakes, electric trailer brake controller, breakaway switch, extended rear view mirrors, and so on. All of these items have been discussed in a previous section of this guide.
the handling of your vehicle and cause a very unsafe situation. Finally, do not carry flammable materials, such as gasoline, in your trailer. In the event of an accident, an explosion or fire could occur. ENSURING VEHICLE/TRAILER STABILITY Improper loading, excessive or insufficient trailer tongue/king pin load, overloading, excessive trailer weight, poorly designed trailer suspensions, crosswinds, and poor maintenance are all things that can affect the stability of your vehicle and trailer combination.
limits described in this guide. These changes may diminish the reliability and longevity of your vehicle and possibly void warranty coverage. TOOL KIT It is always a good idea to travel with a special tool kit when towing. In addition to tools, it should contain flares, a flashlight, emergency reflectors, jumper cables, extra fuses, extra radiator coolant, oil, and easily replaced spare parts such as taillight bulbs.
REDUCE SPEED Drive your vehicle at a moderate speed, and remember to reduce your speed in unsafe or less-than-ideal road conditions or weather. The tendency for a trailer to sway increases with speed, and such swaying can result in a loss of control. BRAKE SOONER The combination of your tow vehicle and trailer obviously requires a greater distance to stop.
move the wheel to the right. All movements of the wheel should be done in small increments. Of course, backing up should be done only at very slow speeds. For large trailers that obstruct your rearward vision, have someone outside the vehicle act as a “spotter” to guide you along. PARK SMART A tow vehicle and trailer can be an unwieldy combination in a small area, so always try to park where you will have a relatively easy time maneuvering.
automatic transmission fluid temperature gauge (if equipped) very carefully. At the first sign of overheating, pull to the side of the road. See IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS later in this section for more information. HILLS – DOWNGRADES 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 shift to a lower gear.
serious injury. 5. As soon as the engine has cooled to its normal operating temperature, visually inspect the drive belts for damage or looseness. A loose belt reduces water pump efficiency. Be careful to keep your hands, hair, jewelry, and clothing clear of the running drive belt and other moving parts when inspecting the engine and radiator. Also check to see if the cooling fan is running, and inspect the water pump, radiator, and radiator hoses for leaks.
GOOSENECK HITCH Located just forward of the rear axle centerline, this hitch uses a ball to serve as the pivot point for the trailer. GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) The maximum amount of weight each vehicle axle (front and rear) is designed to safely carry. GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT RATING (GCWR) The maximum allowable combined weight of the vehicle and trailer, including passengers and all cargo.
SPECIFICATIONS TOWING CAPACITIES SUV’s, Trucks, and Minivan 2008 ARMADA TOWING DATA Engine Type 5.6L V8 Transmission A/T Model(s) Maximum 1,4 Trailer Weight (lbs.) Maximum Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.) Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.
2008 PATHFINDER TOWING DATA Engine Type 4.0L V6 Transmission Maximum 1,4 Trailer Weight (lbs.) Maximum Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.) Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) 5.6L V8 A/T 6,000 7,000 600 700 11,133 12,570 Maximum Trailer Frontal Area 60 sq. ft. 2008 QUEST TOWING DATA Engine Type 3.5L V6 Transmission A/T Maximum 1 Trailer Weight (lbs.) 3,500 Maximum Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.) 350 Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) 8,500 2008 ROGUE TOWING DATA Engine Type 2.
2008 TITAN TOWING DATA - WITH OPTIONAL TOWING PACKAGE Engine Type 5.6L V8 Transmission A/T 6 KING CAB Model(s) XE Short Wheel Base Long Wheel Base 1,2,4,5 Maximum Trailer Weight Maximum Trailer Weight LE PRO-4X 2WD 4WD 2WD 4WD 4WD 2WD 4WD 9,500 9,400 9,500 9,400 9,300 9,200 9,200 950 940 950 940 930 920 920 1,425 1,410 1,425 1,410 1,395 1,380 1,380 5 15,100 15,100 15,100 15,100 15,100 15,100 15,100 (lbs.
2008 TITAN TOWING DATA - WITHOUT OPTIONAL TOWING PACKAGE Engine Type 5.6L V8 Transmission A/T KING CAB Model(s) XE SE LE PRO-4X 2WD 4WD 2WD 4WD 4WD 2WD 4WD 6,500 6,500 7,400 7,400 7,200 7,200 7,200 Maximum Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.) 650 650 740 740 720 720 720 King Pin Load (lbs.) 975 975 1,110 1,110 1,080 1,080 1,080 5 12,800 13,000 12,800 13,000 13,000 12,800 13,000 (lbs.) 6,499 6,499 7,101 7,101 – 7,000 6,900 Maximum Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.
2008 XTERRA TOWING DATA Engine Type 4.0L V6 Transmission A/T & M/T 2WD & 4WD Model(s) Maximum 1 Trailer Weight (lbs.) Maximum Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.) Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) Maximum Trailer Frontal Area 5,000 500 9,658 60 sq. ft. 1 Maximum Trailer Weight values are calculated assuming a base vehicle with driver and any options required to achieve the rating.
Other Recommendations and Information – Towing performance and speed are affected by vehicle payload, tow weight, road grades, and weather conditions, including high temperatures. See your vehicle owner’s manual for details. TOWING EQUIPMENT CLASSES Class I Class II Class III Class IV Trailer hitch equipment* can be used to tow trailers with a maximum weight of 2,000 lbs.** Trailer hitch equipment* can be used to tow trailers with a maximum weight of 3,500 lbs.
TOW VEHICLE WIRING HARNESSES Armada Harness Type Trailer Lighting 7-pin connector wiring harness LE: Pre-wired SE: Tow harness kit available Receiver hitch: 7-pin connector wiring harness Frontier Tow harness kit available Electric Trailer Brakes Pre-wired with 7-pin harness. Requires an electric trailer brake controller (supplied by customer), and an electric trailer brake controller wiring harness (included with vehicle or available from Nissan dealer).
driving needs (up to 84 months/100,000 miles!). For the maximum coverage, you will want to ® opt for Security+Plus Gold Preferred. Whichever plan you choose, coverage is available throughout the United States. Repair work will be done at authorized Nissan dealers by Nissan-trained technicians utilizing Genuine Nissan Parts. For more information about Security+Plus Vehicle Protection Plans, contact your participating Nissan dealer.
All illustrations, photographs, and specifications in this publication are based on the latest product information available at the time of printing. Some vehicle parts cannot be shown in certain photographs. Some vehicles are shown with optional equipment. See the actual vehicle for complete accuracy. Availability and delivery time for particular models and equipment combinations may vary. Nissan North America, Inc.
