2009 NISSAN TOWING GUIDE Table of Contents Introduction _____________________________________________________1 Towing Equipment ______________________________________________2 What Is Right for You ___________________________________________3 Preparing Your Vehicle _________________________________________10 Towing Safety _________________________________________________15 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, suspension, 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.
It is also a good idea to discuss your towing requirements with either your Nissan dealer or a professional supplier of towing equipment before you equip your Nissan vehicle for towing. 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.
PURCHASING If you are buying a travel or boat trailer, be sure that your Nissan vehicle has the towing capacity to pull it. See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide or refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for detailed information regarding the towing capacity of your specific 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.
Installing an aftermarket hitch may affect the rear crash performance of your vehicle. Be sure that the hitch does not interfere in any way with the vehicle’s impact-absorbing bumper. Regularly check to see that all hitch-mounting bolts are securely fastened. For receiver-type hitches using a ball mount, the ball mount should be removed when not towing.
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 recommended if you plan to tow trailers with a maximum weight 5 over 5,000 lbs. This ball mount includes a 2 /16” hitch ball rated for up to 10,000 lbs.
5th Wheel or Gooseneck Hitch – 5th Wheel Hitch Mounted in the bed of a pick-up and designed for 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.
Like ball mounts, hitch balls are available in a number of weight capacities and sizes. Always make sure the hitch ball selected has the proper shank diameter and weight rating for the ball 7 mount as well as the coupler on your trailer. Using a 1 /8” hitch ball in a 2” coupler, for example, could result in the trailer separating 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.
binding; however, note that excessive slack will allow the chains/cables to drag on the ground. Do not use S-hooks for attaching, as they may become un-hooked and are illegal in many states. To avoid damage 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.
lights, therefore a device called a “converter” is needed.* Specifically, a “powered converter” must be used, as a converter of this type creates only minimal additional electrical demand (draw) on the vehicle lighting circuits, which helps to ensure protection for the vehicle’s sensitive electronics. Always check for correct operation of the taillights, stoplights, and turn signal lights every time you connect a trailer for towing.
NOTE – Improper or poor quality trailer harness wiring may affect your vehicle’s electrical system. Use only a Nissan approved wiring harness, or consult your dealer or a professional supplier of towing equipment for compatible equipment. 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 effects.
weight. You must compare your vehicle’s tow weight ratings with the combined weight of the vehicle, trailer, and their contents. This will help ensure that the total weight does not exceed any of your vehicle’s tow weight ratings.
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.
For 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. Some trailer types may require different trailer tongue loads for safe towing. Always follow the trailer manufacturer’s recommendations for proper trailer set-up and trailer tongue load.
TOWING SAFETY Towing can dramatically alter the handling and performance characteristics of your vehicle. Plus, it puts increased strain on the engine and drivetrain. Therefore, it is always a good idea to approach towing from the standpoint of safety — whether you are purchasing equipment or actually pulling the trailer. 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.
The trailer load should be balanced equally from side-to-side. Unequal side-to-side loading can negatively affect handling and braking. Once in place, all cargo should be firmly secured to prevent shifting. If the load should shift abruptly during braking or cornering, it could quickly affect 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.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS Vehicle modifications — beyond those required for proper hitch installation, wiring hook-up, and necessary cooling system upgrading — are not recommended for any Nissan vehicle being used for towing purposes. Changes to the drivetrain, suspension, exhaust systems, frame structure/unibody, or other vehicle components are not necessary for towing within the limits described in this guide.
Abrupt maneuvering can unbalance the load and reduce the handling stability of your tow vehicle. Plan ahead and make lane changes and turns smoothly. If possible, before you actually hit the open road, practice towing in a large uncrowded area such as a stadium or shopping center parking lot. Become especially familiar with backing up a trailer — the maneuver many people find most difficult.
vehicle. A special extended 5th wheel pin box or sliding hitch may be required to provide additional trailer-to-truck clearance for tight maneuvering. BACK UP WITH CAUTION Backing up with a trailer is a difficult maneuver; however, there is a “trick” that can simplify the procedure considerably. Simply steer with one hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. To turn the trailer to the left, first move the steering wheel to the left. To turn the trailer to the right, move the wheel to the right.
HILLS – UPGRADES As the incline increases, your vehicle — if equipped with an automatic transmission — is designed to automatically select the correct gear for the best towing comfort and performance. To maintain speed or avoid up and down shifts, manually shift to a lower gear as needed. The added weight of a trailer places an increased load on the engine and cooling system, so monitor your coolant temperature gauge and automatic transmission fluid temperature gauge (if equipped) very carefully.
4. Being cautious of traffic, step out of the vehicle and, from a safe distance, look for steam underneath the engine. If you see steam or leaking coolant, stand clear to avoid being burned and shut off your engine immediately and allow it to cool. If there is no steam, open the hood. Never remove the radiator cap when the radiator is hot. If the cap is removed under these conditions, hot water/coolant under high pressure may spurt out, possibly causing serious injury. 5.
ELECTRIC TRAILER BRAKES ELECTRIC TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER GOOSENECK HITCH When the brakes on a tow vehicle are applied, an electric current is sent to an actuator which applies the trailer’s brakes. A device that controls the electric trailer brakes. 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.
SPECIFICATIONS TOWING CAPACITIES Crossovers, Minivans, SUVs, and Trucks 2009 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.
2009 MURANO TOWING DATA Engine Type 3.5L V6 Transmission CVT 1 Maximum Trailer Weight (lbs.) 3,500 Maximum Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.) 350 Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) 8,300 2009 PATHFINDER TOWING DATA Engine Type 4.0L V6 5.6L V8 Transmission A/T 1,4 Maximum Trailer Weight (lbs.) Maximum Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.) Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) 6,000 7,000 600 700 11,133 12,570 60 sq. ft. Maximum Trailer Frontal Area 2009 QUEST TOWING DATA Engine Type 3.
2009 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 (lbs.) 2 Maximum Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.) King Pin Load (lbs.) 5 Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) 1,2,4,5 (lbs.) 2 Maximum Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.) King Pin Load (lbs.) 5 Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.
2009 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 12,800 13,000 12,800 13,000 13,000 12,800 13,000 Short Wheel Base Long Wheel Base 1,2,4,5 Maximum Trailer Weight Maximum Trailer Weight (lbs.
2009 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.) 5,000 500 Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) 9,658 Maximum Trailer Frontal Area 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.** Bumper Receiver Towing Hitch Trailer hitch equipment* can be used to tow trailers with a maximum weight of 3,500 lbs.
TOW VEHICLE WIRING HARNESSES Harness Type Armada Frontier 7-pin connector wiring harness Receiver hitch: 7-pin connector wiring harness Trailer Lighting Pre-wired 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).
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. The quality of Genuine Nissan Parts and Accessories is backed by the integrity of a Genuine Nissan Replacement Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty.
All illustrations, photographs, and specifications in this document are based on the latest product information available at the time of publication. Some vehicles are shown with optional equipment. See the actual vehicle for complete accuracy. Availability and delivery time for particular models and equipment may vary. Nissan North America, Inc.
