Nissan 2010 Automobile User Manual


 
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer han-
dling. 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 sys-
tem. 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 lb (909 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 lb (1,510 kg).
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 lb (2,272 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 lb (4,545 kg). A
weight distributing hitch should be used to tow
trailers that weigh over 5,000 lb (2,272 kg).
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000 lb
(4,545 kg) maximum weight rating, but your ve-
hicle is only capable of towing the maximum
trailer weights shown in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart earlier in this section.
5th wheel/gooseneck
A 5thwheel orgooseneck trailer canbe towedby
installing a 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer hitch.
These types of hitches are mounted in the bed of
the pick-up.Aprofessional trailer equipmentsup-
plier should install these hitches as it is very
important to mount the hitch correctly to distrib-
ute the king pin weight for the proper load carry-
ing and sway control performance.
Theking pinweight shouldbe 15to25 percentof
the fully loaded trailer. Make sure the king pin
weight does not cause the gross vehicle weight
to exceed the Gross Maximum Weight Rating or
the rear axle weight to exceed the Rear Gross
Axle Weight rating, see “Maximum load limits”
earlier in this section.
The weight of the trailer should not exceed the
maximum towing capacity for the vehicle, see
“Towing Load/Specification” chart earlier in this
section.
Make surethe trailer design allowsfor the correct
vehicle to trailer clearances before purchasing a
5th wheel trailer.
CAUTION
Special hitches which include frame re-
inforcements are required for towing
above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable genu-
ine 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.
Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
Do not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-
tem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
To reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
receiver when not in use.
Technical and consumer information 9-35