Nissan 2010 Armada Automobile User Manual


 
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length ofthe trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
Use the Tow Mode or downshift the trans-
mission to a lower gear for engine braking
when driving down steep or long hills. This
will help slow the vehicle without applying
the brakes.
Avoid holdingthe brakepedal downtoo long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
NISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speedlimits for vehiclesthat
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
When launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information,see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
Tow mode
Using tow mode is recommended when pulling a
heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load. Press the
TOW MODE switch to activate tow mode. The
indicator light on the TOW MODE switch illumi-
nates when tow mode is selected. Press the
TOW MODE switch again to turn tow mode off.
Tow mode is automatically cancelled when the
ignition switch is turned OFF.
Tow mode includes the following features:
Grade logic Adjusts transmission shifts
when pulling a trailer or hauling a load up a
grade.
Downhill Speed Control (DSC) — automati-
cally downshifts when driving down a grade
with a trailer or heavy load to help control
vehicle speed.
Driving the vehicle in the tow mode with no
trailer/load or light trailer/light load will not cause
any damage. However, fuel economy may be
reduced and the transmission/engine driving
characteristics may feel unusual.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information,see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method issometimesused whentowinga vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
9-28 Technical and consumer information
REVIEW COPY—
2010 Armada (wzw)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/18/09—debbie