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2011 NISSAN Towing Guide
22
TOWING
GLOSSARY
5TH WHEEL
HITCH
Located just forward of the rear axle centerline, this hitch uses a king pin to
serve as the pivot point for the trailer.
BALL MOUNT
A bar that holds the hitch ball and is inserted into the hitch receiver. Also
commonly called a drawbar.
BREAKAWAY SWITCH
A safety device using a trailer battery that automatically applies the trailer’s
brakes if it should accidentally become separated from the tow vehicle.
A breakaway switch may be used with both electric or surge trailer brake
systems.
BUMPER HITCH
A reinforced bumper designed to accommodate a hitch ball.
ELECTRIC TRAILER
BRAKES
When the brakes on a tow vehicle are applied, an electric current is sent to
an actuator which applies the trailer’s brakes.
ELECTRIC TRAILER
BRAKE CONTROLLER
A device that controls the electric trailer brakes.
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.
GROSS VEHICLE
WEIGHT RATING (GVWR)
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, including passengers, cargo,
fuel, hitch, trailer tongue load, and any optional equipment.
KING PIN
LOAD
The amount of trailer (5th wheel or gooseneck) weight pressing down on the
tow vehicle hitch.