towing NISSAN X-TRAIL 2006 User Guide

Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm
that you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for your
vehicle. See “Vehicle loading informa-
tion” earlier in this section for details.
Also check tires for proper inflation pres-
sures. See the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label affixed to the driver’s side cen-
ter pillar.Payload Weight Capacity Unit: kg (lb)
QR25DE
2WD 4WD
Canada570
(1,260)470
(1,040)MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTSSecure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of
your vehicle. When the vehicle is loaded,
drive to a scale and weigh the front and
the rear wheels separately to determine
axle loads. Individual axle loads should
not exceed either of the gross axle weightratings (GAWR). The total of the axle
loads should not exceed the gross ve-
hicle weight rating (GVWR). These rat-
ings are given on the vehicle certification
label. If weight ratings are exceeded,
move or remove items to bring all weights
below the ratings.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION

Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy
load for the first 800 km (500 miles).
CA0009
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Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.

For the first 800 km (500 miles) that
you tow a trailer, do not drive over 80
km/h (50 mph) and do not make
starts at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of your ve-
hicle wear in at the heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer will place additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steer-
ing, braking and other systems.
WARNING
Vehicle damage resulting from im-
proper towing procedures is not cov-
ered by NISSAN warranties.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loadsNever allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the Towing Load/Specification
Chart found later in this section. The total trailer
load equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.

When towing a trailer load of 454 kg (1,000
lbs.) or more, trailers with a brake system
MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
Rating) should not exceed the value specified in
the following Towing Load/Specification Chart.
The GCWR equals the combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo)
plus the total trailer load. Towing loads greater
than these or using improper towing equipment
could adversely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.
Towing loads greater than specified or using
improper towing equipment could adversely af-
fect vehicle handling, braking and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but
also the places you plan to tow. Tow weights
appropriate for level highway driving may have to
be reduced on very steep grades or in lowtraction situations (for example, on slippery boat
ramps).
Temperature conditions also can affect towing.
For example, towing a heavy trailer in high
outside temperatures on graded roads can af-
fect engine performance and cause overheating.
The transmission high fluid temperature protec-
tion mode, which helps reduce the chance of
transmission damage, could activate and auto-
matically decrease engine power. Vehicle speed
may decrease to 65 to 80 km/h (40 to 50 MPH)
under high load. Plan your trip carefully to ac-
count for trailer and vehicle load, weather, and
road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced en-
gine power and vehicle speed. Also,
when the high temperature mode oper-
ates, vehicle speed may be gradually
reduced. The reduced speed may be
lower than other traffic, which could
increase the chance of a collision. Be
especially careful when driving. If nec-
essary, pull to the side of the road at a
safe place and allow the engine to cool
or the transmission to return to normal
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operation.
Tongue loadKeep the tongue load between 9 to 11 percent
of the total trailer load within the maximum
tongue load limits shown in the following Towing
Load/Specifications Chart. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper tongue load.
Maximum gross vehicle weight/
maximum gross axle weightThe gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle
must not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) shown on the C.M.V.S.S. certification
label. The gross vehicle weight equals the com-
bined weight of the unloaded vehicle, passen-
gers, luggage, hitch, trailer tongue load and any
other optional equipment. In addition, front or
rear gross axle weight must not exceed the
gross axle weight rating (GAWR) shown on the
C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
TI1012M
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TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Unit: kg (lb)
MODEL
WEIGHTQR25DE
MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT*1 907 (2,000)
MAXIMUM TONGUE LOAD 90.7 (200)
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT RATING 2,649 (5,840)
*1: All towing above 454 kg (1,000 lb) requires the use of trailer brakes.
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitchChoose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. Make sure the trailer hitch is securely
attached to the vehicle, to help avoid personal
injury or property damage due to sway caused
by crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing
trucks.Hitch ballChoose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight
rating for your trailer:

The required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on top of the ball.

Choose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.

The diameter of the threaded shank of the
hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should be
no more than 1.58 mm (1/16 in) smaller than
the hole in the ball mount.

The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2 threads
showing beyond the lock washer and nut.
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Class I hitchClass I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 909 kg (2,000 lb).
You may add Class I trailer hitch equipment to
the vehicle that has a 909 kg (2,000 lb) maxi-
mum weight rating, but your vehicle is only
capable of towing the maximum trailer weights
shown in the Towing Load/Specification Chart
earlier in this section.
CAUTION

Special hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 907 kg (2,000 lb). Suitable
genuine NISSAN hitches for pickup
trucks and sport utility vehicles are
available at a NISSAN dealer.

Do not use axle-mounted hitches.

The hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact
absorbing bumper.

Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install atrailer hitch.

After the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.

Regularly check all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely
mounted.

To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use.
Tire pressures
When towing a trailer, inflate the ve-
hicle tires to the recommended cold
tire pressure indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label.

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and
tire manufacturers’ specifications.
Safety chainAlways use a suitable chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chain to permit turning
corners.Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available
power-type module/converter must be
used to provide power for all trailer
lighting. This unit uses the vehicle bat-
tery as a direct power source for all
trailer lights while using the vehicle tail
light, stoplight and turn signal circuits
as a signal source. The module/
converter must draw no more than 15
milliamps from the stop and tail lamp
circuits. Using a module/converter that
exceeds these power requirements may
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
See a reputable trailer dealer to obtainTechnical and consumer information
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06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0


the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer dealer.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tips
Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down con-
dition; check for improper tongue load, over-
load, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.

Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half.

Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, vehicle
tire pressure, trailer light operation, and trailer
wheel lug nuts every time you attach a trailer
to the vehicle.

Be certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability, and braking per-
formance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.

Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.

Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.

Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.

Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed. Some states or provinces have spe-cific speed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Obey the local speed limits.

When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and back
up slowly. If possible, have someone guide
you when you are backing up.

Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so,
and if your vehicle is equipped with automatic
transmission, first block the wheels and apply
the parking brake, and then move the selector
lever into the P (Park) position. If you move
the selector lever to the P (Park) position
before blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage could
occur.

When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.

If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
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opening the windows, switching the fan con-
trol to high and setting the temperature con-
trol to the HOT position.

Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.

Avoid towing a trailer for the first 805 km
(500 miles).

Have your vehicle serviced more often than at
intervals specified in the recommended main-
tenance schedule.

When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this, make
a larger than normal turning radius during the
turn.

Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.

Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal passing.Remember the length of the trailer must also
pass the other vehicle before you can safely
change lanes.

Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the brakes
to overheat, resulting in reduced braking ef-
ficiency.

Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.

Do not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.

Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 80
km (50 miles) of travel and at every break.

When stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
When towing a trailer, the transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWINGTowing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a ve-hicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a
motor home.
CAUTION

Failure to follow these guidelines
can result in severe transmission
damage.

Whenever flat towing your vehicle,
always tow forward, never backward.

DO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground (flat towing). Doing so
WILL DAMAGE internal transmission
parts due to lack of transmission lu-
brication.

For emergency towing procedures re-
fer to “Towing Recommended by
NISSAN” in the “6. In case of emer-
gency” section of this manual.Automatic transmissionTo tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’sTechnical and consumer information
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Under the hood and vehicle ............................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ........................... 2-10
Manual front seat adjustment ................................... 1-2
Map light...................................................................... 2-40
Meters and gauges ..................................................... 2-3
Meters and gauges, Instrument brightness
control .......................................................................... 2-19
Mirror
Inside rearview mirror ........................................ 3-11
Outside rearview mirrors .................................. 3-12
Vanity mirror ......................................................... 3-13
N
Net, Cargo net ........................................................... 2-33
New vehicle break-in ................................................ 5-18
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ................... 2-14
Engine start............................................................. 5-8
O
Odometer ....................................................................... 2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-11
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-10
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Outside rearview mirrors ......................................... 3-12
Overdrive switch........................................................ 5-13
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ......................... 6-9
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information................................................................... 9-25P
Parking
Brake check ......................................................... 8-21
Parking brake check .......................................... 5-15
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-15
Parking on hills .................................................... 5-15
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-23
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ............................. 4-32
Power
Front seat adjustment .......................................... 1-4
Power outlet ......................................................... 2-25
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-14
Power steering system ...................................... 5-24
Power windows................................................... 2-35
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .............................. 1-45
Precautions
Audio operation ................................................... 4-14
Braking precautions ........................................... 5-24
Child restraints .................................................... 1-20
Cruise control ...................................................... 5-16
Driving safety .......................................................... 5-4
Maintenance ........................................................... 8-5
On-pavement and offroad driving ..................... 5-4
Seat belt usage ................................................... 1-11
Supplemental restraint system ........................ 1-37
When starting and driving .................................. 5-2
Push starting ................................................................. 6-9
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ..................................... 4-32FM-AM radio with cassette player and
Compact Disc (CD) changer .......................... 4-19
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc
(CD) player ............................................... 4-25, 4-29
Rear center seat belt................................................ 1-19
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock.......... 3-4
Rear power point....................................................... 2-25
Rear seat adjustment .................................................. 1-6
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ........................................................................... 2-17
Rear window wiper and washer switch .............. 2-16
Registering your vehicle in another country.......... 9-9
Remote keyless entry system ................................... 3-5
Rollover........................................................................... 5-3
S
Safety
Child seat belts ................................................... 1-14
Towing safety....................................................... 9-18
Seat belt warning chime ............................................ 2-9
Seat belt warning light ............................................. 1-11
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment............................ 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ............................. 1-4
Rear seat adjustment ........................................... 1-6
Seat belt(s)
Child safety .......................................................... 1-14
Injured persons.................................................... 1-15
Larger children .................................................... 1-14
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-45
Precautions on seat belt usage ...................... 1-11
Pregnant women ................................................. 1-15
Rear center seat belt ......................................... 1-19


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Seat belt cleaning ................................................. 7-5
Seat belt extenders ............................................ 1-19
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-19
Seat belts ............................................................. 1-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment..................... 1-18
Three-point type with retractor ....................... 1-15
Seat(s)
Heated seats........................................................ 2-22
Seats ........................................................................ 1-2
Security system, Vehicle security system ........... 2-13
Security systems (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ............................................... 2-14
Security systems (See vehicle security
system) ......................................................................... 2-13
Servicing air conditioner .......................................... 4-14
Shift lock release ....................................................... 5-12
Shifting
Automatic transmission ............................ 5-6, 5-10
Manual transmission ................................. 5-7, 5-14
Shoulder belt height adjustment, For front
seats ............................................................................. 1-18
SNOW mode switch ................................................ 2-23
Spark plugs................................................................. 8-18
Speedometer ................................................................ 2-4
Starting
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-9
Jump starting .......................................................... 6-7
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Push starting .......................................................... 6-9
Starting the engine ............................................... 5-9
Steering
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-14
Power steering system ...................................... 5-24
Tilting steering wheel......................................... 3-10Storage ........................................................................ 2-26
Sun shade ................................................................... 2-38
Sunroof ........................................................................ 2-38
Supplemental air bag warning labels................... 1-47
Supplemental air bag warning light............. 1-47, 2-9
Supplemental restraint system............................... 1-37
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.................................................................... 1-37
Switch
Fog light switch................................................... 2-20
Hazard warning flasher switch ........................ 2-21
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-18
Ignition switch ........................................................ 5-6
Ignition switch automatic transmission
models .......................................................... 5-6, 5-10
Ignition switch manual transmission
models .......................................................... 5-7, 5-14
Overdrive switch ................................................. 5-13
Power door lock switch....................................... 3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch..................................................................... 2-17
Turn signal switch .............................................. 2-20
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch ... 2-23
T
Tachometer.................................................................... 2-5
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................................................... 2-5
Theft (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System),
Engine start................................................................. 2-14
Three way catalyst ....................................................... 5-3
Tilting steering wheel ............................................... 3-10Tire
Flat tire ..................................................................... 6-2
Uniform tire quality grading .............................. 9-22
Tires
Tire and loading information label ...... 8-35, 9-11
Tire chains ............................................................ 8-40
Tire pressure ........................................................ 8-34
Tire rotation .......................................................... 8-41
Types of tires ....................................................... 8-39
Wheel/tire size ....................................................... 9-8
Wheels and tires ................................................ 8-34
Tonneau cover ........................................................... 2-34
Top tether strap child restraints ............................ 1-28
Towing
Tow truck towing ................................................ 6-10
Towing a trailer.................................................... 9-15
Towing load/specification chart ...................... 9-15
Towing safety....................................................... 9-18
Trailer towing .............................................................. 9-15
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-6, 5-10
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-7, 5-14
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-12
Transmitter (See remote keyless entry system) ... 3-5
Traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country ............................................................................ 9-9
Turn signal switch ..................................................... 2-20
U
Underbody cleaning .................................................... 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading .................................... 9-22


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