ECO mode NISSAN XTERRA 2006 N50 / 2.G Towing Guide

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 17
TOWING
TIPS

If you’ve never towed a trailer before, be aware that it does take getting used to. To begin
with, towing noticeably affects your vehicle’s performance:
Š It will not accelerate as quickly — an important point to keep in mind when merging onto
a highway.
Š It will not stop as quickly. Leave more room than usual between you and the traffic
ahead, and brake sooner when coming to a stop.
Š 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.

REDUCE SPEED
Drive your vehicle at a moderate speed, and remember to reduce your speed in unsafe or
less-than-ideal road conditions or weather. The tendency for a trailer to sway increases
with speed, and such swaying can result in a loss of control.

BRAKE SOONER
The combination of your tow vehicle and trailer obviously requires a greater distance to
stop. A good rule of thumb to remember is that for each 10 mph of speed, allow yourself
one tow vehicle and trailer length of distance between the front of your vehicle and the
vehicle ahead.
When braking, use firm but gradual pressure on the pedal rather than panic braking.
Applying the brakes abruptly or with too much force can cause the trailer to skid or
jackknife at its point of attachment with the vehicle. This, in turn, can throw the tow vehicle
out of control.
If equipped with an electric trailer brake controller, follow the recommended operational
instructions.

PASS CAREFULLY
As mentioned in the introduction to this section, because of the added weight of the trailer,
acceleration capability is reduced and you’ll require a longer distance to pass another
vehicle. Be certain you have sufficient time and space to pass safely. Obviously, never
attempt passing on hills or when going around curves.

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 19 AUTOMATIC CRUISE CONTROL
Do not use cruise control while towing a trailer.

TOW MODE (IF EQUIPPED)
Tow Mode should be used when the vehicle and trailer weight is at least 75% of the
vehicle GCWR. This mode is most useful when towing a heavy trailer or hauling a heavy
load, particularly when stop-and-go traffic, rolling terrain, or a busy parking lot is involved.
Driving the vehicle in Tow Mode with minimal trailer load will not cause any damage;
however, fuel economy may be reduced, and transmission/engine driving characteristics
may feel different.

HILLS – UPGRADES
As the incline increases, shift down to a lower gear to maintain speed and prevent the
engine from lugging. However, for long and steep grades, do not stay in first gear when
driving above 35 mph or in second gear above 58 mph.* 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. At the first sign of overheating, pull to the side of the road. See IF YOUR ENGINE
OVERHEATS later in this section for more information.

HILLS – DOWNGRADES
While going downhill, the weight of the trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may decrease
overall stability. Therefore, to maintain adequate control, reduce your speed and shift
to a lower gear.
When descending a hill, also avoid long or repeated use of the brakes as this reduces
their effectiveness and could cause overheating. Shifting to a lower gear instead provides
“engine braking” and reduces the need to brake as frequently.

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
A moderate increase in engine operating temperature is normal when towing a trailer. If,
however, the coolant temperature gauge reading is abnormally high, or if you are
experiencing a significant loss of power, or if you hear unusual engine noises,** the engine
may be overheating and you should immediately take the following steps:

1. Pull your vehicle safely over to the side of the road, out of traffic. Apply the parking
brake, and move the gearshift lever to NEUTRAL (manual) or PARK (automatic). DO
NOT STOP THE ENGINE.

*For Murano, see your owner’s manual for information applicable to your vehicle.
**See your owner’s manual for additional indications that your vehicle may be overheating.

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 22
SPECIFICATIONS

TOWING CAPACITIES
SUV’s, Trucks, and Minivans

























2006 ARMADA TOWING DATA
Engine Type 5.6L V8
Transmission A/T
Model(s) 4x2 4x4
without optional tow package 6,500 6,500 Maximum Trailer Weight1
(lbs.) with optional tow package4 9,100 9,000
without optional tow package 650 650 Maximum Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.) with optional tow package4 910 900
without optional tow package 12,800 13,000 Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) with optional tow package4 14,600 14,822
Additional RECOMMENDED
Equipment4
Weight-Distributing Hitch Ball Mount (Class IV)
2006 FRONTIER TOWING DATA
Engine Type 2.5L 4-Cylinder 4.0L V6
Transmission A/T & M/T
Model(s) King Cab 4x2 King Cab 4x2 Crew Cab 4x2 King Cab 4x4 Crew Cab 4x4
Maximum Trailer Weight1, 3
(lbs.) 3,500 6,500 6,300 6,300 6,100
Maximum Trailer Tongue Load3
(lbs.) 350 650 630 630 610
Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) 7,936 11,133 11,133 11,133 11,133
Additional RECOMMENDED
Equipment4 Weight-Distributing Hitch Ball Mount (Class IV)
2006 MURANO TOWING DATA
Engine Type 3.5L V6
Transmission CVT
Maximum Trailer Weight1 (lbs.) 3,500
Maximum Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.) 350
Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) 8,100

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 23



















2006 TITAN TOWING DATA
Engine Type 5.6L V8
Transmission A/T
4x2 4x4
King Cab Crew Cab King Cab Crew Cab
WITH OPTIONAL TOWING PACKAGE4
Model(s)
XE SE LE
XE SE LE XE SE LE XE SE LE
Maximum Trailer
Weight1, 2 (lbs.) 9,500 9,500 9,200 9,400 9,400 9,200 9,400 9,400 9,200 9,400 9,300 9,200
Maximum Trailer
Tongue Load2 (lbs.) 950 950 920 940 940 920 940 940 930 940 930 920
Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) 14,650 14,650 14,650 14,65014,65014,650 14,822 14,822 14,822 14,822 14,82214,822
WITHOUT OPTIONAL TOWING PACKAGE
Maximum Trailer
Weight1, 2 (lbs.) 6,500 7,400 7,200 6,500 7,400 7,200 6,500 7,400 7,200 6,500 7,400 7,200
Maximum Trailer
Tongue Load2 (lbs.) 650 740 720 650 740 720 650 740 720 650 740 720
Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) 12,800 12,800 12,800 12,80012,80012,800 13,000 13,000 13,000 13,000 13,00013,000
Additional RECOMMENDED
Equipment4
Weight-Distributing Hitch Ball Mount (Class IV)

NOTE – For Titan, the Maximum Trailer Weight and Gross Combined Weight ratings for 5th
wheel and gooseneck trailer towing are the same as specified for conventional trailer towing
(above).
2006 PATHFINDER TOWING DATA
Engine Type 4.0L V6
Transmission A/T
Model(s) 4x2 & 4x4
Maximum Trailer Weight1 (lbs.) 6,000
Maximum Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.) 600
Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) 11,133
Additional RECOMMENDED
Equipment4 Weight-Distributing Hitch Ball Mount (Class IV)
2006 QUEST TOWING DATA
Engine Type 3.5L V6
Transmission A/T
Maximum Trailer Weight1 (lbs.) 3,500
Maximum Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.) 350
Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) 8,500

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 24

















Passenger Vehicles – The towing capacity for Altima, Maxima, Sentra, and 350Z (Coupe
only) is 1,000 lbs.; the maximum trailer tongue load is 100 lbs.
NOTE – For passenger vehicles, the trailer tongue load must be subtracted from the
GVWR as shown on the F.M.V.S.S. certification label located in the driver’s-side door area.

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 owner’s manual for details.
2006 XTERRA TOWING DATA
Engine Type 4.0L V6
Transmission A/T
Model(s) 4x2 & 4x4
Maximum Trailer Weight1 (lbs.) 5,000
Maximum Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.) 500
Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) 9,658
1 Maximum Trailer Weight values are calculated assuming a base vehicle with driver and any options
required to achieve the rating. Additional passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment will add
weight to the vehicle and reduce your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity and trailer tongue load.
2 The Maximum Trailer Weight when using the Genuine Nissan step bumper in this application as a ball
mount is 5,000 lbs.; the Maximum Trailer Tongue Load is 500 lbs.
3 The Maximum Trailer Weight when using the Genuine Nissan step bumper in this application as a ball
mount is 3,500 lbs.; the Maximum Trailer Tongue Load is 350 lbs.
4 The vehicle optional tow package does not include a trailer hitch ball mount. Two ball mount options
are available through your Nissan dealer:
Š Class III hitch ball mount for trailers with a Maximum Trailer Weight of 5,000 lbs. or less.
NOTE – A hitch ball is not included with the Class III ball mount. This ball mount can be
used with any hitch ball with a shank diameter of 1” or larger.
Š Class IV Weight-Distributing hitch ball mount is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED when towing
trailers with a Maximum Trailer Weight greater than 5,000 lbs., and can also be used with
trailers under 5,000 lbs. Maximum Trailer Weight.

NOTE – The Class IV ball mount includes a 2 5/16” hitch ball rated for 10,000 lbs. Smaller
hitch ball sizes may be used by following the instructions included in the ball mount kit.
NOTES:
Š Most states require a separate braking system on trailers with a loaded weight above a specific
amount. Check local ordinances.
Š M/T – Manual Transmission, A/T – Automatic Transmission