NISSAN XTERRA 2008 N50 / 2.G Towing Guide

2008 Nissan Towing Guide 20 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.
Avoid long or repeated use of the brakes when descending a hill, 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.

AUTOMATIC CRUISE CONTROL
Do not use cruise control while towing a trailer.

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.
2. Turn off the air conditioning and, after opening all the windows, turn the heater on to
maximum hot and the fan to its highest speed. The heater core in your vehicle is just like a
miniature engine radiator and will provide an extra cooling surface to help reduce engine
temperature.
3. Run the engine at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the temperature gauge returns
to a normal reading. If the temperature does not drop or continues to increase, stop this
step immediately.
4. Being cautious of traffic, step out of the vehicle and, from a safe distance, look for steam

underneath the engine. If you see steam or leaking coolant, stand clear to avoid being
burned and shut off your engine immediately and allow it to cool. If there is no steam, open
the hood. Never remove the radiator cap when the radiator is hot. If the cap is removed
under these conditions, hot water under high pressure may spurt out, possibly causing

*See your vehicle owner’s manual for additional indications that your vehicle may be overheating.

2008 Nissan Towing Guide 21 serious injury.

5. As soon as the engine has cooled to its normal operating temperature, visually inspect
the drive belts for damage or looseness. A loose belt reduces water pump efficiency. Be
careful to keep your hands, hair, jewelry, and clothing clear of the running drive belt and
other moving parts when inspecting the engine and radiator. Also check to see if the
cooling fan is running, and inspect the water pump, radiator, and radiator hoses for leaks.
Keep in mind, too, that if your vehicle is equipped with an electric fan motor, it may start
without warning any time the coolant temperature is high. If you find leaking coolant, a
loose or missing drive belt, or an inoperable fan, turn off the engine immediately.

6. If no leaks are apparent and all other components appear to be operating properly with
the engine cooled to its normal operating temperature, check the coolant level in the
reservoir tank with the engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir tank if needed. At this
point, if repairs are required, go to the nearest Nissan dealer. See the IN CASE OF
EMERGENCY section of your vehicle owner’s manual for additional information on

overheating.
NOTE – Armada, Frontier, Pathfinder, and Titan vehicles have an engine protection mode,
which helps reduce the chance of engine damage if the engine coolant reaches a specified
temperature. See your vehicle owner’s manual for details.


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 or “stinger.”

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.

2008 Nissan Towing Guide 22


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.

HITCH BALL
A ball that connects the trailer to the tow vehicle hitch and provides
the means by which the trailer pivots during cornering. Available in
a number of sizes and weight capacities, it must correspond to the
trailer coupler size, and have a sufficient capacity rating for the
trailer being pulled.

RECEIVER HITCH A frame- or structure-mounted hitch with a receiver that allows
removal of the ball mount.

SAFETY CHAINS/CABLES Provides an emergency connection between the tow vehicle and
the trailer, should the trailer become disengaged for any reason.

SURGE BRAKES
Hydraulic-type braking system activated by inertia. As the tow
vehicle begins to brake, the trailer pushes against the hitch ball,
consequently activating the trailer brakes.

TRAILER TONGUE/COUPLER The part of the trailer that extends forward to meet the tow vehicle,
and also carries the coupler assembly.

TRAILER TONGUE
LOAD The amount of trailer (conventional) weight pressing down on the
tow vehicle hitch.

WEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING
HITCH SYSTEM Type of hitch system that helps shift the trailer tongue weight to all
trailer tires and the tow vehicle front tires. Strongly recommended
when towing trailers with a Maximum Trailer Weight greater than
5,000 lbs.

WIRING HARNESS
Provides an electrical connection linking the tow vehicle’s electrical
system to the trailer’s system.

2008 Nissan Towing Guide 23
SPECIFICATIONS

TOWING CAPACITIES
SUV’s, Trucks, and Minivan













































2008 ARMADA TOWING DATA
Engine Type 5.6L V8
Transmission A/T
Model(s) 2WD 4WD
without optional tow package 6,500 6,500 Maximum
Trailer Weight1,4 (lbs.) with optional tow package6 9,100 9,000
without optional tow package 650 650 Maximum
Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.) with optional tow package6 910 900
without optional tow package 12,800 13,000 Gross Combined
Weight Rating (lbs.) with optional tow package6 15,100 15,100
2008 FRONTIER TOWING DATA
Engine Type 2.5L
4-Cylinder 4.0L V6
Transmission A/T & M/T
Model(s)
King
Cab
2WD
King
Cab
2WD
King
Cab
4WD
Crew
Cab
2WD
Crew
Cab
4WD
Maximum
Trailer Weight1,3,4 (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
Maximum
Trailer Frontal Area 60 sq. ft.

2008 Nissan Towing Guide 24





















































2008 PATHFINDER TOWING DATA
Engine Type 4.0L V6 5.6L V8
Transmission A/T
Maximum
Trailer Weight1,4 (lbs.) 6,000 7,000
Maximum
Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.) 600 700
Gross Combined
Weight Rating (lbs.) 11,133 12,570
Maximum
Trailer Frontal Area 60 sq. ft.
2008 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
2008 ROGUE TOWING DATA
Engine Type 2.5L 4-Cylinder
Transmission CVT
Model(s) with
Manual Shift Mode
without
Manual Shift Mode
Maximum
Trailer Weight1 (lbs.) 1,500 1,000
Maximum
Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.) 150 150
Gross Combined
Weight Rating (lbs.) 5,636 5,136

2008 Nissan Towing Guide 25





2008 TITAN TOWING DATA - WITH OPTIONAL TOWING PACKAGE 6
Engine Type 5.6L V8
Transmission A/T
KING CAB
XE SE PRO-4X LE Model(s)
2WD 4WD 2WD 4WD 4WD 2WD 4WD
Maximum Trailer Weight1,2,4,5 (lbs.) 9,500 9,400 9,500 9,400 9,300 9,200 9,200
Maximum Trailer Tongue Load2 (lbs.) 950 940 950 940 930 920 920
King Pin Load (lbs.) 1,425 1,410 1,425 1,410 1,395 1,380 1,380
Short Wheel Base Gross Combined Weight Rating5 (lbs.)15,10015,10015,10015,10015,100 15,100 15,100
Maximum Trailer Weight1,2,4,5 (lbs.) 9,400 9,200 9,400 9,100 – 9,100 8,900
Maximum Trailer Tongue Load2 (lbs.) 940 920 940 910 – 910 890
King Pin Load (lbs.) 1,410 1,380 1,410 1,365 – 1,365 1,335
Long Wheel Base Gross Combined Weight Rating5 (lbs.)15,10015,10015,10015,100– 15,100 15,100
CREW CAB
XE SE PRO-4X LE Model(s)
2WD 4WD 2WD 4WD 4WD 2WD 4WD
Maximum Trailer Weight1,2,4,5 (lbs.) 9,400 9,200 9,400 9,100 – 9,100 8,900
Maximum Trailer Tongue Load2 (lbs.) 940 920 940 910 – 910 890
King Pin Load (lbs.) 1,410 1,380 1,410 1,365 – 1,365 1,335
Short Wheel Base Gross Combined Weight Rating5 (lbs.)15,10015,10015,10015,100– 15,100 15,100
Maximum Trailer Weight1,2,4,5 (lbs.) 9,299 9,100 9,299 9,100 8,999 9,100 8,900
Maximum Trailer Tongue Load2 (lbs.) 930 910 930 910 900 910 890
King Pin Load (lbs.) 1,395 1,365 1,395 1,365 1,350 1,365 1,335
Long Wheel Base Gross Combined Weight Rating5 (lbs.)15,10015,10015,10015,10015,100 15,100 15,100

2008 Nissan Towing Guide 26




2008 TITAN TOWING DATA - WITHOUT OPTIONAL TOWING PACKAGE
Engine Type 5.6L V8
Transmission A/T
KING CAB
XE SE PRO-4X LE Model(s)
2WD 4WD 2WD 4WD 4WD 2WD 4WD
Maximum Trailer Weight1,2,4,5 (lbs.) 6,500 6,500 7,400 7,400 7,200 7,200 7,200
Maximum Trailer Tongue Load2 (lbs.) 650 650 740 740 720 720 720
King Pin Load (lbs.) 975 975 1,110 1,110 1,080 1,080 1,080
Short Wheel Base Gross Combined Weight Rating5 (lbs.) 12,80013,00012,800 13,00013,000 12,800 13,000
Maximum Trailer Weight1,2,4,5 (lbs.) 6,499 6,499 7,101 7,101 – 7,000 6,900
Maximum Trailer Tongue Load2 (lbs.) 650 650 710 710 – 700 690
King Pin Load (lbs.) 975 975 1,065 1,065 – 1,050 1,035
Long Wheel Base Gross Combined Weight Rating5 (lbs.) 12,80013,00012,800 13,000– 12,800 13,000
CREW CAB
XE SE PRO-4X LE Model(s)
2WD 4WD 2WD 4WD 4WD 2WD 4WD
Maximum Trailer Weight1,2,4,5 (lbs.) 6,500 6,500 7,401 7,300 – 7,101 7,000
Maximum Trailer Tongue Load2 (lbs.) 650 650 740 720 – 710 700
King Pin Load (lbs.) 975 975 1,110 1,095 – 1,065 1,050
Short Wheel Base Gross Combined Weight Rating5 (lbs.) 12,80013,00012,80013,000– 12,800 13,000
Maximum Trailer Weight1,2,4,5 (lbs.) 6,499 6,499 7,101 7,000 7,000 6,799 6,700
Maximum Trailer Tongue Load2 (lbs.) 650 650 710 700 700 680 670
King Pin Load (lbs.) 975 975 1,065 1,050 1,050 1,020 1,005
Long Wheel Base Gross Combined Weight Rating5 (lbs.) 12,80013,00012,80013,00013,000 12,800 13,000

2008 Nissan Towing Guide 27










































Passenger Vehicles – The towing capacity for 350Z Coupe, Altima (Coupe, Hybrid, and
Sedan), Maxima, and Sentra is 1,000 lbs.; the maximum trailer tongue load is 100 lbs.
DO NOT
tow a trailer with 350Z Roadster or Versa.
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.

2008 XTERRA TOWING DATA
Engine Type 4.0L V6
Transmission A/T & M/T
Model(s) 2WD & 4WD
Maximum
Trailer Weight1 (lbs.) 5,000
Maximum
Trailer Tongue Load (lbs.) 500
Gross Combined
Weight Rating (lbs.) 9,658
Maximum Trailer
Frontal Area 60 sq. ft.
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 Requires weight-distributing hitch system when towing over 5,000 lbs. 5 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.
6 The vehicle optional tow package does not include a 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 for trailers with a Maximum Trailer Weight greater
than 5,000 lbs. This ball mount 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
smount. Check local ordinances.
Š A/T – Automatic Transmission, CVT – Continuously Variable Transmission

2008 Nissan Towing Guide 28 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 vehicle owner’s manual for details.



TOWING EQUIPMENT CLASSES

Class I
Trailer hitch equipment* can be used to tow trailers with a maximum weight of 2,000 lbs.**
Class II
Trailer hitch equipment* can be used to tow trailers with a maximum weight of 3,500 lbs.**
Class III
Trailer hitch equipment* can be used to tow trailers with a maximum weight of 5,000 lbs.**
Class IV
Trailer hitch equipment* can be used to tow trailers with a maximum weight of 10,000 lbs.**
Bumper Towing Receiver Hitch Bumper Towing Receiver Hitch Bumper Towing Receiver Hitch Bumper Towing Receiver Hitch
Armada X
Frontier X X
Pathfinder X
Quest X
Rogue X
Titan X X
Xterra X
Passenger
Vehicles† X


NOTES:
Š A weight-distributing hitch system is required for Armada, Frontier, Pathfinder, and
Titan vehicles if you plan to tow trailers with a maximum weight over 5,000 lbs.
Š You can tow a trailer with a lower rating than the hitch. For example, a Class IV hitch
can tow a Class II trailer.





*Includes matched receiver, ball mount, and hitch ball.
**Towing capability of the vehicle may be less than the maximum towing rating of the equipment. See
TOWING CAPACITIES earlier in this section or refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for detailed
information regarding the towing capacity of your specific vehicle.
† DO NOT tow a trailer with 350Z Roadster or Versa.

2008 Nissan Towing Guide 29 TOW VEHICLE WIRING HARNESSES


PROTECTION

At Nissan, we back everything we build. So we’re proud that every Nissan is protected by
some of the best New Vehicle Limited Warranties, including 36-month/36,000-mile basic
coverage. All 2008 models also feature 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain coverage.** And,
Nissan warranties are completely transferable if you should sell your Nissan.
If you want additional peace of mind, we proudly offer the Nissan Security+Plus
® Vehicle
Protection Plan. This plan offers quality mechanical protection long after your New Vehicle
Limited Warranty expires.
The Security+Plus Vehicle Protection Plan is backed by Nissan and designed exclusively
for Nissan owners. From a variety of plans available, you can choose the one that best fits your

*Available only for SL models equipped with Manual Shift Mode.
**For complete warranty details, read the Nissan Warranty Information Booklet or see your nearest

Nissan dealer.
Harness Type Trailer Lighting Electric Trailer Brakes
Armada 7-pin connector wiring harness LE: Pre-wired SE: Tow harness kit available
Receiver hitch: 7-pin connector wiring harness
Pre-wired with 7-pin harness. Requires an electric trailer brake controller (supplied by customer), and an electric trailer brake controller wiring harness (included with vehicle or available from Nissan dealer).
Frontier
4-pin connector wiring harness
Tow harness kit available
Standard equipment: 4-pin connector wiring harness
N/A
Pathfinder
7-pin connector wiring harness
Tow harness kit available Pre-wired with 7-pin harness. Requires an electric trailer brake controller (supplied by customer), and an electric trailer brake controller wiring harness (included with vehicle or available from Nissan dealer).
Quest 4-pin connector wiring harness Available in factory tow package
Rogue 4-pin connector wiring harness SL: Tow harness kit available*
N/A
Titan 7-pin connector wiring harness Pre-wired
Xterra Receiver hitch: 7-pin connector wiring harness Tow harness kit available
Pre-wired with 7-pin harness. Requires an electric trailer brake controller (supplied by customer), and an electric trailer brake controller wiring harness (included with vehicle or available from Nissan dealer).