brake light NISSAN XTERRA 2008 N50 / 2.G Towing Guide

2008 Nissan Towing Guide 2 Finally, there are state and local laws on towing that you should review to ensure compliance
with all regulations.


TOWING
EQUIPMENT

RENTING
The first thing to keep in mind when renting a trailer is to rent only from professional
companies that specialize in towing and towing equipment. More than likely, specialized
companies hire professional staff that can assist you in selecting and installing the proper
towing equipment for your Nissan vehicle.
When renting, make sure you have your vehicle owner’s manual on hand so that you can
reference the towing capacities for your specific vehicle. Never rent a trailer that exceeds
these capacities, and make sure that any related towing equipment you rent will be sufficient
for the loaded trailer.
While you’re there, ask questions. How much does the empty trailer weigh? How much
weight will the trailer hold? What is the trailer’s tongue load? With what type of brakes is it
equipped (if any)? All of these factors have an effect on whether your Nissan vehicle is
capable of safely pulling that type of trailer or piece of equipment.
Make certain that all of the trailer stoplights, taillights, and turn signals are connected and
are operating correctly, and that all safety equipments are properly installed. Check the safety
chains/cables, tie-downs, etc.
For safer operation, carefully inspect the condition of the trailer and towing equipment.
Specifically, check to make sure the tires are not worn excessively and are properly inflated.
Make sure there are not any broken welds, missing bolts, and that the hitch components are
not damaged.
Towing safety should be a high priority when choosing and renting towing equipment,
including hitches. NEVER RENT A CLAMP-ON-TYPE HITCH. Your vehicle’s bumpers are
not designed for using this type of hitch. Using it will damage your vehicle and could even
result in the trailer separating from the towing vehicle; this can cause death or serious injury.
To avoid this, use only a permanent-type hitch.

PURCHASING
If you are buying a travel or boat trailer, be sure that your Nissan vehicle has the towing
capacity to pull it. See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide or refer to your vehicle
owner’s manual for detailed information regarding the towing capacity of your specific vehicle.

2008 Nissan Towing Guide 8 to the bumper and chains/cables when making a sharp turn, do not attach the chains/cables
too close to the coupler. Consult your trailer manufacturer for the proper location of the
chain/cable attachment to the trailer.

REAR VIEW MIRRORS
In many cases, a trailer can block your rear vision when you’re using only the standard Nissan
rear view mirrors. These mirrors were not designed for towing. “Extended” mirrors specifically
designed for trailer towing should be used when your rearward vision is obstructed. Before
using these mirrors, make certain that they comply with state and local regulations.
Telescoping Tow Mirrors are available as an accessory for Armada and Titan vehicles. Contact
your Nissan dealer for details.

BREAKAWAY SWITCH
On a trailer with electric brakes, a breakaway switch can automatically activate the trailer
brake system if the trailer becomes separated from the tow vehicle. Should the trailer become
detached, a breakaway switch may help prevent the trailer from wandering into another lane
and will bring it to a safer stop with less damage.
A breakaway switch relies on the power of a trailer battery, so make sure it is not
discharged.
Never use the breakaway switch to “park” the trailer on a grade. The battery would
eventually discharge and release the brake, allowing the trailer to roll.
Be sure to leave enough slack in the tether on the breakaway switch to turn corners
without binding. If you do not, the electric trailer brakes will lock-up and not release. See your
trailer manufacturer for proper installation of a breakaway switch that is compatible with your
trailer braking system.

TRAILER LIGHTS
Trailer lights should comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and should
be in proper working order at all times. A trailer’s taillights, stoplights, and turn signals must be
wired* into the tow vehicle’s electrical system. Many trailers use the same filament of a dual-
filament bulb for both stoplights and turn signals. The second filament is used for the trailer’s
taillights. All Nissan vehicles utilize separate filaments for each function. Direct splicing of this
type of trailer lighting may cause damage to your vehicle’s electrical system and malfunction of
the trailer lighting. When connecting your Nissan vehicle to this type of trailer lighting system,

*See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide for wiring harness information specific to your
vehicle.

2008 Nissan Towing Guide 9 a 3-wire to 2-wire power converter* must be used. A power converter of this type creates
only minimal additional demand (draw) on the vehicle lighting circuits to power the trailer
lighting.
Always check for correct operation of the turn signals, stoplights, and taillights every time
you connect a trailer for towing. Never replace vehicle fuses with fuses of a higher amperage
rating than the original.
NOTE – Improper or poor quality trailer harness wiring may affect your vehicle’s electrical
system. Use only a Nissan approved wiring harness, or consult your dealer or a professional
supplier of towing equipment for compatible equipment.

BRAKES
As with hitches, several types of braking systems are available. Most states require a separate
braking system on trailers with a loaded weight above a specific amount, therefore you should
check to ensure you comply with all regulations.

NOTE – Never connect a hydraulic trailer brake system directly to the vehicle hydraulic
brake system.

Surge Brakes – The surge brake is mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydraulic line
running to each trailer wheel. Surge brakes are activated by the trailer pushing against the
hitch when the tow vehicle is braking. Hydraulic surge brakes are common on rental trailers
and some boat trailers. In this type of system, there is no hydraulic or electric connection for
brake operation between the tow vehicle and the trailer.

Electric Trailer Brakes – Electric braking systems are activated by an electronic signal sent
from a trailer brake controller (special brake-sensing module).
If electric trailer brakes are used, Nissan recommends all-electronic actuation because with
this system it will not be necessary to tap into the tow vehicle’s hydraulic system.
For your convenience, Armada, Frontier, Pathfinder, and Titan vehicles are pre-wired to
accommodate most popular electric trailer brake controllers. A wiring harness** is either
included with your vehicle or available from your Nissan dealer. This harness provides electric
trailer brake controller input and output connections to the vehicle wiring. See a professional
supplier of towing equipment for electric trailer brake controller availability.
NOTE – Improper or poor quality trailer harness wiring may affect your vehicle’s electrical
system. Use only a Nissan approved wiring harness, or consult your dealer or a professional
supplier of towing equipment for compatible equipment.

*Armada LE, Frontier, Pathfinder, and Titan vehicles are pre-wired for trailer lighting and do not require
a converter.
**
See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide for wiring harness information specific to your
vehicle.

2008 Nissan Towing Guide 17 limits described in this guide. These changes may diminish the reliability and longevity of your
vehicle and possibly void warranty coverage.

TOOL KIT
It is always a good idea to travel with a special tool kit when towing. In addition to tools, it
should contain flares, a flashlight, emergency reflectors, jumper cables, extra fuses, extra
radiator coolant, oil, and easily replaced spare parts such as taillight bulbs. You should also
carry spare tires for your tow vehicle and trailer, as well as a jack suitable for use on the trailer.
Be aware that not all automotive jacks can be used safely on a trailer.

BEFORE STARTING OUT
Before starting out on a trip, make one last inspection of the tow vehicle and the trailer. Are
the tire pressures correct? Are the safety chains/cables securely in place? Is the cargo tied
down securely? Do all the lights work? Is the coupler properly attached over the hitch ball and
secured using a locking pin? Is the breakaway switch hooked up and functioning properly?
Are vehicle and electric trailer brakes working properly?
Make a checklist of key items to be inspected, and don’t forget the basics. When towing,
vehicle engine oil, transmission oil, and coolant should always be checked before starting out.
Finding a potential problem while in your driveway is better than discovering it miles from
home.


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.

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).