NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE 2010 D32 / 4.G Towing Guide
Manufacturer: NISSAN, Model Year: 2010, Model line: ALTIMA COUPE, Model: NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE 2010 D32 / 4.GPages: 30, PDF Size: 1.01 MB
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2010 Nissan Towing Guide 20 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) 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. If your vehicle is equipped with Tow Mode, see your vehicle owner’s manual for
information about the use of this function.
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. If the temperature does not drop or continues to increase, stop the engine 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
*See your vehicle owner’s manual for additional indications that your vehicle may be overheating.
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2010 Nissan Towing Guide 21 the hood. Never remove the radiator cap when the radiator is hot. If the cap is removed
under these conditions, hot water/coolant under high pressure may spurt out, possibly
causing 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 – All Nissan 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.
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.
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2010 Nissan Towing Guide 22
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.
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.
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2010 Nissan Towing Guide 23
SPECIFICATIONS
TOWING CAPACITIES
Crossovers, SUVs, and Trucks
2010 ARMADA TOWING DATA
Engine Type 5.6L V8
Transmission A/T
Model(s) 2WD 4WD
without tow package 6,500 6,500 Maximum
Trailer Weight1,3 (lbs.) with tow package4 9,100 9,000
without tow package 650 650 Maximum
Trailer Tongue Load1 (lbs.) with tow package4 910 900
without tow package 12,800 13,000 Gross Combined
Weight Rating (lbs.) with tow package4 15,100 15,100
2010 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 Weight1,2,3 (lbs.) 3,500 6,500 6,300 6,300 6,100
Maximum
Trailer Tongue Load1,2 (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.
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2010 Nissan Towing Guide 24
2010 MURANO TOWING DATA
Engine Type 3.5L V6
Transmission CVT
Maximum Trailer Weight1 (lbs.) 3,500
Maximum Trailer Tongue Load1 (lbs.) 350
Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) 8,300
2010 PATHFINDER TOWING DATA
Engine Type 4.0L V6 5.6L V8
Transmission A/T
Maximum Trailer Weight1,3 (lbs.) 6,000 7,000
Maximum Trailer Tongue Load1 (lbs.) 600 700
Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) 11,133 12,566
Maximum Trailer Frontal Area 60 sq. ft.
2010 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 Load1 (lbs.) 150 150
Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) 5,636 5,136
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2010 Nissan Towing Guide 25
Passenger Vehicles – The towing capacity for Altima (Coupe, Hybrid, and Sedan), Maxima,
and Sentra vehicles is 1,000 lbs.; the maximum trailer tongue load is 100 lbs. DO NOT
tow a
trailer with 370Z (Coupe and Roadster), cube, GT-R, 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.
2010 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 Load1 (lbs.) 500
Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) 9,656
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 3,500 lbs.; the Maximum Trailer Tongue Load is 350 lbs.
3 Use of a weight-distributing hitch system is recommended when towing over 5,000 lbs.
4 The vehicle tow package does not include a ball mount. 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.
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. NOTES:
Š Most states require a separate braking system on trailers with a loaded weight
above a specific amount. Check local ordinances.
Š A/T – Automatic Transmission, CVT – Continuously Variable Transmission
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2010 Nissan Towing Guide 26 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
Murano X
Pathfinder X
Rogue X
Xterra X
Passenger
Vehicles† X
NOTES:
Š A weight-distributing hitch system is recommended for Armada, Frontier, and
Pathfinder 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 370Z (Coupe and Roadster), cube, GT-R, or Versa.
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2010 Nissan Towing Guide 27 TOW VEHICLE WIRING HARNESSES
PROTECTION
At Nissan, we back everything we build. So we are proud that every Nissan is protected by
some of the best New Vehicle Limited Warranties, including 3-year/36,000-mile basic
coverage. All 2010 models also feature 5-year/60,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty.**
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 driving needs (up to 7 years/100,000 miles!). For the maximum
coverage, you will want to opt for Security+Plus Gold® Preferred.
*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
Tow harness kit available for SE 2WD; All other models are pre-wired
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
Murano 4-pin connector wiring harness Tow harness kit with converter 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).
Rogue 4-pin connector wiring harness SL: Tow harness kit available* N/A
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).
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2010 Nissan Towing Guide 28 Whichever plan you choose, coverage is available throughout the United States. Repair work
will be done at authorized Nissan dealers by Nissan-trained technicians utilizing Genuine
Nissan Parts. For more information about Security+Plus Vehicle Protection Plans, contact
your participating Nissan dealer.
The quality of Genuine Nissan Parts and Accessories is backed by the integrity of a
Genuine Nissan Replacement Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty. If purchased within
the basic coverage period of 3 years/36,000 miles, Genuine Nissan Parts and Accessories
are covered by the remaining period of the warranty. If the remaining period is less than 1
year/12,000 miles (or if the vehicle warranty has expired), then Genuine Nissan Accessories
are covered by their own 1-year/12,000-mile Limited Warranty. See your Nissan Warranty
Information Booklet or ask your Nissan dealer for specific details.
CONCERN FOR YOUR SAFETY
Nissan urges you to always use your seat belt whenever you drive. Also, please make sure all
passengers are buckled up. Keep in mind that air bags are a supplemental restraint system
and must always be used in conjunction with a seat belt.
In addition, a rear-facing child restraint must never be used in the front passenger seat if
the vehicle is equipped with a front passenger air bag. Children 12 and under should ride in
the rear seat properly secured in child restraints, booster seats, or seat belts, according to
their size. See your vehicle owner's manual for more details.
COMMITMENT
At Nissan, our commitment to your satisfaction extends well beyond building a full line of
quality products. It begins with people dedicated to designing vehicles to satisfy your needs.
Then, building them to standards that are beyond your expectations. Our nationwide network
of nearly 1,100 dealers will help you select the Nissan that is right for you.
For further assistance, search our Web site at www.NissanUSA.com. For Nissan dealer
locations or for more information on this and other Nissan products, call 1-800-239-8810.
Or call 1-800-NISSAN-1 for answers to product-related issues and solutions to your
transportation needs.
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2010 Nissan Towing Guide 29
All illustrations, photographs, and specifications in this document are based on
the latest product information available at the time of publication. Some vehicles
are shown with optional equipment. See the actual vehicle for complete accuracy.
Availability and delivery time for particular models and equipment may vary.
Nissan North America, Inc. reserves the right to make changes at any time,
without prior notice, in prices, colors, materials, equipment, specifications, and
models, and to discontinue models or equipment. Specifications, options, and
accessories may differ in Hawaii, U.S. territories, and other countries. For
information on availability, options or accessories, contact your Nissan dealer.
Nissan, the Nissan Brand Symbol, “SHIFT_” and Nissan Model Name(s) are
Nissan trademarks.
Printing: November 2009 (5)
©2009 Nissan North America, Inc.