height NISSAN FRONTIER 2009 Owner´s Manual

1. Find the GCWR for your vehicle on the
9Towing Load/Specification9chart found
later in this section.
2. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the
GCWR. The remaining amount is the avail-
able maximum towing capacity.
To determine the Gross Trailer Weight, weigh
your trailer on a scale with all equipment and
cargo, that are normally in the trailer when it is
towed. Make sure the Gross Trailer Weight is not
more than the Gross Trailer Weight Rating shown
on the trailer and is not more than the calculated
available maximum towing capacity.
Also weigh the front and rear axles on the scale to
make sure the Front Gross Axle Weight and Rear
Gross Axle Weight are not more than Front
Gross Axle Weight and Rear Gross Axle Weight
on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
The cargo in the trailer and vehicle may need to
be moved or removed to meet the specified rat-
ings.
Example:
cGross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed
on a scale- including passengers, cargo and
hitch - 5,185 lb. (2352 kg) .
cGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label -
5,815 lb. (2638 kg) .cGross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
from “Towing Load/Specification9chart -
11,133 lb. (5050 kg) .
cMaximum Trailer towing capacity from “Tow-
ing Load/Specification9chart - 6,100 lb.
(2767 kg) .
5,815 lb. (2638 kg) GVWR
– 5,185 lb. (2352 kg) GVW
= 630 lb. (286 kg) Available for tongue
weight
11,133 lb. (5050 kg) GCWR
– 5,185 lb. (2352 kg) GVW
= 5,948 lb. (2698 kg) Capacity available for
towing
630 lb. (286 kg) Available tongue weight
/ 5,948 lb. (2698 kg) Available capacity
= 10 % tongue weight
The available towing capacity may be less than
the maximum towing capacity due to the passen-
ger and cargo load in the vehicle.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight be-
tween 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or within the
trailer tongue load specification recommended
by the trailer manufacturer. If the tongue loadbecomes excessive, rearrange the cargo to ob-
tain the proper tongue load. Do not exceed the
maximum tongue weight specification shown in
the “Towing load/specification” chart even if the
calculated available tongue weight is greater
than 15%. If the calculated tongue weight is less
than 10% , reduce the total trailer weight to
match the available tongue weight.
Always verify that available capacities are within
the required ratings.
Trailer frontal area
CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum trailer frontal
area specification may exceed the towing
capacity of the vehicle. This may affect the
towing performance and lead to vehicle
damage.
The trailer frontal area affects the towing load of a
trailer. The frontal area is the total area of the
vehicle and trailer that is affected by air resis-
tance while towing. Do not exceed the maximum
trailer frontal area specification shown in the
9Towing Load/Specification” chart. The frontal
area can be determined by multiplying the width
of the trailer by the height of the trailer. For
example, a trailer that is 8 feet wide by 6 feet tall
has a trailer frontal area of 48 square feet.
Technical and consumer information9-27
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Bumper towing
The genuine NISSAN step bumper has provi-
sions to install a trailer hitch ball and is designed
to tow trailers of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb
(1,588 kg) .
To install a trailer hitch ball cut out the circle in the
center of the step bumper
sA, then remove it to
install the trailer hitch ball.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball mount is
one that is designed to carry the whole amount of
tongue weight and gross weight directly on the
ball mount and on the receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-leveling” or
“equalizing” hitch. A set of bars attach to the ball
mount and to the trailer to distribute the tongue
weight (hitch weight) of your trailer. Many ve-
hicles can’t carry the full tongue weight of a given
trailer, and need some of the tongue weight
transferred through the frame and pushing down
on the front wheels. This gives stability to the tow
vehicle.
A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) is
recommended if you plan to tow trailers with a
maximum weight over 5,000 lbs. Check with the
trailer and towing equipment manufacturers to
determine if they recommend the use of a weight-
distributing hitch system.
NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may af-
fect the operation of trailer surge brakes. If
you are considering use of a weight-
distributing hitch system with a surge
brake-equipped trailer, check with the
surge brake, hitch or trailer manufacturer
to determine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer for installing and using the weight-
distributing hitch system.General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface.
With the ignition on and the doors closed,
allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes
so that it can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on
the front and rear bumpers at the center of
the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust
the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper
height is within0-.5inches (0 – 13 mm) of
the reference height measured in step 2. The
rear bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured in step 2.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no
higher than the measured reference
height when the trailer is attached. If the
rear bumper is higher than the measured
reference height when loaded, the vehicle
may handle unpredictably which could
cause a loss of vehicle control and cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
LTI0132
9-30Technical and consumer information
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A Genuine NISSAN jumper harness is available
that is specifically designed to be used when
installing an aftermarket brake controller.
Install the aftermarket electric trailer brake con-
troller according to the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
Pre-towing tips
cBe 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
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cKeep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
cCheck your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.cBe certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
cDetermine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.Trailer towing tips
In 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 perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cLock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert-
ently becoming unlatched.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.cWhen 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:CAUTION
If you move the shift selector lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill
side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly
release the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
Technical and consumer information9-33
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Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-29, 4-33
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-29
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-25
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-36
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-37
Rear power windows..............2-47
Rear sliding window..............2-48
Rear window defogger switch.........2-26
Recorders
Event data..................9-38
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-7
Registering your vehicle in another country . .9-10
Remote keyless entry system..........3-6
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-37
Roof rack....................2-44
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Child seat belts........1-21, 1-32, 1-46
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-37
Seat
Jump seat...................1-5
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-14
Infants and small children.........1-14
Injured Person................1-15
Larger children...............1-15Precautions on seat belt usage......1-11
Pregnant women..............1-15
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.......1-65
Seat belt extenders.............1-20
Seat belt maintenance...........1-20
Seat belts..................1-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-19
Three-point type with retractor.......1-15
Seat belt warning light.............2-18
Seatback pockets................2-42
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-32
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Security indicator light.............2-20
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start........2-24, 3-2, 5-11
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-23
Service manual order form...........9-39
Servicing air conditioner............4-17
Shift lock release................5-15
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-13
Manual transmission............5-17
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-19
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems). . .1-64
Spark plug replacement............8-19
Speedometer...................2-4
SRS warning label...............1-67
Starting
Before starting the engine.........5-12
Jump starting.................6-9
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-11Starting the engine.............5-12
Steering
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Power steering system...........5-32
Tilting steering wheel............3-12
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-36
Stop light....................8-30
Storage.....................2-37
Storage tray...............2-37, 2-39
Sun visors....................3-12
Sunglasses case................2-40
Sunroof (see Moonroof)............2-48
Supplemental air bag warning labels.....1-67
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-67, 2-18
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-60
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-67
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-52
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-52
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-28
Automatic power window switch.....2-47
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch . . .2-35
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch................2-34
Fog light switch...............2-30
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-31
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-27
Headlight control switch..........2-27
Hill descent control switch.........2-33
Ignition switch................5-9
Overdrive switch..............5-16
Power door lock switch...........3-4
Rear window defogger switch.......2-26
10-5
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 08+ Truck/Frontier(fro)
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