weight NISSAN MAXIMA 2006 A34 / 6.G Towing Guide

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 2
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, these
representatives will have some experience in selecting and fitting the towing equipment
that is appropriate for your Nissan vehicle.
When renting, make sure you have your owner’s manual on hand so that you can check
the towing capacities for your specific vehicle. Never rent a trailer that exceeds these
capacities, and make sure that any other equipment you rent is sufficient for your loaded
trailer.
While you’re there, ask questions: How much does the trailer weigh? What is the trailer
tongue load? How much weight will the trailer hold? What type of brakes is it equipped
with? All of these items have an effect on whether your Nissan vehicle is capable of safely
pulling that trailer or piece of equipment.
Make certain that all trailer stoplights, taillights, and turn signals are hooked up and
operate correctly, and that all safety equipment is properly installed. Check the safety
chains/cables, tie-downs, etc.
Carefully inspect the condition of the trailer and equipment. Are the tires worn
excessively? Are the tire pressures correct? Are there broken welds, missing bolts or
pieces? All these factors can also affect your safety.
Towing safety should be a high priority when choosing and renting equipment, and this
is especially true concerning hitches. Never rent a clamp-on-type hitch. Since Nissan
bumpers not specifically marked for towing are not designed for trailer loads, using this
type of hitch may cause damage to your vehicle and could result in trailer separation during
towing. Tow only with a permanent-type hitch.

PURCHASING
Purchase towing items such as hitches and hitch balls only from your Nissan dealer or a
professional supplier of towing equipment.
If you are intending to use your vehicle to tow a trailer you already own, first determine
the trailer’s weight when fully loaded. This will tell you if, in fact, your vehicle is capable of
pulling this amount of weight. In addition, it will also help you purchase the right type, style,
and class* of hitch and other equipment.

*See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide for equipment class information specific to your
vehicle.

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 3 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 owner’s
manual for detailed information regarding the towing capacity of your specific vehicle. Your
owner’s manual should ALWAYS be referenced before making any towing decisions.
Naturally, you’ll want to buy the highest-quality equipment you can find for maximum
towing safety. And if you plan to tow often, consider convenience. Quick-disconnect trailer
light connectors and ratchet-type tie-downs, for example, make the job go faster and easier,
and are usually worth the small extra investment.


WHAT’S
RIGHT FOR YOU

TYPES OF EQUIPMENT
Towing requires a variety of equipment, and, depending upon the application, there can be
several types or styles of each piece of equipment. Working with your Nissan dealer or a
professional supplier of towing equipment, it should be relatively simple to determine the
proper type of equipment for your specific vehicle given the intended application. This
section explains the most common pieces of towing equipment available.

HITCHES
Whichever type of hitch you use, it should be firmly bolted to your vehicle, and should be of
the appropriate weight class for the equipment you intend to tow. In addition, keep the
following in mind:
Š Do not modify the vehicle’s braking or exhaust systems or its body structure/frame when
installing the hitch.
Š Be sure that the hitch does not interfere in any way with the vehicle’s energy-absorbing
bumper.
Š Regularly check to see that all hitch-mounting bolts are securely fastened.
Š Where practical, remove the hitch when not in use. Your Nissan dealer can assist you in
hitch removal and reinstallation. When removed, seal the bolt holes to prevent road
spray, fumes, water, and dirt from entering the vehicle.
Š For receiver-type hitches using a ball mount, the ball mount should be removed when
not towing.
Š If you install a hitch yourself, remember that it must be securely attached to the frame or
underbody, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Never attach a hitch or
towing device to the vehicle axle housing. This may damage the housing, wheel
bearings, wheels, or tires.

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 4 Hitch Types

Bumper Hitch – This is a special
reinforced bumper designed to
accommodate a hitch ball.










Receiver Hitch – A receiver hitch is
bolted directly to the vehicle structure for
added strength and durability. Nissan bolt-
on receiver hitches are designed
specifically for Nissan vehicles, and include
the necessary reinforcements, with ample
clearance around bumpers, frame members,
etc. These hitches allow for the removal of
the ball mount when not towing.


Weight-Distributing Hitch System –
This type of system uses a “load-leveling”
or “equalizing” hitch. The weight-
distributing feature helps shift trailer
tongue weight to all trailer tires and the
tow vehicle front tires.
Purchase of a Weight-Distributing
hitch ball mount (Class IV) is
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED if you
own an Armada, Frontier, Pathfinder or Titan vehicle and plan to tow trailers with maximum
weight over 5,000 lbs. This ball mount includes a 2
5/16” hitch ball rated for up to 10,000
lbs., and is available through your Nissan dealer for use with the optional tow package.

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 6 BALL MOUNT
A ball mount (also known as a drawbar or “stinger”) is a bar that holds a hitch ball and is
inserted into a receiver-type hitch. Ball mounts come in a number of weight capacities
(3,500 lbs., 5,000 lbs., etc.) and sizes (1
1/4”, 2”, etc.), and can be weight-distributing or
non-weight-distributing.

HITCH BALL
A hitch ball is bolted through a ball
mount or a hitch hole in the tow
vehicle’s rear bumper. The coupler on
the trailer tongue attaches over the
hitch ball.
Like ball mounts, hitch balls come
in a number of weight capacities and
sizes. Therefore, always make sure
the hitch ball selected has the proper shank diameter and weight rating for the ball mount
as well as the coupler on your trailer. Using a 1
7/8” hitch ball in a 2” coupler, for example,
could result in the trailer separating from the tow vehicle.
There are different diameters of hitch holes. If a hitch ball with a smaller shank is used in
a larger hole, a bushing should be used to take up the excess clearance. Bushings are
often included with Nissan accessory hitch balls.
A simple maintenance routine for the hitch ball is recommended to keep it in top
condition. Coating it with light grease will minimize wear of both the coupler and hitch ball.
Also, by removing the hitch ball when not towing, or by protecting it with a special cover,
you will help prevent rust from forming on it.

TRAILER TONGUE
The tongue is the part of the trailer that extends forward to meet the tow vehicle, and also
carries the coupler assembly. Knowledge of the trailer tongue load (conventional trailers)
and king pin load (5th wheel and gooseneck trailers) is critical, as it can have a significant
effect on the handling of the tow vehicle. See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide,
or refer to your owner’s manual to view the maximum conventional trailer tongue load listed
for your vehicle.
Hitch
Mount BallBall

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 9 BRAKES
As with hitches, there are several types of braking systems available. Most states require a
separate braking system on trailers with a loaded weight above a specific amount, so
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, Titan, and Xterra 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.

GENUINE NISSAN PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Whether you’ll be towing occasionally or on a regular basis, Nissan offers a full range of
Genuine Nissan Parts and Accessories to help you tow with confidence.
Every accessory is thoroughly tested and inspected for fit and workmanship. Therefore,
you can be certain that every item is designed to be compatible with the standard features
of your vehicle and designed to assist you with your towing needs.
Contact your Nissan dealer for more information on accessories or towing-related parts
for your Nissan vehicle.


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

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 10
PREPARING
YOUR VEHICLE

BREAK-IN AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Nissan recommends that you allow a sufficient “break-in” (500 miles) of both the engine
and drivetrain before towing with your new Nissan vehicle. For the first 500 miles that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph.
Keep in mind, too, that towing places higher demands and added loads on vehicle
components, so more frequent maintenance is called for. Your service maintenance guide
provides the accelerated maintenance schedule for towing purposes. Engine oil, filter,
transmission oil, and possibly other fluids should be changed more frequently when towing.

MEASURING VEHICLE WEIGHT
The key to safe, efficient towing has to do with weight. Your vehicle — SUV, truck, Minivan,
or passenger car — is capable of carrying and towing only a certain amount of weight. You
must compare your vehicle’s tow-weight ratings with the combined weight of the vehicle,
trailer, and their contents. This will help ensure that the total weight does not exceed any of
your vehicle’s tow weight ratings. There are four weights to consider when towing:
Š Gross Vehicle Weight
Š Gross Axle Weight (Front and Rear)
Š Gross Combined Weight
Š Trailer Tongue/King Pin Load

These ratings are based upon normal highway driving and may be reduced if operating in
reduced-traction situations, e.g., slippery boat ramps.
NOTE – Attempting to tow loads greater than the GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, and the trailer
tongue/king pin load specified could adversely affect vehicle handling, braking, and
performance. Damage to your vehicle resulting from overloading may not be covered by
your vehicle warranty.

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 11









GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT (GVW)
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of the vehicle, plus passengers,
cargo, fuel, hitch, trailer tongue/king pin load, and any optional equipment.
The best way to determine the GVW is by having the vehicle — loaded and ready to
tow — weighed at a public scale. To that figure, add the combined weight of all
passengers. Then, add the trailer tongue/king pin load to determine the approximate GVW.
The GVW you come up with must not
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) for your vehicle. On all Nissan vehicles,
the GVWR is shown on the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard (F.M.V.S.S.) certification
label located in the driver’s-side door area.
To avoid overloading the vehicle, be sure
to include the trailer tongue/king pin load as a
part of the cargo when determining how much
weight can be safely carried inside the vehicle.
The weight of the roof rack cargo should also be
included.

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 12










GROSS AXLE WEIGHT (GAW)
The Gross Axle Weight (GAW) is the maximum weight each axle (front and rear) is
designed to safely carry.
To determine the GAW, load the vehicle as you would for towing and attach the loaded
trailer. At a public scale, with the loaded trailer attached, place only the tow vehicle front
wheels on the scale to determine the actual front axle GAW. To obtain the rear axle GAW,
place all four tow vehicle wheels on the scale. From that figure, subtract the front GAW
and you’ve got the rear GAW amount.
The GAW you come up with must not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for your vehicle. On Nissan vehicles, the GAWR for both axles is listed on the
F.M.V.S.S. certification label.











GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT (GCW)
The Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is the total weight of the tow vehicle with all
passengers, cargo, and fuel, plus the total weight of the trailer and all its cargo.
To determine the GCW, simply weigh your vehicle when fully loaded and ready to tow,
and add in the weight of the loaded trailer.
The GCW you come up with must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) for your vehicle. See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide, or refer to
your owner’s manual to view the GCWR listed for your vehicle.

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 13 TRAILER TONGUE/KING PIN LOAD
The amount of weight pressing down on the tow vehicle hitch is called trailer tongue load
(conventional trailer) or king pin load (5th wheel or gooseneck trailers). To measure trailer
tongue/king pin load, place the tongue of the trailer on a scale when the trailer is not
attached to the vehicle. A separate vehicle jack — not the trailer jack — should be used, as
the location of the trailer jack
is rearward of the trailer
tongue and will not give you
an accurate measurement of
the true tongue/king pin load.
Make sure the vehicle jack is
placed directly under the
trailer tongue coupler, and the
tongue is set at the
height/level of the tow vehicle
hitch.
For proper handling, keep conventional trailer tongue load between 10-15% of the
actual trailer weight, within the limits of the maximum trailer tongue load allowable. For
example, to determine the proper trailer tongue load for a 1,500-lb. trailer, multiply the
weight of 1,500 lbs. by 10% to arrive at a figure of 150 lbs.
5th wheel and gooseneck trailer king pin load should be kept between 15-25% of the
actual trailer weight.
See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide, or refer to your vehicle owner’s manual
to view the maximum conventional trailer tongue load listed for your vehicle.
NOTE – Conventional trailer tongue load must be more than 10% but not over 15% of the
total trailer weight. King pin load must be more than 15% but not over 25% of the total
trailer weight. The vehicle weight ratings (GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, etc.) must not be
exceeded, regardless of trailer or hitch type.

HITCH HEIGHT/TRAILER HEIGHT
It is important that your trailer floor and
tongue ride as level as possible. This will help
prevent over-angling, bottoming-out, and
improper load transfer. Therefore, the hitch or
trailer tongue should be adjusted during the
initial vehicle/trailer fit-up to ensure a level
ride. Ball mounts are available in different
configurations to change the hitch ball height.

2006 Nissan Towing Guide 14 TIRE PRESSURE
When towing a trailer, increase tow vehicle tire pressures to the recommended cold
specifications. You’ll find these figures in the owner’s manual and on the tire pressure chart
located in the vehicle. Trailer tire condition, size, load rating, and inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and tire manufacturer’s specifications.


TOWING
SAFETY

Towing can dramatically alter the handling and performance characteristics of your vehicle.
Plus, it puts increased strain on the engine and drivetrain. Therefore, it is always a good
idea to approach towing from the standpoint of safety — whether you’re purchasing
equipment or actually pulling the trailer.
Always make sure your vehicle’s towing capacity is adequate for the trailer you intend to
tow. Buy or lease only quality equipment, and have it installed only by professionals.
In addition, be certain that you have all of the equipment needed for safe towing,
including safety chains/cables, electric trailer brakes, electric trailer brake controller,
breakaway switch, extended rear view mirrors, and so on. All of these items have been
discussed in a previous section of this guide.
With regard to vehicle maintenance, you should follow a more frequent schedule, and
check fluid levels, pressures, tire condition, etc., more often when on the road. See your
owner’s manual for details.

LOADING YOUR TRAILER
Taking the time to load and balance your trailer properly will improve overall handling and
minimize the strain on your tow vehicle. Incorrectly loaded trailers tend to sway or swing
from side to side, upsetting vehicle handling. Careful loading and balancing can help
eliminate these problems.
As mentioned earlier, conventional trailer tongue load should fall between 10-15% of
the total trailer weight, and king pin load — if using a 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer —
should be between 15-25% of the total trailer weight. Excessive tongue/king pin load can
actually push the vehicle down in back, lifting the front wheels to a point where traction,
steering response, and braking are severely reduced. Insufficient tongue/king pin load can
cause instability, which may lead to “tail wagging” or jackknifing.