NISSAN ROGUE 2008 1.G Towing Guide
Manufacturer: NISSAN, Model Year: 2008, Model line: ROGUE, Model: NISSAN ROGUE 2008 1.GPages: 32, PDF Size: 1.16 MB
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 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.  
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 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.    
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 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. 
    
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 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.  
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 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  
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 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  
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 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  
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 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  
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 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.  
Page 30 of 32

 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).