weight NISSAN SENTRA 2012 B16 / 6.G Towing Guide

2012 NISSAN Towing Guide 2 It is also a good idea to discuss your towing requirements with either your NISSAN dealer or a
professional supplier of towing equipment before you equip your NISSAN vehicle for towing.
Finally, there are state and local laws on towing that you should review to ensure compliance
with all regulations.
Special Note: Do not use your new vehicle to tow a trailer or haul a heavy load for
the first 500 miles (800 km). Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged.
For the first 500 miles that you tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph and do not
make starts at full throttle. This helps your engine and other parts of your vehicle
wear in at heavier loads.

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 are 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 the trailer stoplights, taillights, turn signals, and brakes (if equipped) are
connected and are operating correctly, and that all safety equipment is 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.

2012 NISSAN Towing Guide 3 PURCHASING
If you are buying a travel or boat trailer, be sure that your NISSAN vehicle has the towing
capacity to pull it. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for detailed information regarding the
towing capacity of your specific vehicle. Your vehicle owner’s manual should ALWAYS be
referenced before making any towing decisions.
Naturally, you will want to select the towing and safety equipment that adheres to your
state’s and federal safety regulations. 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 extra small investment. 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, you must ensure
that your loaded trailer remains well within your vehicle's towing capacity as specified in the
vehicle owner's manual. In addition, you should purchase the right type, style, and class* of
hitch and towing equipment to properly adapt the trailer to your vehicle.


WHAT IS
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 brake or exhaust systems or its body structure/frame when
installing the hitch.

* Refer to your owner’s manual for the equipment class information specific to your vehicle.

2012 NISSAN Towing Guide 5 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.
For Armada, Frontier, Pathfinder, Titan,
and Nissan NV vehicles, a weight-
distributing hitch ball mount (Class IV) is
recommended if you plan to tow trailers
with a 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.
NOTE – A weight-distributing hitch system may affect 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 equipment manufacturer for installing
and using the weight-distributing hitch system.





Clamp-On Bumper Hitch – This is a
temporary hitch that clamps onto the
bumper assembly. DO NOT USE this type
of hitch on any NISSAN vehicle because
using it may result in the trailer separating
from the towing vehicle; this can cause
death or serious injury. Use of this type of
hitch can also damage the towing vehicle.

2012 NISSAN Towing Guide 6 5th Wheel or Gooseneck Hitch –
Mounted in the bed of a pick-up and
designed for heavy-duty applications,
these types of hitches are not available
from NISSAN but can be purchased from
a professional supplier of towing
equipment.*
A 5th wheel or gooseneck hitch is
usually installed and adjusted to meet the
requirements of a particular trailer, but two
basic rules hold true in every case. First,
the hitch should be mounted a minimum
2 inches forward of the rear axle centerline.
Second, it should be securely attached
directly to the truck frame. This installation
should be done by professionals only, as it
is very important to mount the hitch
correctly to distribute the king pin load for
the proper load carrying and sway control
performance.

BALL MOUNT
A ball mount (also known as a drawbar) 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.

* At this time, Titan is the only NISSAN vehicle
approved for 5th wheel and gooseneck trailer towing. See your vehicle owner’s manual for details.

5th Wheel Hitch

Gooseneck Hitch
Hitch
Mount BallBall

2012 NISSAN Towing Guide 7 Like ball mounts, hitch balls are available in a number of weight capacities and sizes. 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.
The diameter of the hitch ball shank must be matched to the ball mount hole diameter. The
shank should be no more than
1/16” smaller than the hole.
To keep the hitch ball in top condition, a simple maintenance routine is recommended.
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 it also
carries the coupler assembly. Knowledge of the trailer minimum and maximum 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. Refer to your vehicle owner’s
manual to view the maximum conventional trailer tongue load listed for your vehicle, and
always maintain between 10-15% of the trailer weight or within the total trailer load
specification recommended by the trailer manufacturer.

SAFETY CHAINS/CABLES
Always use suitable safety chains/cables
between the tow vehicle and the trailer. If
the hitch should break or become
disengaged for some reason, these
chains/cables will provide an emergency
connection between the vehicle and the
trailer.
The chains/cables should be crossed
under the trailer tongue and attached to the
hitch or vehicle frame. Crossing the
chains/cables under the tongue will help
prevent the tongue from hitting the ground
should the trailer become disconnected.
Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chains/cables to turn corners without
binding; however, note that excessive slack
Not OK
OK

2012 NISSAN Towing Guide 9 converter” must be used, as a converter of this type creates only minimal additional electrical
demand (draw) on the vehicle lighting circuits, which helps to ensure protection for the
vehicle’s sensitive electronics.
Always check for correct operation of the taillights, stoplights, and turn signal lights 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. Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment demonstrate proper brake function testing.

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

Surge Brakes – The surge brake actuator 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 ball 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 adjustment specifications, refer
to the brake controller manual for the controller being installed.
For your convenience, Armada, Frontier, Pathfinder, Titan, and NV 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.

* Contact a NISSAN dealer or a professional supplier of towing equipment for information on trailers
equipped with electric brakes and for Genuine NISSAN jumper harness availability for your specific
vehicle.

2012 NISSAN Towing Guide 11 MEASURING VEHICLE WEIGHT
The key to safe, efficient towing has to do with weight. Your vehicle — SUV, crossover, truck
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, for example, slippery boat ramps.
NOTE – Attempting to tow loads greater than the GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, and/or 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.











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.

2012 NISSAN Towing Guide 12 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.






















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 will have 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.

MFD BY NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD
DATE
GVWR
GAWR FR.
WITH

GAWR RR.
WITH
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO
ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY
STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON
THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE
SHOWN ABOVE.
SEE OWNERS MANUAL FOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
TIRES
TIRES
TYPE: TRUCK
MODEL: 3B000
COLOR TRIM TRANS
AXLE ENGINE

RIMS AT PSI
COLD SINGLERIMS AT PSI
COLD SINGLE

F.M.V.S.S.
Certification Label

2012 NISSAN Towing Guide 13










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. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to view the GCWR listed for
your vehicle.

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 and 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, you must keep conventional trailer tongue load between 10-15% of
the actual trailer weight, within the limits of the maximum trailer tongue load allowable.

2012 NISSAN Towing Guide 14 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 must be kept between 15-25% of the actual trailer weight, within the limits of
the king pin load allowable.
Some trailer types may require different trailer tongue loads for safe towing. Always follow
the trailer manufacturer’s recommendations for proper trailer set-up and trailer tongue load.
Keep the trailer tongue load within the maximum trailer tongue load allowable. Additionally,
make sure the vehicle has the payload capacity available for the trailer tongue load.
Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to view the maximum conventional trailer tongue load
listed for your vehicle.
NOTE – The vehicle weight ratings (GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, etc.) must not be
exceeded, regardless of trailer or hitch type.











HITCH & 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 tongue load and load transfer. Therefore, the hitch
or trailer tongue must be adjusted during the initial vehicle/trailer fit-up to ensure a level ride.
Ball mounts are available in different configurations to adjust the hitch ball height.

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