emergency towing NISSAN SENTRA 2016 B17 / 7.G Towing Guide

2016 NISSAN Towing Guide 7 balls are available in a number of weight capacities and sizes. Most hitch balls have the size
stamped on the top of the ball. The required hitch ball size is stamped on most trailer
couplers. 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. In addition,
removing the hitch ball when not towing, or protecting it with a special cover 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 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 and capacity of the tow vehicle. Refer to your vehicle
owner’s manual to view the maximum conventional trailer tongue load listed for your vehicle.
Trailer tongue weight is the amount of downward pressure exerted onto the hitch ball. Keep
the tongue load between 10-15% of the total trailer weight. DO NOT exceed the maximum
tongue load specification. If the tongue weight is below the recommended amount, you must
move some of the load forward or add weight to the front frame of the trailer.

SAFETY CHAINS/CABLES
Always use suitable safety chains/cables
between the tow vehicle and the trailer. If the
hitch should break or become disengaged
while towing, these chains/cables will help
provide an emergency connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.
When installed properly 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
will allow the chains/cables to drag on the
ground.
OK
Not OK

2016 NISSAN Towing Guide 8
WARNING- Do not use S-hooks for attaching the safety chains as they may become un-
hooked while towing. If the S-hook unhooks, the emergency chains/cables will become
detached, so if the tow hitch breaks or becomes disengaged, it will allow the trailer to
completely break away causing property damage and possibly personal injury or death.
The use of S-hooks is illegal in many states.
CAUTION- To avoid damage to the bumper and chains/cables when making a sharp turn,
do not attach the chains/cables too close to the coupler. Consult your trailer manufacturer for
the proper location of the chain/cable attachment to the trailer.

REAR VIEW MIRRORS
WARNING- In many cases, a trailer can block your rear vision when you are using only the
standard NISSAN rear view and outside mirrors. Be careful when changing lanes or turning.
Using only these mirrors could cause an accident as they were not designed for towing.


Trailer tow mirrors specifically designed for trailer towing can be adjusted for better visibility
when your rearward vision is obstructed while towing a trailer. Trailer Tow Mirrors are available
as an accessory for certain Nissan vehicles. Before using these mirrors, make certain that
they comply with state and local regulations. It is recommended you contact your NISSAN
dealer for details.

BREAKAWAY SWITCH
On a trailer with electric brakes, a breakaway switch can automatically activate the trailer
brake system if the trailer becomes separated from the tow vehicle. Should the trailer become
detached, a breakaway switch may help prevent the trailer from wandering into another lane.

WARNING-A breakaway switch relies on the power of a trailer battery, so make sure to
maintain the battery’s charge. Never use the breakaway switch to “park” the trailer on a
grade. The battery would eventually discharge and release the brake, allowing the trailer to
roll, which may cause property damage, serious injury or death. Be sure to leave enough
slack in the tether on the breakaway switch to turn corners without binding. If you do not, the
electric trailer brakes will lock-up and not release. See your trailer manufacturer for proper
installation of a breakaway switch that is compatible with your trailer braking system.

TRAILER LIGHTS
Trailer lights should comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and should
be in proper working order at all times. A trailer’s taillights, stoplights, and turn signal lights
must be wired into the tow vehicle’s electrical system.*
Most trailers operate on a four-wire system in which the stoplights and turn signal lights
utilize the same wire. Most all NISSAN vehicles have separate wires for the stoplights and turn
signal lights, therefore a device called a “converter” is needed.** Specifically, a “powered
* Vehicles equipped with LED taillights require that wiring be connected at a specific location. For
assistance in hooking up trailer lights, contact your NISSAN dealer or a professional supplier of towing equipment.
** Armada, Frontier, Pathfinder, and Titan, vehicles are pre-wired for trailer lighting and do not require a converter.
If your trailer is equipped with a 4-pin connector, an adapter will be needed to connect the trailer lights to the
vehicle. Vehicles equipped with the optional trailer tow package can be equipped with a 7-pin trailer harness
connector.

2016 NISSAN Towing Guide 17

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS
WARNING - DO NOT modify your vehicle beyond those required for proper hitch
installation, wiring hook-up, or adding extended mirrors on any NISSAN vehicle being used
for towing purposes. Changes to the drivetrain, suspension, exhaust systems, frame
structure/unibody, or other vehicle components are not necessary for towing within the limits
described in this guide. These changes may diminish the reliability and longevity of your
vehicle, void warranty coverage or possibly result in loss of vehicle control and cause an
accident, personal injury or death.

TOOL KIT
When towing, bring tools including, flares, a flashlight, emergency reflectors, jumper cables,
extra fuses, extra radiator coolant, oil, and easily replaced spare parts such as taillight bulbs.
You should also carry spare tires for your tow vehicle and trailer, as well as a jack suitable for
use on the trailer. A trailer jack is an important part of safe towing. Choose a jack that can
raise and lower the trailer so that you can connect the coupler to and disconnect it from the
ball of your hitch. Choose one with a weight capacity that matches or surpasses your trailer
tongue weight.

WARNING - Be aware that your automotive jack is designed for lifting only your vehicle
during a tire change. Using an automobile jack to lift a trailer-bearing load may be unstable
possibly causing it to fall off the jack stand which may result in property damage or serious
injury or death.

BEFORE STARTING OUT
Before starting out on a trip, make one last inspection of the tow vehicle and the trailer. Are
the tire pressures correct? Are the safety chains/cables securely in place? Has the cargo
been tied down securely? Do all the lights work? Is the coupler properly attached over the
hitch ball and secured using a locking pin? Is the breakaway switch hooked up and
functioning properly? Are vehicle and electric trailer brakes working properly?
Make a checklist of key items to inspect. Before towing, always check the tow vehicle’s
engine oil, transmission oil, and coolant before starting out. Finding a potential problem while
in your driveway is better than discovering it miles from home.

2016 NISSAN Towing Guide 21
1. Carefully 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, and exit the vehicle. 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
the hood.

WARNING - To avoid the danger of being scalded, do not open the hood if steam is
coming out. Never remove the radiator cap when the radiator is hot. If the cap is removed
under these conditions, pressurized hot water/coolant 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.

WARNING - 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 to avoid
being burned and to avoid personal injury, or death. 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. Also, check to see if the cooling fan is running, and inspect the water
pump, radiator, and radiator hoses for leaks.

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, when
the engine has cooled to its normal operating temperature; check the coolant level in the
reservoir tank with the engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir tank in accordance to
owner’s manual, if needed. At this point, if repairs are needed, go to the nearest NISSAN
dealer. See the IN CASE OF EMERGENCY section of your vehicle owner’s manual for
additional information on overheating.

2016 NISSAN Towing Guide 23


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 that 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
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.