towing NISSAN TITAN 2008 User Guide

WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
cDo not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 miles (800 km) . Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
cFor the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing and other systems.
A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available
on the website at www.nissanusa.com. This
guide includes information on trailer towing ca-
pability and the special equipment required for
proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart found later in this sec-
tion. The total trailer load equals trailer weight
plus its cargo weight.
cWhen towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) should not exceed the value specified
in the following “Towing Load/Specification”
chart.
The GCWR equals the combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo)
plus the total trailer load. Towing loads greater
than these or using improper towing equipment
could adversely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but also
the places you plan to tow. Tow weights appro-
priate for level highway driving may have to be
reduced for low traction situations (for example,
on slippery boat ramps) .
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TOWING A TRAILER
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Temperature conditions can also affect towing.
For example, towing a heavy trailer in high outside
temperatures on graded roads can affect engine
performance and cause overheating. The engine
protection mode, which helps reduce the chance
of engine damage, could activate and automati-
cally decrease engine power. Vehicle speed may
decrease under high load. Plan your trip carefully
to account for trailer and vehicle load, weather
and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced
speed may be lower than other traffic,
which could increase the chance of a col-
lision. Be especially careful when driving.
Pull to the side of the road to a safe area.
Allow the engine to cool and return to
normal operation. See “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures is not covered by
NISSAN warranties.
Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight distrib-
uting hitch, keep the tongue load between 10 -
15 percent of the total trailer load within the
maximum tongue load limits shown in the follow-
ing “Towing Load/Specification” chart. If the
tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange cargo
to allow for proper tongue load.
King pin load
When using a 5th wheel hitch, keep the tongue
load between 15 - 25 percent of the total trailer
load within the maximum king pin load limits
shown in the following “Towing
Load/Specification” chart. If the king pin load
becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper king pin load.
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Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW)/maximum Gross Axle Weight
(GAW)
The GVW of the towing vehicle must not exceed
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label. The GVW equals the combined weight of
the unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage,
hitch, trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment. In addition, front or rear GAW must
not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label.Towing capacities are calculated assuming a
base vehicle with driver and any options required
to achieve the rating. Additional passengers,
cargo and/or optional equipment, such as the
trailer hitch, will add weight to the vehicle and
reduce your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity
and trailer tongue load.
The vehicle and trailer need to be weighed to
confirm the vehicle is within the GVWR, Front
GAWR, Rear GAWR, Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) and Towing capacity.
All vehicle and trailer weights can be measured
using platform type scales commonly found at
truck stops, highway weigh stations, building
supply centers or salvage yards.
To determine the available payload capacity for
tongue/king pin load, use the following proce-
dure.
1. Locate the GVWR on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
2. Weigh your vehicle on the scale with all of
the passengers and cargo that are normally
in the vehicle when towing a trailer.
3. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the
GVWR. The remaining amount is the avail-
able maximum tongue/king pin load.To determine the available towing capacity, use
the following procedure.
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.
CA0036
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Example:
cGross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed
on a scale - including passengers, cargo and
hitch - 6,200 lb. (2812 kg) .
cGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label -
7,100 lb. (3221 kg) .
cGross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
from “Towing Load/Specification9chart -
15,100 lb. (6849 kg) .
cMaximum Trailer towing capacity from “Tow-
ing Load/Specification9chart - 9,200 lb.
(4173 kg) .7,100 lb. (3221 kg) GVWR
– 6,200 lb. (2812 kg) GVW
= 900 lb. (408 kg) Available for tongue/
king pin weight
15,100 lb. (6849 kg) GCWR
– 6,200 lb. (2812 kg) GVW
= 8,900 lb. (4036 kg) Capacity available for
towing
900 lb. (408 kg) Available tongue weight
/ 8,900 lb. (4036 kg) Available capacity
= 10 % tongue weightThe 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. If the tongue
load becomes excessive, rearrange the cargo to
obtain the proper tongue load. Do not exceed the
10 - 15% tongue weight specification 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.
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TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
Towing load specification chart with tow package — short wheel base
2WD4WD
KC CC KC CC
XE SE LE XE SE LE XE/SE OR LE XE SE LE
Towing
Capacity *1, *2, *39,500 lb.
(4309 kg)9,500 lb.
(4309 kg)9,200 lb.
(4173 kg)9,400 lb.
(4264 kg)9,400 lb.
(4264 kg)9,100 lb.
(4128 kg)9,400 lb.
(4264 kg)9,300 lb.
(4218 kg)9,200 lb.
(4173 kg)9,200 lb.
(4173 kg)9,100 lb.
(4128 kg)8,900 lb.
(4037 kg)
Tongue load *2, *3 950 lb.
(430 kg)950 lb.
(430 kg)920 lb.
(417 kg)940 lb.
(426 kg)940 lb.
(426 kg)910 lb.
(413 kg)940 lb.
(426 kg)930 lb.
(421 kg)920 lb.
(417 kg)920 lb.
(417 kg)910 lb.
(413 kg)890 lb.
(404 kg)
King pin load 1,425 lb.
(737 kg)1,425 lb.
(737 kg)1,380 lb.
(625 kg)1,410 lb.
(639 kg)1,410 lb.
(639 kg)1,365 lb.
(620 kg)1,410 lb.
(639 kg)1,395 lb
(632 kg)1,380 lb.
(625 kg)1,380 lb.
(625 kg)1,365 lb.
(620 kg)1,335 lb.
(605 kg)
Gross Combined
Weight Rating15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)
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Towing load specification chart with tow package — long wheel base
2WD4WD
KC CC KC CC
XE SE LE XE SE LE XE SE LE XE/SE OR LE
Towing
Capacity *1, *2, *39,400 lb.
(4264 kg)9,400 lb.
(4264 kg)9,100 lb.
(4128 kg)9,299 lb.
(4218 kg)9,299 lb.
(4218 kg)9,100 lb.
(4128 kg)9,200 lb.
(4173 kg)9,100 lb.
(4128 kg)8,900 lb.
(4037 kg)9,100 lb.
(4128 kg)8,999 lb.
(4082 kg)8,900 lb.
(4037 kg)
Tongue load *2, *3 940 lb.
(426 kg)940 lb.
(426 kg)910 lb.
(413 kg)930 lb.
(422 kg)930 lb.
(422 kg)910 lb.
(413 kg)920 lb.
(417 kg)910 lb.
(413 kg)890 lb.
(404 kg)910 lb.
(413 kg)900 lb.
(408 kg)890 lb.
(404 kg)
King pin load 1,410 lb.
(639 kg)1,410 lb.
(639 kg)1,365 lb.
(620 kg)1,395 lb.
(633 kg)1,395 lb.
(633 kg)1,365 lb.
(620 kg)1,380 lb.
(625 kg)1,365 lb.
(620 kg)1,335 lb.
(605 kg)1,365 lb.
(620 kg)1,350 lb.
(612 kg)1,335 lb.
(605 kg)
Gross Combined
Weight Rating15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)15,100 lb.
(6849 kg)
Towing load specification chart without tow package — short wheel base
2WD4WD
KC CC KC CC
XE SE LE XE SE LE XE SE OR/LE XE SE LE
Towing
capacity*1, *2, *36,500 lb.
(2948 kg)7,400 lb.
(3357 kg)7,200 lb.
(3266 kg)6,500 lb.
(2948 kg)7,401 lb.
(3357 kg)7,101 lb.
(3221 kg)6,500 lb.
(2948 kg)7,400 lb.
(3357 kg)7,200 lb.
(3266 kg)6,500 lb.
(2948 kg)7,300 lb.
(3311 kg)7,000 lb.
(3175 kg)
Tongue load *2, *3 650 lb.
(295 kg)740 lb.
(336 kg)720 lb.
(327 kg)650 lb.
(295 kg)740 lb.
(336 kg)710 lb.
(322 kg)650 lb.
(295 kg)740 lb.
(336 kg)720 lb.
(327 kg)650 lb.
(295 kg)720 lb.
(331 kg)700 lb.
(318 kg)
King pin load 975 lb.
(442 kg)1,110 lb.
(503 kg)1,080 lb.
(489 kg)975 lb.
(442 kg)1,110 lb.
(504 kg)1,065 lb.
(483 kg)975 lb.
(442 kg)1,110 lb.
(503 kg)1,080 lb.
(489 kg)975 lb.
(442 kg)1,095 lb.
(497 kg)1,050 lb.
(476 kg)
Gross Combined
Weight Rating12,800 lb.
(5806 kg)12,800 lb.
(5806 kg)12,800 lb.
(5806 kg)12,800 lb.
(5806 kg)12,800 lb.
(5806 kg)12,800 lb.
(5806 kg)13,000 lb.
(5897 kg)13,000 lb.
(5897 kg)13,000 lb.
(5897 kg)13,000 lb.
(5897 kg)13,000 lb.
(5897 kg)13,000 lb.
(5897 kg)
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Towing load specification chart without tow package — long wheel base
2WD4WD
KC CC KC CC
XE SE LE XE SE LE XE SE LE XE SE/OR LE
Towing
capacity*1, *2, *36,499 lb.
(2948 kg)7,101 lb.
(3221 kg)7,000 lb.
(3175 kg)6,499 lb.
(2948 kg)7,101 lb.
(3221 kg)6,799 lb.
(3084 kg)6,499 lb.
(2948 kg)7,101 lb.
(3221 kg)6,900 lb.
(3130 kg)6,499 lb.
(2948 kg)7,000 lb.
(3175 kg)6,700 lb.
(3039 kg)
Tongue load *2, *3 650 lb.
(295 kg)710 lb.
(322 kg)700 lb.
(318 kg)650 lb.
(295 kg)710 lb.
(321 kg)680 lb.
(308 kg)650 lb.
(295 kg)710 lb.
(322 kg)690 lb.
(312 kg)650 lb.
(295 kg)700 lb.
(318 kg)670 lb.
(304 kg)
King pin load 975 lb.
(442 kg)1,065 lb.
(483 kg)1,050 lb.
(476 kg)975 lb.
(442 kg)1,065 lb.
(482 kg)1,020 lb.
(463 kg)975 lb.
(442 kg)1,065 lb.
(483 kg)1,035 lb.
(470 kg)975 lb.
(442 kg)1,050 lb.
(476 kg)1,005 lb.
(456 kg)
Gross Combined
Weight Rating12,800 lb.
(5806 kg)12,800 lb.
(5806 kg)12,800 lb.
(5806 kg)12,800 lb.
(5806 kg)12,800 lb.
(5806 kg)12,800 lb.
(5806 kg)13,000 lb.
(5897 kg)13,000 lb.
(5897 kg)13,000 lb.
(5897 kg)13,000 lb.
(5897 kg)13,000 lb.
(5897 kg)13,000 lb.
(5897 kg)
*1: The towing capacity 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.
*2: Requires weight distribution hitch.
*3: The maximum towing capacity when using the genuine NISSAN step bumper as a ball mount is 5,000 lb. (2268 kg) and 500 lb. (227 kg) tongue load.
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TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional
trailer tow package. The trailer tow package in-
cludes a receiver-type frame mounted hitch. This
hitch is rated for the maximum towing capacity of
this vehicle when the proper towing equipment is
used. Choose a proper ball mount and hitch ball
that is rated for the trailer to be towed. Genuine
Nissan ball mounts and hitch balls are available
from your NISSAN dealer.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the optional
trailer tow package, check the towing capacity of
your bumper hitch or receiver-type frame
mounted hitch. Choose a proper hitch for your
vehicle and trailer. A genuine Nissan trailer hitch
is available from your NISSAN dealer. Make sure
the trailer hitch is securely attached to the vehicle
to help avoid personal injury or property damage
due to sway caused by crosswinds, rough road
surfaces or passing trucks.
A hitch used for towing 5th wheel and gooseneck
trailers can also be installed on your vehicle.
Contact a professional supplier of towing equip-
ment to purchase and have a 5th wheel or goose-
neck hitch installed.
WARNING
Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca-
pable of towing a trailer heavier than the
weight rating of the hitch components.
Never exceed the weight rating of the
hitch components. Doing so can cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight
rating for your trailer:
cThe required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on the top of the ball.
cChoose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.
cThe diameter of the threaded shank of the
hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should
be no more than 1/16” smaller than the hole
in the ball mount.
cThe threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount and
the ball mount is inserted into the hitch receiver.
Choose a proper class ball mount based on the
trailer weight. Additionally, the ball mount should
be chosen to keep the trailer tongue level with the
ground.
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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 5,000 lb
(2,268 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 or9dead weight9ball 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.
Another reason to have a weight distributing ball
mount is to comply with the rating on your re-
ceiver. Most receivers have a weight carrying
rating of 5,000 lbs. gross weight, 500 lbs. tongue
weight and a weight distribution rating of 10,000
lbs. gross weight, 1,000 lbs. tongue weight. This
means that without using a weight distributing
ballmount, the receiver is only designed to carry
5,000 lbs.
When hooking up a trailer using a weight distrib-
uting hitch, always refer to the hitch manufactur-
er’s instructions.
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.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer han-
dling. Sway control devices may be used to help
control these affects. If you choose to use one,
contact a reputable trailer hitch supplier to make
sure the sway control device will work with the
vehicle, hitch, trailer and the trailer’s brake sys-
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tem. Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the sway
control device.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (909 kg) .
Class II hitch
Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb (1,510 kg) .
Class III hitch
Class III trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 5,000 lb (2,272 kg) .
The genuine NISSAN step bumper is considered
a Class III ball mount.
Class IV hitch
Class IV trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 10,000 lb (4,545 kg) . A
weight distributing hitch should be used to tow
trailers that weigh over 5,000 lb (2,272 kg) .
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000 lb(4,545 kg) maximum weight rating, but your ve-
hicle is only capable of towing the maximum
trailer weights shown in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart earlier in this section.
5th wheel/gooseneck
A 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer can be towed by
installing a 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer hitch.
These types of hitches are mounted in the bed of
the pick-up. A professional trailer equipment sup-
plier should install these hitches as it is very
important to mount the hitch correctly to distrib-
ute the king pin weight for the proper load carry-
ing and sway control performance.
The king pin weight should be 15 to 25 percent of
the fully loaded trailer. Make sure the king pin
weight does not cause the gross vehicle weight
to exceed the Gross Maximum Weight Rating or
the rear axle weight to exceed the Rear Gross
Axle Weight rating, see “Maximum load limits”
earlier in this section.
The weight of the trailer should not exceed the
maximum towing capacity for the vehicle, see
“Towing Load/Specification” chart earlier in this
section.
Make sure the trailer design allows for the correct
vehicle to trailer clearances before purchasing a
5th wheel trailer.
CAUTION
cSpecial hitches which include frame re-
inforcements are required for towing
above 2,000 lb (907 kg) . Suitable genu-
ine NISSAN hitches, ball mounts and
hitch balls for pickup trucks and sport
utility vehicles are available at a
NISSAN dealer.
cThe hitch should not be attached to or
affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-
tem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
cTo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
receiver when not in use.
cRegularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.
cWhen towing with the hitch ball
mounted to the rear bumper, do not
make sharp turns. The trailer may con-
tact the bumper and cause damage to
the bumper or trailer.
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