brake NISSAN TITAN 2021 Owner´s Manual

A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available
on the website at www.nissanusa.com. This
guide includes information on trailer towing
capability and the special equipment re-
quired 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 (P. 10-37). The total
trailer load equals trailer weight plus its
cargo weight.
•When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR should not exceed
the value specified in the following “Towing
load/specification” chart (P. 10-37). The GCWR equals the combined weight of
the towing vehicle (including passengers
and cargo) plus the total trailer load. Tow-
ing loads greater than these or using im-
proper towing equipment could adversely
affect vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance.
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 appropriate for level highway
driving may have to be reduced for low
traction situations (for example, on slippery
boat ramps).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 auto-
matically 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 en-
gine power and vehicle speed. The re-
duced speed may be lower than other
traffic, which could increase the chance
of a collision. Be especially careful
when driving. If the vehicle cannot
maintain a safe driving speed, pull to
the side of the road in a safe area. Allow
the engine to cool and return to normal
operation. For additional information,
see “If your vehicle overheats” (P. 6-12).
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from im-
proper towing procedures is not cov-
ered by NISSAN warranties.
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Bumper towing
The Genuine NISSAN step bumper has pro-
visions to install a trailer hitch ball and is
designed to tow trailers of a maximum
weight of 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg).
NOTE:
The trailer hitch ball cannot be installed
on the step bumper if the receiver-type
frame mounted hitch is installed on the
vehicle.
To install a trailer hitch ball cut out the circle
in the center of the step bumper
OA, then
remove it to install the trailer hitch ball.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball
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 vehicles 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.
A weight-distributing hitch system (Class
IV) is recommended if you plan to tow trail-
ers with a maximum weight over 5,000 lbs.
(2,268 kg). Check with the trailer and towing
equipment manufacturers to determine if
they recommend the use of a weight-
distributing hitch system.
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 manufac-
turer to determine if and how this can be
done.
Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the
weight-distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion and the doors closed, allow the ve-
hicle 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 ad- just the hitch equalizers so that the front
bumper height is within0-.5inches (0 –
13 mm) of the reference height mea-
sured in step 2. The rear bumper should
be no higher than the reference height
measured in step 2.
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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 unpre-
dictably which could cause a loss of ve-
hicle control and cause serious per-
sonal injury or property damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buf-
feting caused by other vehicles can affect
trailer handling. 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 system.
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 lbs.
(907 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
lbs. (1,587 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
lbs. (2,268 kg).
Class IV hitch
Class IV hitches are weight carrying (WC)
and weight distributing (WD) hitches de-
pending on the vehicle and hitch specifica-
tions. Not all Class IV hitches are rated to be
both. See the specific hitch for that infor-
mation. Class IV trailer hitch equipment (re-
ceiver, ball mount and hitch ball) used as
weight carrying are rated up to 10,000 lbs.
(4,535 kg) gross trailer weight (GTW) with a
maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 1,000 lbs. (453 kg). Class IV hitches used for
weight distributing are rated up to 14,000
lbs. (6,350 kg) gross trailer weight (GTW)
with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW)
of 1,400 lbs. (635 kg). A Class IV hitch usually
has a 2" square receiver opening. A higher
class drawbar does not increase the tow-
ing capacity of the hitch. To use this class of
hitch for weight distribution requires a
weight distribution system. Class IV hitches
attach to the vehicle frame only. A weight
distributing hitch should be used to tow
trailers that weigh over 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg).
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
weigh distributing trailer hitch that has a
14,000 lbs. (6,350 kg) maximum weight rat-
ing, but your vehicle is only capable of tow-
ing the maximum trailer weights shown in
the “Towing load/specification” chart in this
section.5th wheel/gooseneck
A 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer can be
towed by installing a 5th wheel or goose-
neck trailer hitch. These types of hitches
are mounted in the bed of the pick-up. A
professional trailer equipment supplier
Technical and consumer information10-41

should install these hitches as it is very im-
portant to mount the hitch correctly to dis-
tribute the king pin weight for the proper
load carrying and sway control perfor-
mance.
The king pin weight should be 15% 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.
For additional information, see “Maximum
load limits” (P. 10-34).
The weight of the trailer should not exceed
the maximum towing capacity for the ve-
hicle. For additional information, see “Tow-
ing load/specification” chart (P. 10-37).
Make sure the trailer design allows for the
correct vehicle to trailer clearances before
purchasing a 5th wheel trailer.WARNING
• The hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
• Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
• Do not modif y the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
• To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the receiver when not in use.
• Regularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely
mounted.
• When towing with the hitch ball
mounted to the rear bumper, do not
make sharp turns. The trailer may
contact the bumper and cause dam-
age to the bumper or trailer.
• When towing a 5th wheel trailer, do
not make sharp turns while driving or
backing. The trailer may contact the
vehicle and cause damage to both
the trailer and vehicle.
CAUTION
• A 5th wheel hitch adapter is neces-
sary to use an af termarket 5th wheel
hitch. A Genuine NISSAN 5th wheel
hitch adapter (as shown) may be
available at a NISSAN dealer.
• Ensure kit components are properly
stored when not in use. Improperly
stowed components could result in
serious personal injury during a colli-
sion or sudden stop.
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Gooseneck hitch ball and safety chain
anchor attachment installation
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface andapply the parking brake.
2. Remove the gooseneck hitch ball and safety chain anchor attachments from
the storage pouch.
3. Remove the center and both of the rearcaps from the puck plugs.
• Once removed, place the pucks in the storage pouch for future use. 4. Lif t the handle from the center of the
hitch ball and rotate 90° from the resting
position.
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Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available
power-type module/converter must
be used to provide power for all trailer
lighting. This unit uses the vehicle bat-
tery as a direct power source for all
trailer lights while using the vehicle tail
light, stop light and turn signal circuits
as a signal source. The module/
converter must draw no more than 15
milliamps from the stop and tail lamp
circuits. Using a module/converter that
exceeds these power requirements
may damage the vehicle's electrical
system. See a reputable trailer retailer
to obtain the proper equipment and to
have it installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/or local regulations. For assistance in
hooking up trailer lights, it is recommended
that you contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer retailer. Vehicles equipped with
the optional trailer tow package are
equipped with a 7-pin trailer harness con-
nector. If your trailer is equipped with a flat
4-pin connector, an adapter will be needed
to connect the trailer lights to the vehicle. Adapters are available at auto parts stores
and hitch retailers.Trailer brakes (if so equipped)
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to federal
and/or local regulations and that it is prop-
erly installed.
Vehicles equipped with a 7–pin trailer har-
ness connector are pre-wired for a trailer
brake controller. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for a trailer brake
adapter harness.
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.
However, most
states require a separate braking system
on trailers with a loaded weight above a
specific amount. Make sure the trailer
meets the local regulations and the regu-
lations where you plan to tow.
WARNING
The Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) must never exceed the vehicle
manufacturers recommendation.
Several types of braking systems are avail-
able. Surge Brakes -
The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hy-
draulic 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 ve-
hicle and the trailer.
CAUTION
Your factory trailer brake control unit
will not activate surge-style trailer
brakes
Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking
systems are activated by an electronic sig-
nal sent from a trailer brake controller (spe-
cial brake-sensing module). If electric trailer
brakes are used, see “Electric trailer brake
controller" (P. 10-49).
Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes are
properly installed and demonstrate proper
brake function testing.
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WARNING
The NISSAN trailer brake controller has
been verified to be compatible with
trailers having electric actuated drum
brakes (one to four axles) and electric-
over-hydraulic brakes. It will not acti-
vate hydraulic surge-style trailer
brakes
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Electric trailer brake controller (if
so equipped)
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may
require the installation of an af termarket
trailer brake controller.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a con-
nector and jumper harness that is specifi-
cally designed to be used when installing
an af termarket brake controller. To install the electric trailer brake controller
jumper harness, perform the following pro-
cedure:
1. Open the driver door. Move the seat to
the rearmost position.
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example
Technical and consumer information10-47

2. Apply the parking brake to access thejumper harness connector.
3. Locate the jumper harness connector under the lower portion of the instru-
ment panel. The connector is taped to
the wiring harness
OAas indicated.
Wire color designation for electric trailer
brake controller jumper harness.
WIRE COLOR NOTE
RED/GREEN Vehicle stop lamp
switch to trailer brake
controller.
BLACK Brake controller ground
(-).
BROWN/WHITE Trailer brake controller switched output.
RED/BLUE Trailer brake controller
illumination.
RED Fused trailer brake con-
troller battery feed (B+).4. Peel off the tape and connect the jumper harness to the connector
OB.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Install the af termarket electric trailer brake controller according to the manu-
facturer's instructions.
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1Gain –
2Gain +
3Manual control lever
4Boost
Trailer brake controller unit (if so
equipped)
The Trailer Brake Controller Unit (TBCU), lo-
cated on the lower instrument panel, is a
device that assists the vehicle in having
effective and smooth braking while towing
a trailer.Operating modes:
•
Automatic mode: This is the normal op-
eration of the TBCU depending on the
gain and boost settings adjusted by the
customer. This mode will activate when
vehicle brake pedal is pressed.
• Manual mode: This mode is initiated by
adjusting the manual control lever from
resting position. This mode will provide
output power to trailer brakes without
applying the vehicle brake pedal.
To determine the output operation of the
system:
• Gain + and Gain - : Used to increase or
decrease the braking force supplied to
the trailer brakes. To adjust the gain, press
Gain + or Gain - to the desired point (0-10).
For example: gain setting 6.0 is a typical
starting point for heavy loads.
• Boost: Used to adjust the feel of the au-
tomatic brake event that occurs when
the vehicle brake pedal is applied. To set
up boost, press Boost button once to dis-
play for current boost setting (display for
3 seconds). Keep pressing to increase
boost level until the desired level (0-3) is
achieved. •
Manual Control Lever: Provides brake
output power to trailer brakes without
applying the vehicle brake pedal. The
amount of brake output supplied corre-
sponds to the amount of pinch pressure
applied to the manual control lever.
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• Be certain your rearview mirrors conformto all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
• Determine the overall height of the ve- hicle and trailer so the required clearance
is known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in
an area which is free from traffic. Steering
stability and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal
driving conditions.
• Always secure items in the trailer to pre-vent load shif t while driving.
• Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
• Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
• Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
• Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed. • When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want
the trailer to go. Make small corrections
and back up slowly. If possible, have
someone guide you when you are back-
ing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if you
must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shif t selector to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill side of the vehicle and trailer
wheels.
3. Af ter the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the
blocks absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shif t the transmission into P (Park). 6. Make sure the
indicator light (if so
equipped) indicates the transfer case is
in 4H, 4LO, or 2H and that the ATP light is
off. If the
indicator light is flashing,
or the ATP light is ON, make sure the
transmission is in P (Park) (A/T) and turn
the 4WD switch to 2WD or 4H. For addi-
tional information, see “Automatic
transmission park warning light” (P. 2-13)
and “Using 4-wheel drive (4WD)” (P. 5-105).
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shif t the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
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