Trailer Towing Overview
Your new vehicle was designed to be used primarily to carry passengers and luggage. Remember that towing a trailer will place additional loads on your vehicle’s engine, drive-train, steering, braking and other systems. Towing a trailer will also exaggerate other conditions, such as sway caused by crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing trucks. Driving style and speed must be adjusted according to the circumstances.
Before towing a trailer, see a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop for an explanation of towing equipment and its proper use.
Operating Precautions
- Avoid towing a trailer during the running-in schedule.
- Choose proper coupling devices (trailer hitch, safety chain, roof carrier, etc.) for your vehicle and trailer. These devices are available from a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop where you can also obtain more detailed information about trailer towing.
- It is advisable to contact a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop for towing details before towing a trailer up steep slopes for long distances.
- Never allow the total trailer load (trailer weight plus its cargo weight) to exceed the maximum set for the coupling device.
- Contact a NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop for more information on this matter.
- The trailer must be loaded so that heavy goods are distributed over the axle and as low in the trailer as possible. Poor load distribution can seriously affect the stability of the trailer and tow vehicle.
- Do not exceed the maximum permitted vertical load on the trailer hitch.
- Do not exceed the maximum gross vehicle weight. This is the combined weight of the vehicle, driver, passengers, cargo, and load on the towing coupling device (where fitted). You can find the maximum gross vehicle weight on the vehicle identification label.
- Before driving, make sure that the lighting system of the trailer works properly.
- Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration and stops.
- Avoid sharp turns and lane changes.
- Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed.
- Always block the wheels on both vehicle and trailer when parking. Apply the handbrake (where fitted) on the trailer.
- Parking on a steep slope is not recommended. If unavoidable, put the vehicle into gear or select P (Park for Xtronic transmission models) and turn the front wheels into the kerb.
- Follow the trailer manufacturer’s instructions.
- Have your vehicle serviced more often than at the intervals specified in the separately provided Warranty Information and Maintenance booklet.
- Trailer towing requires more fuel than under normal circumstances because of increased traction power required and resistance.
- When towing a trailer, observe the restricted towing speed: below 100 km/h (62 MPH).
CAUTION: While towing a trailer, check the engine coolant temperature gauge regularly to prevent engine overheating.
Tyre Pressure
When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tyres to the maximum recommended COLD tyre pressure, as indicated on the tyre placard (for full loading). Make sure the trailer tyre pressures are correct.
CAUTION: Do not tow a trailer when the vehicle is installed with a temporary-use spare tyre.
Safety Chains
Always use a suitable chain between the vehicle and trailer. The chain should be attached to the hitch and not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave enough slack in the chain to permit turning corners. The chain should not drag on the ground; passing the chain across the trailer hitch may be best practice depending on your trailer.
Trailer Brakes
Ensure that trailer brakes are installed as required by local regulations. Also check that all other trailer equipment conforms to local regulations.
Installation of Coupling Device
NISSAN recommends that the coupling device for trailer towing be installed under the following conditions:
- Maximum permissible vertical load on the coupling device: 981 N (100 kg, 220 lb)
- The coupling device, mounting points and installation parts on your vehicle: as shown in the illustration.
- Follow all of the coupling device manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.
- Rear overhang of coupling device: 744 mm (29.3 in)
- Fixed towbar (II)
- Detachable towbar
