1997 Nissan Maxima Owner's Manual - Page 203

hitch when not in use. Remove the receiver when not in use. After the hitch is removed, seal the bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes, water or dust from entering the passenger compartment. ¼ Regularly check that all hitch mounting bolts are securely mounted. Trailer lights Trailer lights should comply with Federal and/or local regulations. When wiring the vehicle for towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup into the vehicle electrical circuit at a point between the sensor and stop light or light switch. load shifts while driving. ¼ Be certain your rear view mirrors conform to all federal, state or local regulations. If not, install any mirrors required for towing before driving the vehicle. Trailer towing tips In order to gain skill and an understanding of the vehicle's behavior, you should practice 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. ¼ Always secure items in the trailer to prevent load shift while driving. Trailer brakes If your trailer is equipped with a braking system, make sure it conforms to Federal and/or local regulations and that it is properly installed. Tire pressures ¼ When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires to the recommended cold tire pressure indicated on the tire placard (located on the inside of the center console lid.) ¼ Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and proper inflation pressure should be in accordance with the trailer and tire manufacturers' specifications. Never connect a trailer brake system directly to the vehicle brake system. ¼ Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops. ¼ Avoid sharp turns or lane changes. ¼ Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed. ¼ Always block the wheels on both vehicle and trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not recommended; however, if you must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission, first block the wheels and apply the parking brake, and then move the transmission shift lever into the "P" position. If you move the shift lever to the "P" position before blocking the Safety chain Always use a suitable chain between your vehicle and the trailer. The chain should be crossed and should be attached to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave enough slack in the chain to permit turning corners. Pre-towing tips ¼ Be certain your vehicle maintains a level position when a loaded and/or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition; check for improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other possible causes of either condition. ¼ Always secure items in the trailer to prevent 9-16