2000 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual - Page 249

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. WARNING Never connect a trailer brake system directly to the vehicle brake system. 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. Always secure items in the trailer to prevent load shift while driving. Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops. Avoid sharp turns or lane changes. Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed. 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 selector lever into the P (Park) position. If you move the shift lever to the P (Park) position before blocking the wheels and applying the parking brake, transmission damage could occur. When going down a hill, shift into a lower gear and use the engine braking effect. When ascending a long grade, downshift the transmission to a lower gear and reduce speed to reduce chances of engine overloading and/or overheating. However, for long steep grades, do not stay in 1st or 2nd gear when driving above 35 MPH (56 km/h). If the engine coolant rises to an extremely high temperature when the air conditioning system is on, turn off the air conditioner. Coolant heat can be additionally vented by opening the windows, switching the fan control to high and setting the temperature control to the HOT position. Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal circumstances. Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle's first 500 miles (805 km). Have your vehicle serviced more often than at intervals specified in the recommended Maintenance Schedule. When making a turn, your trailer wheels will be closer to the inside of the turn than your vehicle wheels. To compensate for Pre-towing tips 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 nosedown condition; check for improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other possible causes of either condition. Always secure items in the trailer to prevent load shift while driving. Be certain your outside mirrors conform to all federal, state or local regulations. If not, install any mirrors required for towing before driving the vehicle. 10-24 Technical and consumer information