2004 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual - Page 270

TOWING A TRAILER Your new vehicle was designed to be used primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember that towing a trailer places additional loads on your vehicle's engine, drive train, steering, braking and other systems. A Nissan Trailer Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available from a NISSAN dealer. This guide includes information on trailer towing ability and the special equipment required for proper towing. 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 appropriate for level highway driving may have to be reduced on very steep grades or in 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. MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS Maximum trailer loads Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the value specified in the following Towing Load/Specification Chart found later in this section. The total trailer load equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight. ● When towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake system MUST be used. The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) 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 CAUTION Vehicle damage resulting from improper towing procedures are not covered by NISSAN warranties. A NISSAN Trailer Towing Guide (U.S. only) containing information on trailer towing ability and the special equipment required may be obtained from a NISSAN dealer. CA0009 Tongue load Keep the tongue load between 9 - 11 percent of the total trailer load within the maximum tongue load limits shown in the following Towing Load/Specification Chart. If the tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for proper tongue load. 9-16 Technical and consumer information