2005 Nissan Maxima Owner's Manual - Page 267

TOWING A TRAILER 3. After loading (cargo and passengers), reweigh your vehicle to determine if either GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle is exceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, remove cargo as necessary. If either the front or rear GAWR is exceeded, shift the load or remove cargo as necessary. ● Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or the maximum front and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of your vehicle can break, tire damage could occur, or it can change the way your vehicle handles. This could result in loss of control and cause personal injury. ● Overloading not only can shorten the life of your vehicle and the tire, but can also cause unsafe vehicle handling and longer braking distances. This may cause a premature tire failure which could result in a serious accident and personal injury. Failures caused by overloading are not covered by the vehicle's warranty. WARNING Overloading or improper loading of a trailer and its cargo can adversely affect vehicle handling, braking and performance and may lead to accidents. LOADING TIPS ● The GVW must not exceed GVWR or GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S. certification label. ● Do not load the front and rear axle to the GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR. CAUTION ● Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load for the first 500 miles (800 km). Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. ● For the first 500 miles (800 km) that you tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps the engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the heavier loads. 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. WARNING ● Properly secure all cargo with ropes or straps to help prevent it from sliding or shifting. Do not place cargo higher than the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or collision, unsecured cargo could cause personal injury. Technical and consumer information 9-13