2009 Nissan Pathfinder Owner's Manual - Page 452

WARNING Properly adjust the weight distributing hitch so the rear of the bumper is no higher than the measured reference height when the trailer is attached. If the rear bumper is higher than the measured reference height when loaded, the vehicle may handle unpredictably which could cause a loss of vehicle control and cause serious personal injury or property damage. Class II hitch Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb (1,510 kg). CAUTION ● Special hitches which include frame reinforcements are required for towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable genuine NISSAN hitches, ball mounts and hitch balls for pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles are available at a NISSAN dealer. ● The hitch should not be attached to or affect the operation of the impactabsorbing bumper. ● Do not use axle-mounted hitches. ● Do not modify the vehicle exhaust system, brake system, etc. to install a trailer hitch. ● To reduce the possibility of additional damage if your vehicle is struck from the rear, where practical, remove the receiver when not in use. ● Regularly check that all trailer hitch mounting bolts are securely mounted. ● When towing with the hitch ball mounted to the rear bumper, do not make sharp turns. The trailer may contact the bumper and cause damage to the bumper or trailer. Class III hitch Class III trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers of a maximum weight of 5,000 lb (2,272 kg). The genuine NISSAN step bumper is considered a Class III ball mount. Sway control device Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting caused by other vehicles can affect trailer handling. Sway control devices may be used to help control these affects. If you choose to use one, contact a reputable trailer hitch supplier to make sure the sway control device will work with the vehicle, hitch, trailer and the trailer's brake system. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for installing and using the sway control device. Class IV hitch Class IV trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers of a maximum weight of 10,000 lb (4,545 kg). A weight distributing hitch should be used to tow trailers that weigh over 5,000 lb (2,272 kg). Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000 lb (4,545 kg) maximum weight rating, but your vehicle is only capable of towing the maximum trailer weights shown in the "Towing Load/ Specification" chart earlier in this section. Class I hitch Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (909 kg). 9-22 Technical and consumer information