2010 Nissan Rogue Owner's Manual - Page 313

Trailer lights WARNING CAUTION Never connect a trailer brake system directly to the vehicle brake system. . install any mirrors required for towing before driving the vehicle. Determine the overall height of the vehicle and trailer so the required clearance is known. When splicing into the vehicle electrical system, a commercially available power-type module/converter must be used to provide power for all trailer lighting. This unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct power source for all trailer lights while using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and turn signal circuits as a signal source. The module/converter must draw no more than 15 milliamps from the stop and tail lamp circuits. Using a module/converter that exceeds these power requirements may damage the vehicle's electrical system. See a reputable trailer dealer to obtain the proper equipment and to have it installed. Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or local regulations. For assistance in hooking up trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or reputable trailer dealer. Pre-towing tips . Be certain your vehicle maintains a level position when a loaded 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. Always secure items in the trailer to prevent load shift while driving. Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity low. Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in the back half. Also make sure the load is balanced side to side. Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, vehicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a trailer to the vehicle. Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to all federal, state or local regulations. If not, 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. Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or lock to prevent the coupler from inadvertently becoming unlatched. Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops. Avoid sharp turns or lane changes. Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed. Some states or provinces have specific speed limits for vehicles that are towing trailers. Obey the local speed limits. When backing up, hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Move your hand in the direction in which you want the trailer to go. Make small corrections and Technical and consumer information 9-23 . . . ... . 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. . .