2011 Nissan Murano Owner's Manual - Page 416

TOWING SAFETY Trailer hitch Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer. A genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is available from a NISSAN dealer. Make sure the trailer hitch is securely attached to the vehicle to help avoid personal injury or property damage due to sway caused by crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing trucks. . The diameter of the threaded shank of the hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should be no more than 1/16@ smaller than the hole in the ball mount. The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be long enough to be properly secured to the ball mount. There should be at least 2 threads showing beyond the lock washer and nut. CAUTION . Special hitches which include frame reinforcements are required for towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable genuine NISSAN hitches 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 impact-absorbing 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 hitch and/or receiver when not in use. After the hitch is removed, seal the bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes, water or dust from entering the passenger compartment. Regularly check that all trailer hitch mounting bolts are securely mounted. . . WARNING Trailer hitch components have specific weight ratings. Your vehicle may be capable of towing a trailer heavier than the weight rating of the hitch components. Never exceed the weight rating of the hitch components. Doing so can cause serious personal injury or property damage. 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... . Hitch ball Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight rating for your trailer: . The required hitch ball size is stamped on most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also have the size printed on top of the ball. Choose the proper class hitch ball based on the trailer weight. 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 (907 kg). 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 (1,588 kg). . . 9-20 Technical and consumer information