2015 Nissan Xterra Towing Guide - Page 9

will allow the chains/cables to drag on the ground. WARNING- Do not use S-hooks for attaching the safety chains as they may become unhooked while towing. If the emergency chains/cables are detached and the tow hitch breaks or becomes disengaged, it will allow the trailer to completely break away causing property damage and possibly personal injury or death. The use of S-hooks is illegal in many states. CAUTION- To avoid damage to the bumper and chains/cables when making a sharp turn, do not attach the chains/cables too close to the coupler. Consult your trailer manufacturer for the proper location of the chain/cable attachment to the trailer. REAR VIEW MIRRORS WARNING- In many cases, a trailer can block your rear vision when you are using only the standard NISSAN rear view and outside mirrors. Be careful when changing lanes or turning. Using only these mirrors could cause an accident as they were not designed for towing. Trailer tow mirrors specifically designed for trailer towing can be adjusted for better visibility when your rearward vision is obstructed while towing a trailer. Trailer Tow Mirrors are available as an accessory for certain Nissan vehicles. Before using these mirrors, make certain that they comply with state and local regulations. Contact your NISSAN dealer for details. BREAKAWAY SWITCH On a trailer with electric brakes, a breakaway switch can automatically activate the trailer brake system if the trailer becomes separated from the tow vehicle. Should the trailer become detached, a breakaway switch may help prevent the trailer from wandering into another lane. WARNING-A breakaway switch relies on the power of a trailer battery, so make sure to maintain the battery's charge. Never use the breakaway switch to "park" the trailer on a grade. The battery would eventually discharge and release the brake, allowing the trailer to roll, which may cause property damage, serious injury or death. Be sure to leave enough slack in the tether on the breakaway switch to turn corners without binding. If you do not, the electric trailer brakes will lock-up and not release. See your trailer manufacturer for proper installation of a breakaway switch that is compatible with your trailer braking system. TRAILER LIGHTS Trailer lights should comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and should be in proper working order at all times. A trailer's taillights, stoplights, and turn signal lights must be wired into the tow vehicle's electrical system.* Most trailers operate on a four-wire system in which the stoplights and turn signal lights utilize the same wire. Most all NISSAN vehicles have separate wires for the stoplights and turn signal lights, therefore a device called a "converter" is needed.** Specifically, a "powered * Vehicles equipped with LED taillights require that wiring be connected at a specific location. For assistance in hooking up trailer lights, contact your NISSAN dealer or a professional supplier of towing equipment. ** Armada, Frontier, Pathfinder, and Titan, vehicles are pre-wired for trailer lighting and do not require a converter. If your trailer is equipped with a 4-pin connector, an adapter will be needed to connect the trailer lights to the vehicle. Vehicles equipped with the optional trailer tow package are equipped with a 7-pin trailer harness connector. A NISSAN 7-pin tow harness kit is available from your dealer. 2015 NISSAN Towing Guide 8