2004 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual - Page 275

3. Route the trailer tow harness so that it does not block access to the spare tire winch socket. 4. Connect the tow harness connector (SAE J1239) to your trailer. 5. Confirm proper vehicle and trailer stop/turn lamp operation. 6. When towing is completed, disconnect the tow harness from the trailer and the vehicle. Store the tow harness in the glove box. Reinstall the connector cap to the vehicle harness. If you need further assistance in wiring a trailer to your NISSAN, contact a NISSAN dealer. Always confirm proper vehicle and trailer stop/turn lamp operation every time the trailer light circuits are connected for use. Pre-towing tips ● Be certain your vehicle maintains a level position when a loaded and/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. ● Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to all federal, state or local regulations. If not, install any mirrors required for towing before driving the vehicle. ● Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed. ● Always block the wheels on both vehicle and trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not recommended; however, if you must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, first block the wheels and apply the parking brake, and then move the transmission shift selector lever into the P (Park) position. If you move the shift selector lever to the P (Park) position before blocking the wheels and applying the parking brake, transmission damage could occur. ● When going down a hill, shift into a lower gear and use the engine braking effect. When going up a long grade, downshift the transmission to a lower gear and reduce speed to reduce chances of engine overloading and/or overheating. However, for long steep grades, do not stay in 1st or 2nd gear when driving above 35 MPH (56 km/h). ● If the engine coolant rises to an extremely high temperature when the air conditioner system is on, turn off the air conditioner. Coolant heat can be additionally vented by opening the windows, switching the fan control to high and setting the temperature control to the HOT position. 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. ● Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops. ● Avoid sharp turns or lane changes. 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. WARNING Never connect a trailer brake system directly to the vehicle brake system. Technical and consumer information 9-21