2005 Nissan 350Z Owner's Manual - Page 260

weight plus its cargo weight. Towing loads greater than 1,000 lb (454 kg) or using improper towing equipment could adversely affect vehicle handling, braking and performance. The ability of a vehicle to tow a trailer is not only related to the maximum trailer loads, but also the places you plan to tow. Tow weights appropriate for level highway driving may have to be reduced on very steep grades or in low traction situations (for example, on slippery boat ramps). TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART Unit: lb (kg) MAXIMUM TOWING LOAD MAXIMUM TONGUE LOAD 1,000 (454) 100 (45.4) TOWING SAFETY Trailer hitch TI1012M CAUTION Vehicle damage resulting from improper towing procedures are not covered by NISSAN warranties. A NISSAN Trailer Towing Guide (U.S. only) containing information on trailer towing ability and the special equipment required may be obtained from a NISSAN dealer. Maximum gross vehicle weight/ maximum gross axle weight The gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle must not exceed. GVWR shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label. The gross vehicle weight equals the combined weight of the unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage, hitch, trailer tongue load and any other optional equipment. In addition, front or rear gross axle weight must not exceed GAWR shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label. Choose a proper hitch for a vehicle and trailer. 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. Hitch ball Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight rating for your trailer: ¼ The required hitch ball size is stamped on most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also have the size printed on top of the ball. ¼ Choose the proper class hitch ball based on the trailer weight. ¼ 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 Technical and consumer information Tongue load Keep the tongue load between 9 and 11% of the total trailer load within the maximum tongue load limits shown in the following Towing Load/Specification chart. If the tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for proper tongue load. 9-17