2006 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual - Page 281

to allow for proper tongue load. Always verify that available capacities are under the required ratings. TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION US & CAN 2WD Towing Capac- 5,000 lb. ity*1 (2268 kg) Tongue Load Gross Combined Weight Rating Maximum trailer frontal area 500 lb. (227 kg) 9,658 lb. (4,380 kg) 4WD 5,000 lb. (2268 kg) 500 lb. (227 kg) 9,658 lb. (4,380 kg) that is rated for the trailer to be towed. Genuine Nissan ball mounts and hitch balls are available from your NISSAN dealer. If your vehicle is not equipped with the optional trailer tow package, check the towing capacity of your bumper hitch or receiver-type frame mounted hitch. Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer. A genuine Nissan trailer hitch is available from your 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. Trailer frontal area CAUTION Exceeding the maximum trailer frontal area specification may exceed the towing capacity of the vehicle. This may affect the towing performance and lead to vehicle damage. The trailer frontal area affects the towing load of a trailer. The frontal area is the total area of the vehicle and trailer that is affected by air resistance while towing. Do not exceed the maximum trailer frontal area specification shown in the Towing Load/Specification" chart. The frontal area can be determined by multiplying the width of the trailer by the height of the trailer. For example, a trailer that is 8 feet wide by 6 feet tall has a trailer frontal area of 48 square feet. 60 sq ft (5.52 sq meters) *1: The towing capacity values are calculated assuming a base vehicle with driver and any options required to achieve the rating. Additional passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment will add weight to the vehicle and reduce your vehicle's maximum towing capacity. 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. TOWING SAFETY Trailer hitch Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional trailer tow package. The trailer tow package includes a receiver-type frame mounted hitch. This hitch is rated for the maximum towing capacity of this vehicle when the proper towing equipment is used. Choose a proper ball mount and hitch ball 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 the top of the ball. Technical and consumer information 9-21