2013 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Guide
2013 Nissan Pathfinder Manual
2013 Nissan Pathfinder manual content summary:
- 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 1
9 2013 NISSAN TOWING GUIDE The 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide provides information for currently available 2013 NISSAN vehicles. This publication will be amended as new vehicles are introduced. Table of Commitment _____25 For important safety warnings, please read and follow your vehicle owner's manual. - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 2
on those few occasions when you do tow. READ THIS GUIDE BEFORE YOU TOW This guide was designed to provide an overview of safe towing practices. Here, you will find information on towing equipment, safety, proper loading and driving techniques, towing tips, and much more. 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 1 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 3
HITCH. Your vehicle's bumpers are not designed for using this type of hitch. Using it will damage your vehicle and could even result in the trailer separating from the towing vehicle; this can cause death or serious injury. To avoid this, use only a permanent-type hitch. 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 2 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 4
section explains the most common pieces of towing equipment available. HITCHES Whichever type of hitch you use, it systems or its body structure/frame when installing the hitch. * Refer to your owner's manual for the equipment class information specific to your vehicle. 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 5
and durability. NISSAN bolt-on receiver hitches are designed specifically for NISSAN vehicles and include the necessary reinforcements, with ample clearance around bumpers, frame members, etc. These hitches allow for the removal of the ball mount when not towing. 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 4 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 6
that clamps onto the bumper assembly. DO NOT USE this type of hitch on any NISSAN vehicle because using it may result in the trailer separating from the towing vehicle; this can cause death or serious injury. Use of this type of hitch can also damage the towing vehicle. 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 5 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 7
in the tow vehicle's rear bumper. The coupler on the trailer tongue attaches over the hitch ball. * At this time, Titan is the only NISSAN vehicle Ball Mount Hitch Ball approved for 5th wheel and gooseneck trailer towing. See your vehicle owner's manual for details. 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 6 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 8
available maintenance routine is recommended. Coating it with light grease will minimize wear of both the coupler and hitch ball. Also, by removing the hitch ball when not towing, or by protecting it with a special cover (5th wheel and gooseneck owner's manual to view 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 7 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 9
of towing equipment. ** Armada, Frontier, Pathfinder, and Titan, vehicles are pre-wired for trailer lighting and do not require a converter. If your vehicle is equipped with a 4-pin connector, an adapter will be needed to connect the trailer lights to the vehicle. 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 8 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 10
equipment for electric trailer brake controller availability. * Contact a NISSAN dealer or a professional supplier of towing equipment for information on trailers equipped with electric brakes and for Genuine NISSAN jumper harness availability for your specific vehicle. 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 9 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 11
, so more frequent maintenance is called for. Your NISSAN Service & Maintenance Guide provides the accelerated maintenance schedule for towing purposes. Engine oil, filter, transmission oil, and possibly other fluids should be changed more frequently when towing. 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 10 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 12
overloading may not be covered by your vehicle warranty. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT (GVW) The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of the vehicle, plus passengers, cargo, fuel, hitch, trailer tongue/ exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for your vehicle. 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 11 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 13
. From that figure, subtract the front GAW and you will have the rear GAW amount. The GAW you come up with must not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle. On NISSAN vehicles, the GAWR for both axles is listed on the F.M.V.S.S. certification label. 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 12 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 14
GCW) is the total weight of the tow vehicle with all passengers, cargo, and fuel, plus the total weight of the trailer and all its cargo. To determine the GCW, simply weigh your vehicle when fully loaded and the limits of the maximum trailer tongue load allowable. 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 13 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 15
of 150 lbs. 5th wheel and gooseneck trailer king pin are available in manual and on the tire pressure chart located in the vehicle. Trailer tire condition, size, load rating, and inflation pressure must be in accordance with the trailer and tire manufacturer's specifications. 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 16
in mind, proper loading is extremely important. When loading a trailer, 60% of the total cargo weight should be positioned in the front portion of the trailer and 40% in the back. Then, the load should be adjusted until the proper tongue/king pin load ratio is achieved. 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 15 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 17
braking. Once in place, all cargo should be firmly secured to prevent , and poor maintenance are all things as the tires, tire pressures, and wheel bearings on both the tow vehicle and NISSAN dealer or trailer manufacturer to determine the problem engine exhaust. 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 16 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 18
checklist of key items to be inspected. When towing, vehicle engine oil, transmission oil, and coolant should always be checked before starting out. Finding a potential problem while in stability of your tow vehicle. Plan ahead and make lane changes and turns smoothly. 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 17 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 19
controller, follow the recommended operational instructions. PASS CAREFULLY As mentioned in When towing a 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer, do not make sharp turns while driving or backing as the wheel to direct the trailer. The trailer will go in the same direction 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 18 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 20
a heavy load, in stop-andgo traffic, rolling terrain, or a busy parking lot. Driving the vehicle in Tow Mode may affect fuel economy and transmission/engine driving characteristics. See your vehicle owner's manual for additional information about Tow Mode. HILLS - UPGRADES As the incline increases - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 21
the engine. If you see steam or leaking coolant, stand clear to avoid being burned and shut off your engine immediately and allow it to cool. If there is no steam, open * See your vehicle owner's manual for additional indications that your vehicle may be overheating. 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 20 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 22
for conventional trailer towing. 4 Most states require a separate braking system on trailers with a loaded weight above a specific amount. Check local ordinances. 7-pin connector trailer wire harnesses are required for use with trailer brakes (available separately). 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 21 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 23
weight pressing down on the tow vehicle hitch. BREAKAWAY SWITCH BUMPER HITCH ELECTRIC TRAILER BRAKES ELECTRIC TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER GOOSENECK HITCH GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT RATING (GCWR) GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) KING PIN LOAD 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 22 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 24
by which the trailer pivots during cornering. Available in a number of sizes and weight system to the trailer's system. RECEIVER HITCH SAFETY CHAINS/CABLES SURGE BRAKES TRAILER TONGUE/COUPLER TRAILER TONGUE LOAD WEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING HITCH SYSTEM WIRING HARNESS 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 25
/36,000-mile basic coverage. All 2013 models also feature 5-year/60,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty.* And, NISSAN warranties are completely transferable if you should sell your NISSAN. If you want additional peace of mind, we proudly offer the NISSAN Security+Plus Vehicle Protection Plan. This - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 26
assistance, search our Web site at www.NISSANUSA.com. For NISSAN dealer locations or for more information on this and other NISSAN products, call 1-800-239-8810. Or, call 1-800-NISSAN-1 for answers to product-related issues and solutions to your transportation needs. 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide 25 - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | Towing Guide - Page 27
, and other countries. For information on availability, options or accessories, contact your NISSAN dealer. NISSAN, the NISSAN Brand Symbol, "Innovation for all" slogan, and NISSAN Model Name(s) are NISSAN trademarks. Publication: January 2012 © 2013 Guide Inc. 2012NISSAN NISSANTowing North America
-
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5 -
6 -
7 -
8
-
9
-
10
-
11
-
12
-
13
-
14
-
15
-
16
-
17
-
18
-
19
-
20
-
21
-
22
-
23
-
24
-
25
-
26
-
27
 |
 |
9
2013
NISSAN TOWING GUIDE
Table of Contents
Introduction
_____________________________________________________
1
Towing Equipment
______________________________________________
2
What Is Right for You
___________________________________________
3
Preparing Your Vehicle
_________________________________________
10
Towing Safety
_________________________________________________
15
Towing Tips
___________________________________________________
17
Towing Glossary
_______________________________________________
22
Protection
_____________________________________________________
24
Commitment
__________________________________________________
25
The 2013 NISSAN Towing Guide provides information for currently available 2013
NISSAN vehicles. This publication will be amended as new vehicles are introduced.
For important safety warnings, please read and follow your vehicle owner’s manual.