Towing safety -20, Warning, Caution – NISSAN 2011 Quest - Owner's Manual User Manual

Page 460

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Black plate (458,1)

Model "E52-D" EDITED: 2010/ 10/ 25

TOWING SAFETY

Trailer hitch

Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is
available from a 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.

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 compo-
nents. Never exceed the weight rating
of the hitch components. Doing so can
cause serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage.

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 top of the ball.

. Choose the proper class hitch ball based on

the trailer weight.

. 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 no more than 1/16

@ smaller than the hole

in the ball mount.

. The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be

long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.

Sway control device

Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer
handling. Sway control devices may be used to
help control these affects. If you choose to use
one, contact a reputable trailer hitch supplier to
make sure the sway control device will work with
the vehicle, hitch, trailer and the trailer’s brake
system. Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the sway
control device.

Class I hitch

Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (907 kg).

Class II hitch

Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb (1,588 kg).

CAUTION

. Use hitches designed for your vehi-

cle when towing. Check with your
NISSAN dealer for availability of
suitable genuine NISSAN hitches.

. The hitch should not be attached to

or affect the operation of the im-
pact-absorbing bumper.

. Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
. Do not modify the vehicle exhaust

system, brake system, etc. to install
a trailer hitch.

. To reduce the possibility of addi-

tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practi-
cal, remove the hitch and/or recei-
ver when not in use. After the hitch
is removed, seal the bolt holes to
prevent exhaust fumes, water or
dust from entering the passenger
compartment.

. Regularly check that all trailer hitch

m o u n t i n g b o l t s a r e s e c u r e l y
mounted.

Tire pressures

.

When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle

9-20

Technical and consumer information

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