Flat towing -23, Caution – NISSAN 2011 Quest - Owner's Manual User Manual

Page 463

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

ahead, and immediately (but gradually)
reduce vehicle speed. This combination will
help stabilize the vehicle. Never increase
speed.

Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:

1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to

allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the
vehicle.

— Do not correct trailer sway by steering or

applying the brakes.

2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply

the brakes and pull to the side of the road in
a safe area.

3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is

balanced as described earlier in this section.

. Be careful when passing other vehicles.

Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the trailer
must also pass the other vehicle before you
can safely change lanes.

. Down shift the transmission to a lower gear

for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.

. Avoid holding the brake pedal down too

long or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.

. Increase your following distance to allow for

greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.

. Do not use cruise control while towing a

trailer.

. Some states or provinces have specific

regulations and speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits.

. Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness

connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after
50 miles (80 km) of travel and at every
break.

. When stopped in traffic for long periods of

time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.

. When launching a boat, don’t allow the

water level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.

. Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights

before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.

When towing a trailer, the transmission

fluid should be changed more frequently.
For additional information, see the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.

FLAT TOWING

Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a
vehicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a
motor home.

CAUTION

. Failure to follow these guidelines

can result in severe transmission
damage.

. Whenever flat towing your vehicle,

always tow forward, never back-
ward.

. DO NOT tow any continuously vari-

able transmission vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground (flat
towing). Doing so WILL DAMAGE
internal transmission parts due to
lack of transmission lubrication.

. For emergency towing procedures

refer to “TOWING RECOMMENDED
BY NISSAN” in the “6. In case of

Technical and consumer information

9-23

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