2009 Maxima Owner's Manual

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and performance
and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
● Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 miles (800 km). Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
● For the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used primarily
to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, braking
and other systems.
A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available
on the website at www.nissanusa.com. This
guide includes information on trailer towing capability
and the special equipment required for
proper towing.
9-16 Technical and consumer information
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart found later in this section.
The total trailer load equals trailer weight
plus its cargo weight.
● When towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs.
(454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system must be used.
LTI0164
The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
equals the combined weight of the towing vehicle
(including passengers and cargo) plus the total
trailer load. Towing loads greater than these or
using improper towing equipment could adversely
affect vehicle handling, braking and performance.
The ability of your 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 for low traction situations (for example,
on slippery boat ramps).