NISSAN 2014 Versa Note - Towing Guide - Manual (Page 16)

2014 NISSAN Towing Guide 15
TOWING
SAFETY
WARNING- Towing can significantly alter the handling and performance characteristics of
your vehicle. Moreover, it puts increased strain on the engine and drivetrain. Therefore, it is
always a good idea to approach towing from the standpoint of safety — whether you are
purchasing equipment or actually pulling the trailer.
WARNING - Always make sure your vehicle’s towing capacity is adequate for the trailer you
intend to tow. Buy or lease only quality equipment. In addition, be certain that you have all of
the equipment needed for safe towing, such as safety chains/cables, electric trailer brakes,
electric trailer brake controller, breakaway switch, and extended rear view mirrors.
You should follow a more frequent maintenance schedule and check fluid levels, pressures,
tire condition, etc., more often when on the road. See your vehicle owner’s manual for details.
LOADING YOUR TRAILER
WARNING- Taking the time to load and balance your trailer properly will improve overall
handling and minimize the strain on your tow vehicle. Incorrectly loaded trailers tend to sway
or swing from side to side, upsetting vehicle handling. Careful loading and balancing can help
eliminate these problems.
As mentioned earlier, conventional trailer tongue load must fall between 10-15% of the
total trailer weight, or within the limits of the maximum trailer tongue load specified by the
trailer manufacturer. King pin load — if using a 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer — must be
between 15-25% of the total trailer weight.
WARNING - Excessive tongue/king pin load can
actually push down the tow vehicle in back, lifting
the front wheels to a point where traction,
steering response, and braking are severely
reduced. Too little tongue/king pin load can cause
instability, which may lead to swaying, “tail
wagging” or jackknifing.
With this 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.