NISSAN 2014 Versa Note - Towing Guide - Manual (Page 8)

2014 NISSAN Towing Guide 7
couplers. Always make sure the hitch ball selected has the proper shank diameter and weight
rating for the ball mount as well as the coupler on your trailer. Using a 1 7 /
8
” hitch ball in a 2”
coupler, for example, could result in the trailer separating from the tow vehicle.
The diameter of the hitch ball shank must be matched to the ball mount hole diameter. The
shank should be no more than
1
/
16
” smaller than the hole.
To keep the hitch ball in top condition, a simple 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, you will help
prevent rust from forming on it.
TRAILER TONGUE
The tongue is the part of the trailer that extends forward to meet the tow vehicle, and it also
carries the coupler assembly. Knowledge of the trailer minimum and maximum tongue load
(conventional trailers) and king pin load (5th wheel and gooseneck trailers) is critical as it can
have a significant effect on the handling and capacity of the tow vehicle. Refer to your vehicle
owner’s manual to view the maximum conventional trailer tongue load listed for your vehicle.
Remember to keep the trailer tongue load between 10-15% of the total trailer load specified
by the trailer manufacturer. DO NOT exceed the maximum tongue load specification.
SAFETY CHAINS/CABLES
Always use suitable safety chains/cables
between the tow vehicle and the trailer. If
the hitch should break or become
disengaged for some reason, these
chains/cables will provide an emergency
connection between the vehicle and the
trailer.
The chains/cables should be crossed under
the trailer tongue and attached to the hitch or
vehicle frame. Crossing the chains/cables
under the tongue will help prevent the tongue
from hitting the ground should the trailer
become disconnected.
Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chains/cables to turn corners without binding;
however, note that excessive slack will allow
the chains/cables to drag on the ground.
Not OK
OK