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NISSAN 2008 Xterra User Manual

Page 302

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Trailer lights

CAUTION

When splicing into the vehicle electrical

system, a commercially available power-

type module/converter must be used to

provide power for all trailer lighting. This

unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct

power source for all trailer lights while

using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and

turn signal circuits as a signal source. The

module/converter must draw no more

that 15 milliamps from the stop and tail

lamp circuits. Using a module/converter

that exceeds these power requirements

may damage the vehicle’s electrical sys-

tem. See a reputable trailer dealer to ob-

tain the proper equipment and to have it

installed.

Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or

local regulations. For assistance in hooking up

trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-

table trailer dealer. Vehicles equipped with the

optional trailer tow package are equipped with a

7-pin trailer harness connector. A NISSAN 7–pin

tow harness kit is available from your dealer. If

your trailer is equipped with a flat 4-pin connec-

tor, an adapter will be needed to connect the

trailer lights to the vehicle. Adapters are available

at auto parts stores and hitch retailers.

Trailer brakes

If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,

make sure it conforms to federal and/or local

regulations and that it is properly installed.

WARNING

Never connect a trailer brake system di-

rectly to the vehicle brake system.

Electric trailer brake controller

Trailers equipped with electric brakes may re-

quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer

brake controller.
A Genuine NISSAN jumper harness is available

that is specifically designed to be used when

installing an aftermarket brake controller.
Install the aftermarket electric trailer brake con-

troller according to the manufacturer’s instruc-

tions.

Pre-towing tips

● Be certain your vehicle maintains a level

position when a loaded and/or unloaded

trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it

has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down

condition; check for improper tongue load,

overload, worn suspension or other possible

causes of either condition.

● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent

load shift while driving.

● Keep the cargo load as low as possible in

the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity

low.

● Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the

trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in

the back half. Also make sure the load is

balanced side to side.

● Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-

hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and

trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a

trailer to the vehicle.

● Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to

all federal, state or local regulations. If not,

install any mirrors required for towing before

driving the vehicle.

● Determine the overall height of the vehicle

and trailer so the required clearance is

known.

Trailer towing tips

In order to gain skill and an understanding of the

vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,

stopping and backing up in an area which is free

from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-

mance will be somewhat different than under

normal driving conditions.

9-24

Technical and consumer information

REVIEW COPY—

2008 Xterra (xtr)

Owners Manual—USA_English (nna)
06/26/07—debbie