Get Starting and driving -> Trailer towing Guide for Nissan Patrol SUV Sixth Generation (2010-2023)

TRAILER TOWING (models without TRAILER TOWING (models with

trailer hitch)

Your vehicle was designed to be used to carry

passengers and luggage. NISSAN does not

recommend trailer towing, because it places

additional loads on your vehicle’s engine, drive-

train, steering, braking, and other systems.

Your new vehicle was designed to be used

primarily to carry passengers and luggage.

Do not use the Intelligent Forward Collision

Warning system (if equipped).

Follow the trailer manufacturer’s instruc-

Towing a trailer will place additional loads on

your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering,

braking and other systems. The towing of a

trailer will exaggerate other conditions such as

sway caused by crosswinds, rough road sur-

faces or passing trucks.

Your driving style and speed must be adjusted

according to the circumstances. Before towing

a trailer, see a NISSAN dealer for an explanation

about the proper use of towing equipment.

tions.

Choose proper coupling devices (trailer

hitch, safety chain, roof carrier, etc.) for

your vehicle and trailer. These devices are

available from a NISSAN dealer where you

can also obtain more detailed information

about trailer towing.

CAUTION:

Vehicle damage resulting from towing

trailer is not covered by the warranties.

Never allow the total trailer load (trailer

weight plus its cargo weight) to exceed the

maximum set for the vehicle and the

coupling device. See a NISSAN dealer for

more information.

OPERATING PRECAUTIONS

Avoid towing a trailer during the break-in

The trailer must be loaded so that heavy

goods are placed over the axle. The max-

imum allowable vertical load on the trailer

hitch must not be exceeded.

period.

Before driving, make sure that the lighting

system of the trailer works properly.

Observe the legal maximum speeds for

Have your vehicle serviced more often than

trailer operation.

at the intervals specified in

maintenance booklet.

a separate

Avoid abrupt starts, accelerations and

stops.

Trailer towing requires more fuel than

under normal circumstances because of a

considerable increase in traction power

and resistance.

Avoid sharp turns and lane changes.

Always drive your vehicle at a moderate

speed.

Do not use the Intelligent Lane Intervention

system (if equipped).

While towing

a trailer, check the engine

coolant temperature indicator to prevent

the vehicle from overheating.

Do not use the Intelligent Blind Spot Inter-

vention system (if equipped).

Do not use the Intelligent Cruise Control

(ICC) system (if equipped).

Do not use the Intelligent Distance Control

system (if equipped).

Do not use the Intelligent Emergency Brak-

ing system (if equipped).

Do not use the Intelligent Back-up Inter-

vention system (if equipped).

5-100 Starting and driving

Vehicle damage resulting from improper tow-

ing procedures is not covered by the warran-

ties. Information on trailer towing and the

required equipment should be obtained from

a NISSAN dealer.

MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS (for Australia)

TIRE PRESSURE

When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires to

the maximum recommended COLD tire pres-

sure (for full loading) indicated on the tire

placard.

Maximum tongue load

SAFETY CHAINS

Never allow the tongue load to exceed 10% of

the total trailer load. If the tongue load exceeds

10%, rearrange the cargo in the trailer.

Always use

a suitable chain between the

vehicle and trailer. The chain should be crossed

and should be attached to the hitch, not to the

vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave enough

slack in the chain to permit turning corners.

Maximum rear gross axle weight

CA0011-A

TRAILER BRAKES

Maximum trailer loads (including tires and

other loaded equipment):

1. Never allow the total trailer load to exceed:

Ensure that trailer brakes are installed as

required by local regulations. Also check that

all other trailer equipment conforms to local

regulations.

Always block the wheels on both the vehicle

and trailer when parking. Apply the hand brake

on the trailer if equipped. Parking on a steep

slope is not recommended.

The maximum 750 kg (1,654 lb) for a

trailer without brakes.

The maximum 3,500 kg (7,718 lb) for a

trailer with brakes.

2. The total trailer load must be lower than

the following three values even if it does

not exceed the maximum permissible trai-

ler loads.

CA0050

If parking on a steep slope is unavoidable, place

the shift lever in the “P” (Park) position, and turn

the front wheels towards the curb.

The rear gross axle weight must not exceed the

Permissible Axle Weight (PAW).

Towing capacity displayed on a tow-bar.

TRAILER DETECTION (if equipped)

PAW:

Trailer’s gross vehicle mass marked on a

When towing a trailer with a genuine NISSAN

tow bar electrical kit and the turn signal switch

is used, the electrical system of the vehicle will

detect the additional electrical load of the

trailer lighting. As a result, the direction indi-

cator tone will be different.

Rear

coupling body.

2,030 kg (4,476 lb)

Gross vehicle mass marked on a trailer

The trailer must be loaded so that heavy goods

are placed over the axle.

data plate.

The maximum trailer load which can be towed

by your vehicle depends on the towing equip-

ment fitted to the vehicle. Therefore, it is

important to not only have the correct equip-

ment fitted but also to use it correctly. Towing

loads greater than the value specified for your

vehicle or using towing equipment which is not

provided by NISSAN could seriously affect the

handling and/or performance of your vehicle.

Starting and driving 5-101

To access the trailer hitch , remove the trailer

hitch cover on the lower part of the rear

bumper.

To remove the trailer hitch cover:

1. Remove the 2 bolts.

2. Pull the bottom of the cover straight back-

ward to remove the inner side and upper

clips.

TRAILER HITCH (if equipped)

Towing safety

If the vehicle is equipped with a trailer tow

package, the trailer tow package includes a

receiver-type frame mounted hitch. This hitch

is rated for the maximum towing capacity of

this vehicle when the proper towing equipment

is used. Choose a proper ball mount and hitch

ball that is rated for the trailer to be towed.

TRAILER LIGHTS (if equipped)

Removing and installing trailer hitch cover

(for Mexico):

STI0745

Your vehicle is equipped with a towing pack-

age, which also includes the 7-pin trailer har-

ness connector located under the trailer hitch

cover on the rear bumper.

CAUTION:

JVT0458X

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

than 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 retailer to

obtain the proper equipment and to have

it installed.

To install the trailer hitch cover:

1. Insert the upper clips to the recesses

and then push in the cover to its original

position.

2. Install the 2 bolts

Bolt tightening torque:

3 to 4.4 N·m (0.31 to 0.44 kg-m, 2.2 to 3.3 ft-

lb)

Do not use excessive force.

Do not connect electrical devices that

draw more than 40 amps to the vehicle.

The fusible link may melt.

JVT0457X

5-102 Starting and driving

TOW MODE (for Mexico)

POWER STEERING

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 retailer.

WARNING:

If the engine is not running or is turned off

while driving, the power assist for the steer-

ing will not work. The steering will be much

harder to operate.

The power assisted steering is designed to use

a hydraulic pump driven by the engine, to assist

steering.

If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you

will still have control of the vehicle. However,

greater steering effort is needed, especially in

sharp turns and at low speeds.

SIC4474

TOW mode should be used when pulling a

heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load. Driving

the vehicle in the TOW mode with no trailer/

load or light trailer/light load will not cause any

damage. However, fuel economy may be re-

duced, and the transmission/engine driving

characteristics may feel unusual.

Push the TOW mode switch to activate TOW

mode. The indicator light on the TOW mode

switch illuminates when TOW mode is selected.

Press the TOW mode switch again to turn TOW

mode OFF.

TOW mode is automatically canceled when the

ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.

For additional information, refer to “Trailer

towing (models with trailer hitch)” (P.5-100).

Starting and driving 5-103

BRAKE SYSTEM

The brake system has two separate hydraulic

circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still

have braking ability at two wheels.

Wet brakes

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)

When the vehicle is washed or driven through

water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your

braking distance will be longer and the vehicle

may pull to one side during braking.

WARNING:

BRAKE PRECAUTIONS

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is

sophisticated device, but it cannot prevent

accidents resulting from careless or danger-

ous driving techniques. It can help maintain

vehicle control during braking on slippery

surfaces. Remember that stopping distances

on slippery surfaces will be longer than on

normal surfaces even with ABS. Stopping

distances may also be longer on rough,

gravel or snow covered roads, or if you are

Hydraulically-assisted brakes

To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe

speed while lightly depressing the foot brake

pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until the

brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the

vehicle at high speeds until the brakes function

correctly.

The hydraulically-assisted brake system is de-

signed to use a hydraulic pump driven elec-

trically, to assist braking. If the engine stops,

you can stop the vehicle by depressing the foot

brake pedal. However, greater foot pressure on

the foot brake pedal will be required to stop the

vehicle. The stopping distance will be longer.

Parking brake break-in

Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the

stopping effect of the parking brake is wea-

kened or whenever the parking brake shoes

and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in order to

assure the best braking performance.

using tire chains. Always maintain a safe

If the engine is not running or is turned off

while driving, the power assisted brakes will not

function. Braking will be harder.

distance from the vehicle in front of you.

Ultimately, the driver is responsible for

safety.

WARNING:

Tire type and condition may also affect

braking effectiveness.

This procedure is described in the vehicle

service manual and can be performed by a

NISSAN dealer.

Do not coast with the engine stopped.

When replacing tires, install the specified

size of tires on all four wheels.

Using brakes

BRAKE ASSIST

When installing a spare tire, make sure

that it is the proper size and type as

specified on the tire placard. (See “Tire

placard” (P.9-12).)

Avoid resting your foot on the foot brake pedal

while driving. This will overheat the brakes,

wear out the brake linings/pads faster, and

increase fuel consumption.

When the force applied to the brake pedal

exceeds

a certain level, the Brake Assist is

activated generating greater braking force

than a conventional brake booster even with

light pedal force.

For detailed information, see “Tires and

To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the

brakes from overheating, reduce speed and

downshift to a lower gear before going down a

slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may

reduce braking performance and could result

in loss of vehicle control.

While driving on a slippery surface, be careful

when braking, accelerating or downshifting.

Abrupt braking or acceleration could cause

the wheels to skid and result in an accident.

wheels” (P.8-29).

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls

the brakes so the wheels do not lock during

hard braking or when braking on slippery

surfaces. The system detects the rotation

speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid

pressure to prevent each wheel from locking

and sliding. By preventing each wheel from

locking, the system helps the driver maintain

steering control and helps to minimize swer-

ving and spinning on slippery surfaces.

WARNING:

The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist

braking operation and is not

a collision

warning or avoidance device. It is the driver’s

responsibility to stay alert, drive safely and

be in control of the vehicle at all times.

5-104 Starting and driving

VEHICLE SECURITY

When leaving your vehicle unoccupied:

feel a vibration from the actuator when it is

operating. This is normal and indicates that the

ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa-

tion may indicate that road conditions are

hazardous and extra care is required while

driving.

Except for Mexico: When the differential lock

mode switch is engaged, the ABS warning light

illuminates. This may indicate that the ABS is

disabled while the differential lock is engaged.

(See “Differential lock mode switch (except for

Mexico)” (P.5-22).)

Using system

Always take the key with you - even when

Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.

Depress the brake pedal with firm steady

pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The

ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from

locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.

leaving the vehicle in your own garage.

Close all windows completely and lock all

doors.

Always park your vehicle where it can be

seen. Park in a well lit area during the night.

WARNING:

If the security system is equipped, use it -

even for a short period.

Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may

result in increased stopping distances.

Never leave children or pets in the vehicle

unattended.

Never leave valuables inside the vehicle.

Always take valuables with you.

Self-test feature

The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric

pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer.

The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature

that tests the system each time you start the

engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in

forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs,

you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a

pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and

does not indicate a malfunction. If the compu-

ter senses a malfunction, it switches the ABS

off and illuminates the ABS warning light on the

instrument panel. The brake system then

operates normally, but without anti-lock assis-

tance. If the ABS warning light illuminates

during the self-test or while driving, have the

vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer.

Never leave the vehicle documents in the

vehicle.

Never leave articles on a roof rack. Remove

them from the rack and keep and lock

them inside the vehicle.

Never leave the spare key in the vehicle.

Normal operation

The ABS operates at speeds above 5 to 10

km/h (3 to 6 MPH). The speed varies according

to road conditions.

When the ABS senses that one or more wheels

are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly

applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This

action is similar to pumping the brakes very

quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake

pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or

Starting and driving 5-105

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