Nissan Murano (2018 year). Instruction

WARNING

∙ It is extremely dangerous to

ride in a cargo area inside a ve-
hicle. In a collision, people riding
in these areas are more likely to
be seriously injured or killed.

∙ Do not allow people to ride in

any area of your vehicle that is
not equipped with seats and
seat belts.

∙ Be sure everyone in your vehicle

is in a seat and using a seat belt
properly.

TERMS

It is important to familiarize yourself
with the following terms before
loading your vehicle:

∙ Curb Weight (actual weight of

your vehicle) - vehicle weight in-
cluding: standard and optional
equipment,

fluids,

emergency

tools, and spare tire assembly.
This weight does not include
passengers and cargo.

∙ GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb

weight plus the combined weight
of passengers and cargo.

∙ GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-

ing) - maximum total combined
weight of the unloaded vehicle,
passengers, luggage, hitch, trailer
tongue load and any other op-
tional equipment. This informa-
tion

located

the

F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.

certification

label.

∙ GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) -

maximum

weight

(load)

limit

specified for the front or rear axle.
This information is located on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.

certification

label.

∙ GCWR (Gross Combined Weight

rating) - The maximum total
weight rating of the vehicle, pas-
sengers, cargo, and trailer.

∙ Vehicle Capacity Weight, Load

limit, Total load capacity - maxi-
mum total weight limit specified
of the load (passengers and
cargo) for the vehicle. This is the
maximum combined weight of
occupants and cargo that can be
loaded into the vehicle. If the ve-
hicle is used to tow a trailer, the
trailer tongue weight must be in-
cluded as part of the cargo load.
This information is located on the
Tire and Loading Information la-
bel.

∙ Cargo

capacity

permissible

weight of cargo, the subtracted
weight of occupants from the
load limit.

VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION

Technical and consumer information

10-13

Steps for determining correct
load limit

1. Locate the statement “The com-

bined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX
lbs. or XXX kg” on your vehicle’s
Tire and Loading Information la-
bel.

2. Determine the combined weight

of the driver and passengers
that will be riding in your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight

of the driver and passengers
from XXX lbs. or XXX kg.

4. The resulting figure equals the

available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For ex-
ample, if the XXX amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lbs. passengers in your ve-
hicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capac-
ity is 650 lbs. (1,400-750 (5 X 150) =
650 lbs.) or (640-340 (5 X 70) =
300 kg.)

5. Determine the combined weight

of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed
the available cargo and luggage
load

capacity

calculated

step 4.

6. If your vehicle will be towing a

trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to deter-
mine how this reduces the avail-
able cargo and luggage load ca-
pacity of your vehicle.

Before driving a loaded vehicle, con-
firm that you do not exceed the
GVWR or the GAWR for your vehicle.
For additional information, refer to
“Measurement of weights” in this
section.

Also check tires for proper inflation
pressures. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Tire and Loading Infor-
mation label” in the “Do-it-yourself ”
section of this manual.

SECURING THE LOAD

There are luggage hooks located in the
cargo area as shown. The hooks can be
used to secure cargo with ropes or other
types of straps.

When securing items using luggage
hooks located on the side finisher do not
apply a load over more than 6.5 lbs. (29 N)
to a single hook.

The luggage hooks that are located on
the floor should have loads less than
110 lbs. (490 N) to a single hook.

Cargo area luggage hooks

LTI2113

Technical and consumer information

10-15

WARNING

∙ Properly secure all cargo with ropes or

straps to help prevent it from sliding
or shifting. Do not place cargo higher
than the seatbacks. In a sudden stop
or collision, unsecured cargo could
cause personal injury.

∙ The child restraint top tether strap

may be damaged by contact with
items in the cargo area. Secure any
items in the cargo area. Your child
could be seriously injured or killed in a
collision if the top tether strap is
damaged.

∙ Do not load your vehicle any heavier

than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of
your vehicle can break, tire damage
could occur, or it can change the way
your vehicle handles. This could result
in loss of control and cause personal
injury.

LOADING TIPS

∙ The GVW must not exceed GVWR

or GAWR as specified on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.

certification

label.

∙ Do not load the front and rear

axle to the GAWR. Doing so will
exceed the GVWR.

WARNING

∙ Properly secure all cargo with

ropes or straps to help prevent
it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the
seatbacks. In a sudden stop or
collision, unsecured cargo could
cause personal injury.

∙ Do not load your vehicle any

heavier than the GVWR or the
maximum

front

and

rear

GAWRs. If you do, parts of your
vehicle can break, tire damage
could occur, or it can change the
way your vehicle handles. This
could result in loss of control
and cause personal injury.

∙ Overloading

not

only

can

shorten the life of your vehicle
and the tire, but can also cause
unsafe vehicle handling and
longer braking distances. This
may cause a premature tire fail-
ure which could result in a seri-
ous accident and personal in-
jury.

Failures

caused

overloading are not covered by
the vehicle’s warranty.

MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS

Secure

loose

items

prevent

weight shifts that could affect the
balance of your vehicle. When the ve-
hicle is loaded, drive to a scale and
weigh the front and the rear wheels
separately to determine axle loads.
Individual axle loads should not ex-
ceed either of the Gross Axle Weight
Ratings (GAWR). The total of the axle
loads should not exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). These
ratings are given on the vehicle cer-
tification label. If weight ratings are
exceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings.

10-16

Technical and consumer information

WARNING

Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.

CAUTION

∙ Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy

load for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Your engine, axle or other parts could
be damaged.

∙ For the first 500 miles (805 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 ad-
ditional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
drive train, steering, braking and other sys-
tems.

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 equip-
ment required for proper towing.

MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads

Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
the value specified in the “Towing Load/
Specification” chart found in this section.
The total trailer load equals trailer weight
plus its cargo weight.

The maximum Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) should not exceed the value
specified in the following Towing Load/
Specification Chart.

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 tow-
ing equipment could adversely affect ve-
hicle 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).

LTI2105

TOWING A TRAILER

Technical and consumer information

10-17

Temperature conditions can also affect
towing. For example, towing a heavy trailer
in high outside temperatures on graded
roads can affect engine performance and
cause overheating. The engine protection
mode, which helps reduce the chance of
engine damage, could activate and auto-
matically decrease engine power. Vehicle
speed may decrease under high load. Plan
your trip carefully to account for trailer and
vehicle load, weather and road conditions.

WARNING

Overheating can result in reduced en-
gine power and vehicle speed. The re-
duced speed may be lower than other
traffic, which could increase the chance
of a collision. Be especially careful when
driving. If the vehicle cannot maintain a
safe driving speed, pull to the side of the
road in a safe area. Allow the engine to
cool and return to normal operation. For
additional information, refer to “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of
emergency” section of this manual.

CAUTION

Vehicle damage resulting from im-
proper towing procedures is not cov-
ered by NISSAN warranties.

Tongue load

When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load be-
tween 10 - 15% of the total trailer load or use
the trailer tongue load specified by the
trailer manufacturer. The tongue load
must be within the maximum tongue load
limits shown in the following “Towing
Load/Specification” chart. If the tongue
load becomes excessive, rearrange cargo
to allow for proper tongue load.

WTI0160

10-18

Technical and consumer information

Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW)/maximum Gross Axle
Weight (GAW)

The GVW of the towing vehicle must not
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label. The GVW equals the
combined weight of the unloaded vehicle,
passengers, luggage, hitch, trailer tongue
load and any other optional equipment. In
addition, front or rear GAW must not ex-
ceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certifica-
tion label.

Towing capacities are calculated assum-
ing a base vehicle with driver and any op-
tions required to achieve the rating. Addi-
tional passengers, cargo and/or optional
equipment, such as the trailer hitch, will
add weight to the vehicle and reduce your
vehicle’s maximum towing capacity and
trailer tongue load.

The vehicle and trailer need to be weighed
to confirm the vehicle is within the GVWR,
Front GAWR, Rear GAWR, Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR) and Towing capacity.

All vehicle and trailer weights can be mea-
sured using platform type scales com-
monly found at truck stops, highway weigh
stations, building supply centers or salvage
yards.

To determine the available payload capac-
ity for tongue/king pin load, use the follow-
ing procedure.

1. Locate the GVWR on the F.M.V.S.S./

C.M.V.S.S. certification label.

2. Weigh your vehicle on the scale with all

of the passengers and cargo that are
normally in the vehicle when towing a
trailer.

3. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from

the GVWR. The remaining amount is
the available maximum tongue/king
pin load.

To determine the available towing capacity,
use the following procedure.

1. Find the GCWR for your vehicle on the

"Towing

Load/Specification"

chart

found in this section.

2. Subtract the actual vehicle weight

from the GCWR. The remaining amount
is the available maximum towing ca-
pacity.

To determine the Gross Trailer Weight,
weigh your trailer on a scale with all equip-
ment and cargo, that are normally in the
trailer when it is towed. Make sure the
Gross trailer weight is not more than the
Gross Trailer Weight Rating shown on the
trailer and is not more than the calculated
available maximum towing capacity.

Also weigh the front and rear axles on the
scale to make sure the Front Gross Axle
Weight and Rear Gross Axle Weight are not
more than Front Gross Axle Weight and
Rear Gross Axle Weight on the F.M.V.S.S./
C.M.V.S.S. certification label.

LTI2106

Technical and consumer information

10-19

The cargo in the trailer and vehicle may
need to be moved or removed to meet the
specified ratings.

Example:

∙ Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed

on a scale - including passengers, cargo
and hitch - 6,350 lbs. (2,880 kg).

∙ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

from F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification la-
bel - 7,250 lbs. (3,289 kg).

∙ Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

from “Towing Load/Specification" chart
- 15,100 lbs. (6,849 kg).

∙ Maximum Trailer towing capacity from

“Towing Load/Specification" chart -
9,100 lbs. (4,128 kg).

7,250 lbs. (3,289 kg)

GVWR

– 6,350 lbs. (2,880 kg)

GVW

= 900 lbs. (409 kg)

Available for

tongue weight

15,100 lbs. (6,849 kg)

GCWR

– 6,350 lbs. (2,880 kg)

GVW

= 9,123 lbs. (4,138 kg)

Capacity available

for towing

900 lbs. (409 kg)

Available

tongue weight

/ 8,750 lbs. (3,969 kg)

Available capacity

10 % tongue weight

The available towing capacity may be less
than the maximum towing capacity due to
the passenger and cargo load in the ve-
hicle.

Remember to keep trailer tongue weight
between 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or
within the trailer tongue load specification
recommended by the trailer manufacturer.
If the tongue load becomes excessive, re-
arrange the cargo to obtain the proper
tongue load. Do not exceed the maximum
tongue weight specification shown in the
“Towing load/specification” chart even if
the calculated available tongue weight is
greater than 15%. If the calculated tongue
weight is less than 10%, reduce the total
trailer weight to match the available
tongue weight.

Always verify that available capacities are
within the required ratings.

10-20

Technical and consumer information

Trailer frontal area

CAUTION

Exceeding the maximum trailer frontal
area specification may exceed the tow-
ing capacity of the vehicle. This may af-
fect the towing performance and lead
to vehicle damage.

The trailer frontal area affects the towing
load of a trailer. The frontal area is the total
area of the vehicle and trailer that is af-
fected by air resistance while towing. Do
not exceed the maximum trailer frontal
area specification shown in the "Towing
Load/Specification” chart. The frontal area
can be determined by multiplying the
width of the trailer by the height of the
trailer. For example, a trailer that is 8 feet
wide by 6 feet tall has a trailer frontal area of
48 square feet.

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION

WARNING

The towing capacities provided in this
manual are for general reference only.
The safe towing capacity of your vehicle
is affected by dealer and factory in-
stalled options and passenger and
cargo loads. You must weigh the vehicle
and trailer as described in this manual
to determine the actual vehicle towing
capacity. Do not exceed the published
maximum towing capacity or the GCWR
or the GVWR shown on the FMVSS/
CMVSS label. Doing so can result in an
accident causing serious personal in-
jury or property damage.

Axle type

FWD/AWD

Maximum Towing

Capacity *1

1,500 lbs. (680 kg)

Maximum Tongue load

150 lbs. (68 kg)

Maximum Gross

Combined Weight Rating

6,393 lbs. (2,900 kg)

*1: The towing capacity values are calcu-
lated assuming a base vehicle with driver
and any options required to achieve the
rating.

Additional passengers, cargo and/or op-
tional equipment will add weight to the ve-
hicle and reduce your vehicle’s maximum
towing capacity.

TOWING SAFETY

Trailer hitch

Your vehicle may be equipped with an op-
tional 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.
Genuine NISSAN ball mounts and hitch balls
are available from a NISSAN dealer.

If your vehicle is not equipped with the op-
tional trailer tow package, check the towing
capacity of your bumper hitch or receiver-
type frame mounted hitch. Choose a
proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer. A
Genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is available
from a NISSAN dealer. Make sure the trailer
hitch is securely attached to the vehicle to
help avoid personal injury or property dam-
age due to sway caused by crosswinds,
rough road surfaces or passing trucks.

Technical and consumer information

10-21

WARNING

Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca-
pable of towing a trailer heavier than
the weight rating of the hitch compo-
nents. Never exceed the weight rating
of the hitch components. Doing so can
cause serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage.

Hitch ball

Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and
weight rating for your trailer:

∙ The required hitch ball size is stamped

on most trailer couplers. Most hitch
balls also have the size printed on the
top of the ball.

∙ Choose the proper class hitch ball

based on the trailer weight.

∙ The diameter of the threaded shank of

the hitch ball must be matched to the
ball mount hole diameter. The hitch ball
shank should be no more than 1/16”
smaller than the hole in the ball mount.

∙ The threaded shank of the hitch ball

must be long enough to be properly
secured to the ball mount. There should
be at least 2 threads showing beyond
the lock washer and nut.

Ball mount

The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount
and the ball mount is inserted into the
hitch receiver. Choose a proper class ball
mount based on the trailer weight. Addi-
tionally, the ball mount should be chosen to
keep the trailer tongue level with the
ground.

Weight carrying hitches

A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball
mount is one that is designed to carry the
whole amount of tongue weight and gross
weight directly on the ball mount and on
the receiver.

Weight distribution hitch

This type of hitch is also called a “load-
leveling” or “equalizing” hitch. A set of bars
attach to the ball mount and to the trailer
to distribute the tongue weight (hitch
weight) of your trailer.

Many vehicles can’t carry the full tongue
weight of a given trailer, and need some of
the tongue weight transferred through the
frame and pushing down on the front
wheels. This gives stability to the tow ve-
hicle.

A weight-distributing hitch system (Class
IV) is recommended if you plan to tow trail-
ers with a maximum weight over 5,000 lbs.
(2,268 kg). Check with the trailer and towing
equipment manufacturers to determine if
they recommend the use of a weight-
distributing hitch system.

NOTE:

A weight-distributing hitch system may
affect the operation of trailer surge
brakes. If you are considering use of a
weight-distributing hitch system with a
surge brake-equipped trailer, check with
the surge brake, hitch or trailer manufac-
turer to determine if and how this can be
done.

Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the
weight-distributing hitch system.

10-22

Technical and consumer information

General set-up instructions are as follows:

1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level sur-

face. With the ignition on and the doors
closed, allow the vehicle to stand for
several minutes so that it can level.

2. Measure the height of a reference point

on the front and rear bumpers at the
center of the vehicle.

3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and ad-

just the hitch equalizers so that the
front bumper height is within 0 -
.5 inches (0 – 13 mm) of the reference
height measured in step 2. The rear
bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured in step 2.

WARNING

Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no
higher than the measured reference
height when the trailer is attached. If
the rear bumper is higher than the mea-
sured reference height when loaded,
the vehicle may handle unpredictably
which could cause a loss of vehicle con-
trol and cause serious personal injury or
property damage.

Sway control device

Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buf-
feting caused by other vehicles can affect
trailer handling. Sway control devices may
be used to help control these affects. If you
choose to use one, contact a reputable
trailer hitch supplier to make sure the sway
control device will work with the vehicle,
hitch, trailer and the trailer’s brake system.
Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the
sway control device.

Class I hitch

Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow
trailers of a maximum weight of 2,000 lbs.
(907 kg).

Tire pressures

∙ When towing a trailer, inflate the

vehicle

tires

the

recom-

mended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the Tire and Loading In-
formation label.

∙ Trailer tire condition, size, load rat-

ing and proper inflation pressure
should be in accordance with the
trailer and tire manufacturer’s
specifications.

Safety chains

Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. The safety
chains should be crossed and should be
attached to the hitch, not to the vehicle
bumper or axle. The safety chains can be
attached to the bumper if the hitch ball is
mounted to the bumper. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chains to permit turn-
ing corners.

Technical and consumer information

10-23

Trailer lights

CAUTION

When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system,

commercially

available

power-type module/converter must be
used to provide power for all trailer
lighting. This unit uses the vehicle bat-
tery as a direct power source for all
trailer lights while using the vehicle tail
light, stoplight and turn signal circuits
as

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
system. It is recommended that you
visit a reputable trailer retailer to obtain
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, it is recommended
that you contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer retailer. Vehicles equipped with
the optional trailer tow package are
equipped with a flat 4-pin connector, an
adapter will be needed to connect the

trailer lights to the vehicle. Adapters are
available at auto parts stores and hitch re-
tailers.

Pre-towing tips

∙ Be certain your vehicle maintains a level

position when a loaded and/or un-
loaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive the
vehicle if it has an abnormal nose-up or
nose-down condition; check for im-
proper tongue load, overload, worn sus-
pension or other possible causes of ei-
ther condition.

∙ Always secure items in the trailer to pre-

vent 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,

vehicle tire pressure, trailer light opera-
tion, and trailer wheel lug nuts every
time you attach a trailer to the vehicle.

∙ Be certain your rearview mirrors con-

form to all federal, state or local regula-
tions. If not, install any mirrors required
for towing before driving the vehicle.

∙ Determine the overall height of the ve-

hicle and trailer so the required clear-
ance is known.

Trailer towing tips

In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle’s behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering sta-
bility and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal
driving conditions.

∙ Always secure items in the trailer to pre-

vent load shift while driving.

∙ Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin

or lock to prevent the coupler from in-
advertently becoming unlatched.

∙ Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or

stops.

∙ Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.

∙ Always drive your vehicle at a moderate

speed.

10-24

Technical and consumer information

∙ When backing up, hold the bottom of

the steering wheel with one hand. Move
your hand in the direction in which you
want the trailer to go. Make small cor-
rections and back up slowly. If possible,
have someone guide you when you are
backing up.

Always block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if you
must do so:

CAUTION

If you move the shift lever to the P (Park)
position before blocking the wheels
and applying the parking brake, trans-
mission damage could occur.

1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.

2. Have someone place blocks on the

downhill side of the vehicle and trailer
wheels.

3. After the wheel blocks are in place,

slowly release the brake pedal until the
blocks absorb the vehicle load.

4. Apply the parking brake.

5. Shift the transmission into P (Park).

6. Turn off the engine.

To drive away:

1. Start the vehicle.

2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.

3. Shift the transmission into gear.

4. Release the parking brake.

5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer

are clear from the blocks.

6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.

7. Have someone retrieve and store the

blocks.

∙ While going downhill, the weight of the

trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may
decrease overall stability. Therefore, to
maintain adequate control, reduce your
speed and shift to a lower gear. Avoid
long or repeated use of the brakes
when descending a hill, as this reduces
their effectiveness and could cause
overheating. Shifting to a lower gear in-
stead provides “engine braking” and re-
duces the need to brake as frequently.

∙ If the engine coolant temperature rises

to a high temperature, refer to “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of
emergency” section of this owner’s
manual.

∙ Trailer towing requires more fuel than

normal circumstances.

∙ Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s

first 500 miles (805 km).

∙ For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you

do tow, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h).

∙ Have your vehicle serviced more often

than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule in the
“Maintenance and schedules” section of
this manual.

∙ When making a turn, your trailer wheels

will be closer to the inside of the turn
than your vehicle wheels. To compen-
sate for this, make a larger than normal
turning radius during the turn.

∙ Crosswinds and rough roads will ad-

versely affect vehicle/trailer handling,
possibly causing vehicle sway. When
being passed by larger vehicles, be pre-
pared for possible changes in cross-
winds that could affect vehicle han-
dling.

Technical and consumer information

10-25

Do the following if the trailer begins to
sway:

1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal

to allow the vehicle to coast and steer
as straight ahead as the road condi-
tions allow. This combination will help
stabilize the vehicle

– Do not correct trailer sway by steer-

ing or applying the brakes.

2. When the trailer sway stops, gently ap-

ply the brakes and pull to the side of the
road in a safe area.

3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is

balanced as described in this section.

∙ Be careful when passing other vehicles.

Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than nor-
mal passing. Remember, the length of
the trailer must also pass the other ve-
hicle before you can safely change
lanes.

∙ Downshift the transmission to a lower

gear for engine braking when driving
down steep or long hills. This will help
slow the vehicle without applying the
brakes.

∙ Avoid holding the brake pedal down too

long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.

∙ Increase your following distance to al-

low for greater stopping distances
while towing a trailer. Anticipate stops
and brake gradually.

∙ NISSAN recommends that the cruise

control not be used while towing a
trailer.

∙ Some states or provinces have specific

regulations and speed limits for ve-
hicles that are towing trailers. Obey the
local speed limits.

∙ Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness

connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts
after 50 miles (80 km) of travel and at
every break.

∙ When launching a boat, don’t allow the

water level to go over the exhaust tail
pipe or rear bumper.

∙ Make sure you disconnect the trailer

lights before backing the trailer into the
water or the trailer lights may burn out.

When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should

replaced

and

transmission

oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, refer to
the “Do-it-yourself ” section of this manual.

FLAT TOWING FOR ALL–WHEEL
DRIVE VEHICLE (if so equipped)

Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is sometimes called flat towing.
This method is sometimes used when
towing a vehicle behind a recreational ve-
hicle, such as a motor home.

CAUTION

∙ Failure to follow these guidelines can

result in severe transmission damage.

∙ Never flat tow your All-Wheel Drive

(AWD) vehicle.

∙ DO NOT tow your All-Wheel Drive

(AWD) vehicle with any wheels on the
ground. Doing so may cause serious
and

expensive

damage

the

powertrain.

∙ For emergency towing procedures re-

fer

“Towing

recommended

NISSAN” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this manual.

10-26

Technical and consumer information

FLAT TOWING FOR FRONT WHEEL
DRIVE VEHICLE (if so equipped)

Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is sometimes called flat towing.
This method is sometimes used when
towing a vehicle behind a recreational ve-
hicle, such as a motor home.

CAUTION

∙ Failure to follow these guidelines can

result in severe transmission damage.

∙ Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al-

ways tow forward, never backward.

∙ Never tow your front wheel drive ve-

hicle with the front tires on the
ground. Doing so may cause serious
and

expensive

damage

the

powertrain.

∙ DO NOT tow your front wheel drive

continuously variable transmission
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing). Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due

lack

transmission

lubrication.

∙ For emergency towing procedures re-

fer

“Towing

recommended

NISSAN” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this manual.

Continuously Variable
Transmission

To tow a vehicle equipped with a continu-
ously variable transmission, an appropriate
vehicle dolly MUST be placed under the
towed vehicle’s drive wheels. Always follow
the dolly manufacturer’s recommenda-
tions when using their product.

DOT (Department of Transportation) Qual-
ity Grades: All passenger car tires must
conform to federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.

Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:

Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A

Treadwear

The treadwear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.

UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING

Technical and consumer information

10-27

Traction AA, A, B and C

The traction grades, from highest to low-
est, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades repre-
sent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pave-
ment

measured

under

controlled

conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.

WARNING

The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include ac-
celeration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.

Temperature A, B and C

The temperature grades are A (the high-
est), B, and C, representing the tire’s resis-
tance to the generation of heat, and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem-
perature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and ex-
cessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the Federal Mo-
tor Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on
the laboratory test wheel than the mini-
mum required by law.

WARNING

The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly in-
flated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combi-
nation, can cause heat build-up and
possible tire failure.

Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the
following emission warranties:

For USA

1. Emission Defects Warranty

2. Emissions Performance Warranty

Details of this warranty may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty In-
formation Booklet which comes with your
NISSAN vehicle. If you did not receive a War-
ranty Information Booklet, or it is lost, you
may obtain a replacement by writing to:

∙ Nissan North America, Inc.

Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 685003
Franklin, TN 37068-5003

For Canada

Emission Control System Warranty

∙ Nissan Canada Inc.

5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTY

10-28

Technical and consumer information

Nissan Murano (2018 year). Instruction - part 27