How to Tow With a Nissan Titan

Determine the right kind of tow setup you will need.

Considerations involved in towing with a Nissan Titan include reviewing the towing equipment on the vehicle, reviewing the options available to you for towing, preparing the vehicle, towing safety and knowing a few towing tips. Safety is of primary importance and it's worth noting that towing places additional loads on the Nissan Titan's engine, drive train, suspension, steering and breaking. Nissan provide a 30-page guide to towing that's worth reading if you plan to do any towing.
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
Public scale
1

Take into account the safety considerations. Never exceed the established towing capacity--it varies, so check the Owner's Guide. Make sure your Titan is equipped for towing.
2

Determine the right kind of tow setup you will need. There are several types. Hitches can include a bumper hitch, for light towing of equipment. A receiver hitch is bolted directly to the vehicle structure and can tow more. A weight-distributing hitch system is load-leveling. Clamp-on bumper hitches are not recommended---they're not serious enough. Fifth-wheels mount in the bed and are good for heavy-duty applications.
3

Determine the equipment you will need. You'll likely need a ball mount that inserts into the hitch. A hitch ball bolts through the ball mount or hitch hole in the bumper. You may need safety chains, cables, wider rear-view mirrors, trailer lights and a breakaway switch to activate the trailer breaks automatically.
4

Measure the vehicle weight and use the Owner's Guide to be sure the gross combined weight (GCW) of the vehicle and trailer is within correct parameters. You'll need a public scale.
5

Load the trailer properly. Again, use the guide to help you. There are considerations for load balance. For example, 60 percent of the total cargo weight must be positioned in the front part of the trailer.
6

Drive the vehicle/trailer combination to get a feel for it. Brake sooner, pass carefully, corner more slowly and back up very carefully.