WARNING The towing capacities listed in this manual are provided as general reference values and should not be treated as the actual capacity for every vehicle and loading condition.

The safe towing capacity of the Nissan Murano is affected by factory-installed and dealer-installed equipment, as well as the weight of passengers, cargo, the hitch, and other accessories. The vehicle and trailer must be weighed as described in this manual to determine the towing capacity available under the actual operating conditions. Never exceed the published maximum towing capacity, Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or any rating shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label. Exceeding these limits may adversely affect control of the vehicle and can result in a collision, serious personal injury, or property damage.

Maximum Towing Capacity

The specified towing capacity is calculated for a base vehicle carrying the driver and any equipment required for the vehicle to achieve the published rating.

The weight of additional passengers, cargo, accessories, and optional equipment reduces the amount of capacity remaining for the trailer. Use the actual loaded weight of the Nissan Murano when determining how much trailer weight can be safely towed.

• Metric Measure: 680 kg
• US Measure: 1,500 lbs.

Maximum Tongue Load

• Metric Measure: 68 kg
• US Measure: 150 lbs.

Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating

• Metric Measure: 3,075 kg
• US Measure: 6,780 lbs.

Towing safety

Trailer hitch

Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional trailer tow package that includes a receiver-type hitch mounted to the vehicle frame. When the correct towing equipment is installed and used, this hitch is rated for the maximum towing capacity specified for the Nissan Murano. Select a ball mount and hitch ball with ratings suitable for the trailer being towed. Genuine NISSAN ball mounts and hitch balls are available through a NISSAN dealer.

If the vehicle is not equipped with the optional trailer tow package, determine the rated towing capacity of the installed bumper hitch or receiver-type frame-mounted hitch before connecting a trailer. The rating of the hitch and all related components may be lower than the maximum towing capacity of the vehicle.

Select a hitch that is properly matched to both the vehicle and trailer. A Genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is available from a NISSAN dealer. Confirm that the hitch is securely attached to the vehicle before towing. A loose, incorrectly installed, or unsuitable hitch can contribute to trailer sway or separation when exposed to crosswinds, uneven road surfaces, or air turbulence from passing trucks, creating a risk of personal injury or property damage.

WARNING Each trailer hitch component has its own maximum weight rating. Although the vehicle may be capable of towing a heavier trailer, one or more hitch components may have a lower rating.

Never exceed the rated capacity of the hitch, ball mount, hitch ball, fasteners, or any other towing component. Overloading these parts can cause component failure, trailer separation, serious personal injury, or property damage.

Hitch ball

Choose a hitch ball with the correct diameter and weight rating for the trailer coupler. Verify the specifications of every component before attaching the trailer:

• The required hitch ball diameter is stamped on most trailer couplers. The ball size is also commonly marked on the top of the hitch ball. Confirm that both sizes match before coupling the trailer.
• Select the appropriate hitch ball class according to the loaded weight and rating of the trailer. The hitch ball rating must not be lower than the load it will carry.
• The diameter of the hitch ball's threaded shank must correspond to the diameter of the ball mount hole. The shank may be no more than 1/16 in smaller than the opening in the ball mount.
• The threaded shank must be long enough to allow the hitch ball to be securely fastened to the ball mount. After the lock washer and nut are fully installed, at least two complete threads should remain visible beyond the nut.

Ball mount

The hitch ball is secured to the ball mount, and the ball mount is inserted into the hitch receiver. Select a ball mount with the proper class and weight rating for the loaded trailer. The ball mount must also provide the correct rise or drop so that the trailer tongue remains level with the ground when the trailer is connected to the Nissan Murano.

Weight carrying hitches

A weight-carrying hitch, also known as a "dead weight" hitch, uses a ball mount designed to support the full trailer tongue weight and gross trailer weight directly through the ball mount and receiver. Every component in the hitch assembly must have a rating suitable for the actual trailer load.

Weight distribution hitch

A weight-distributing hitch may also be called a "load-leveling" or "equalizing" hitch. This system uses a set of bars connected between the ball mount and trailer to distribute the trailer tongue weight, also called hitch weight, more evenly through the towing vehicle and trailer combination. Some vehicles cannot properly support the full tongue weight of a particular trailer on the rear of the vehicle alone. A weight-distributing system transfers part of that load through the vehicle frame and applies additional downward force to the front wheels, helping maintain towing stability.

A Class IV weight-distributing hitch system is recommended when towing a trailer with a maximum weight greater than 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg).

Consult the trailer manufacturer and towing equipment manufacturer to determine whether a weight-distributing hitch is recommended for the trailer and whether the selected system is compatible with the Nissan Murano, hitch assembly, and trailer equipment.

NOTE: A weight-distributing hitch system may affect the operation of trailer surge brakes. Before using this type of hitch with a trailer equipped with surge brakes, consult the surge brake, hitch, or trailer manufacturer to confirm whether the components are compatible and to determine the correct installation and adjustment procedure.

Follow all instructions supplied by the manufacturer when installing, adjusting, and operating the weight-distributing hitch system. Improper setup may prevent the system from distributing the trailer load as intended.

General setup instructions are provided below:

1. Park the unloaded Nissan Murano on a firm, level surface.

With the ignition switch in the ON position and all doors closed, allow the vehicle to remain stationary for several minutes so it can settle and reach its normal level position before measurements are taken.

2. At the center of the vehicle, select consistent reference points on the front and rear bumpers and measure their height from the ground. Record both measurements for use when adjusting the hitch.

3. Connect the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers until the front bumper height is within 0-0.5 inches (0-13 mm) of the reference height recorded in step 2. With the trailer attached and the system adjusted, the rear bumper must not be higher than its previously measured reference height.

WARNING Adjust the weight-distributing hitch correctly so that the rear bumper is not higher than the recorded reference height after the trailer is connected. If the loaded rear bumper rises above the original reference position, the Nissan Murano may respond unpredictably during steering, braking, or other maneuvers. This condition could result in loss of vehicle control, serious personal injury, or property damage.

Sway control device

Sudden steering maneuvers, strong wind gusts, and air turbulence created by passing vehicles can affect trailer stability and cause sway. A compatible sway control device may be used to help reduce these effects. Before installing one, contact a reputable trailer hitch supplier and confirm that the device is suitable for the vehicle, hitch, trailer, and trailer braking system. The sway control equipment must be installed and adjusted according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Install and operate the sway control device strictly according to the instructions supplied by its manufacturer. Correct installation and adjustment are necessary for the device to function as intended with the vehicle, hitch, and trailer combination.

Class I hitch

Class I trailer hitch equipment, including the receiver, ball mount, and hitch ball, may be used to tow a trailer with a maximum loaded weight of 2,000 lbs. (907 kg). Each component must be properly matched and rated for the actual trailer load.

Tire pressures

• When towing a trailer with the Nissan Murano, inflate the vehicle tires to the recommended cold tire pressures shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. Check the pressures before driving, while the tires are still cold.
• Make sure the trailer tires are in suitable condition and that their size, load rating, and inflation pressures comply with the specifications provided by the trailer and tire manufacturers.

Safety chains

Always connect suitable safety chains between the Nissan Murano and the trailer. Cross the chains beneath the trailer tongue and attach them securely to the hitch rather than to the vehicle bumper or axle. If the hitch ball is mounted directly to the bumper, the safety chains may be attached to the bumper. Leave enough slack for the vehicle and trailer to turn normally, but arrange the chains so they remain properly positioned while towing.

Trailer lights

CAUTION When connecting trailer lighting to the vehicle electrical system, use a commercially available powered module or converter to supply power to all trailer lights. This unit must use the vehicle battery as the direct power source for the trailer lamps while using the vehicle tail lamp, stop lamp, and turn signal circuits only as signal sources. The module or converter must draw no more than 15 milliamps from the stop lamp and tail lamp circuits. A unit that exceeds these electrical requirements may damage the vehicle's electrical system. It is recommended that the correct equipment be obtained and installed by a reputable trailer retailer.

Trailer lighting must comply with all applicable federal and local regulations. For assistance with selecting or connecting the trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or a reputable trailer retailer. A Nissan Murano equipped with the optional trailer tow package includes a flat four-pin connector. An appropriate adapter is required when the trailer lighting connector does not match the vehicle connection. Suitable adapters are available from auto parts stores and hitch retailers.

Pre-towing tips

• Confirm that the vehicle remains level after the loaded or unloaded trailer is connected. Do not drive if the Nissan Murano has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down position. Check for excessive or insufficient tongue load, overloading, worn suspension components, or another possible cause before towing.
• Secure all items inside or on the trailer so the cargo cannot slide, shift, or become displaced while the vehicle is moving.
• Position the cargo as low as practical within the trailer to help maintain a low trailer center of gravity.
• Distribute approximately 60% of the trailer load in the front half and 40% in the rear half. The cargo must also be balanced evenly from side to side.
• Each time a trailer is connected, inspect the hitch, trailer tire pressures, vehicle tire pressures, trailer light operation, and trailer wheel lug nuts before driving.
• Make sure the rearview mirrors comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and provide the visibility required for the vehicle-and-trailer combination.

If the installed mirrors do not provide the visibility required for towing, fit suitable towing mirrors before driving the Nissan Murano with a trailer attached.

• Determine the total height of the vehicle and trailer combination before traveling so you know the minimum clearance required under bridges, entrances, overhead structures, and other restricted areas.

Trailer towing tips

Before towing in normal traffic, practice turning, stopping, and backing up in a safe area free from other vehicles. This allows you to become familiar with how the Nissan Murano responds while pulling a trailer. Steering response, vehicle stability, braking distance, and maneuvering characteristics will differ from those experienced during ordinary driving.

• Secure all items carried in or on the trailer so the load cannot slide, shift, or become unbalanced while driving.
• Secure the trailer hitch coupler with an appropriate pin or lock to prevent it from becoming unintentionally unlatched during travel.
• Avoid sudden starts, rapid acceleration, and abrupt braking, because these actions may disturb the stability of the vehicle and trailer.
• Avoid sharp turns and sudden lane changes. Make steering inputs smoothly and allow additional space for every maneuver.
• Drive the vehicle at a moderate speed that is appropriate for the trailer load, road surface, weather, and surrounding traffic.
• When backing up, place one hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and move that hand in the direction you want the trailer to travel. Reverse slowly and use small steering corrections to prevent the trailer from turning too sharply. Whenever possible, have another person stand in a safe, visible position and guide you.

Block the wheels of both the vehicle and trailer whenever the combination is parked. Parking with a trailer on a slope is not recommended. When stopping on an incline cannot be avoided, follow the procedure below carefully:

CAUTION Do not press the park button to engage the P (Park) position before the wheels have been blocked and the parking brake has been applied. Allowing the transmission to hold the full vehicle and trailer load on a slope may cause transmission damage.

1. Press and continue holding the brake pedal.

2. Have another person place suitable wheel blocks against the downhill side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.

3. After confirming that the blocks are positioned correctly, release the brake pedal slowly until the vehicle and trailer settle against the blocks and the blocks support the load.

4. Apply the parking brake securely.

5. Press the park button to engage the P (Park) position.

6. Turn off the engine after confirming that the vehicle and trailer are stationary.

To drive away:

1. Start the vehicle while the wheel blocks remain in position.

2. Press and continue holding the brake pedal.

3. Shift the transmission into the appropriate drive gear.

4. Release the parking brake while maintaining firm pressure on the brake pedal.

5. Move forward slowly until the Nissan Murano and trailer are completely clear of the wheel blocks.

6. Stop the vehicle and hold it in position by pressing the brake pedal.

7. Have another person retrieve the wheel blocks and store them securely before continuing the journey.

• When traveling downhill, the trailer may push against the tow vehicle and reduce the overall stability of the combination. Reduce speed before beginning the descent and select a lower gear to maintain better control. Avoid prolonged or repeated brake application, because this can overheat the brakes and reduce their effectiveness.

  Using a lower gear provides engine braking, helping control downhill speed while reducing the need for frequent use of the service brakes.

• If the engine coolant temperature becomes excessively high, follow the instructions provided under "If your vehicle overheats."
• Expect increased fuel consumption while towing because the engine must move the additional weight and overcome greater resistance.
• Do not tow a trailer during the first 500 miles (805 km) of vehicle operation.
• During the first 500 miles (805 km) in which the vehicle is used for towing, do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
• Trailer towing places additional demands on the vehicle. Have the Nissan Murano serviced more frequently than the normal intervals specified in the recommended Maintenance Schedule in the "Maintenance and schedules" section of this manual.
• During a turn, the trailer wheels follow a path closer to the inside of the corner than the vehicle wheels. Allow for this difference by making a wider turn than you would without a trailer, while remaining within the proper lane.
• Crosswinds, uneven road surfaces, and air turbulence from passing large vehicles may adversely affect the handling of the vehicle and trailer and can contribute to trailer sway. Keep both hands positioned for controlled steering, reduce speed when necessary, and be prepared for changes in vehicle response when trucks or other large vehicles pass.

If the trailer begins to sway, follow these steps to help stabilize the Nissan Murano and trailer combination:

1. Remove your foot from the accelerator and allow the vehicle to coast. Keep the steering wheel as steady as possible and continue straight ahead as road and traffic conditions permit. Reducing speed gradually without abrupt inputs can help the trailer regain stability.

• Do not attempt to correct trailer sway with sudden steering movements or by immediately applying the brakes, because either action may make the sway more severe.

2. After the trailer has stopped swaying and the vehicle is stable, apply the brakes gently and move to the side of the road or another safe stopping area.

3. Inspect the trailer and redistribute its cargo so the load is properly balanced according to the recommendations provided in this section. Confirm that the cargo is secured and that the tongue load remains within the specified range before continuing.

• Use additional care when passing another vehicle.

  Passing while towing requires substantially more distance than passing without a trailer. Allow enough space for the entire Nissan Murano and trailer to clear the other vehicle before returning to the original lane. Do not begin the maneuver unless there is sufficient visibility and roadway available.

• Select a lower transmission gear when descending a long or steep hill. Engine braking will help control vehicle speed and reduce the amount of braking required during the descent.
• Do not keep the brake pedal pressed continuously or apply the brakes repeatedly for extended periods. Excessive brake use may cause overheating and reduce braking effectiveness.
• Increase the distance between your vehicle and traffic ahead to compensate for the longer stopping distance required while towing. Watch traffic conditions carefully, anticipate stops, and apply the brakes smoothly and early.
• NISSAN recommends that cruise control not be used while towing a trailer, because changing loads, road grades, and traffic conditions may require frequent adjustments to vehicle speed.
• Some states and provinces establish special traffic regulations or lower speed limits for vehicles towing trailers. Follow all posted limits and applicable local towing laws.
• After the first 50 miles (80 km) of travel, inspect the trailer hitch, wiring harness connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts. Repeat these checks at every rest stop to confirm that the towing equipment remains secure.
• When launching a boat, do not allow the water level to rise above the exhaust tailpipe or rear bumper of the Nissan Murano.
• Disconnect the trailer light electrical connection before backing the trailer into the water. Leaving the lights connected may cause the trailer lamps to burn out.

When the vehicle is regularly used for trailer towing, the final drive gear oil and transmission oil or fluid must be replaced more frequently than under normal operating conditions.

For the applicable inspection and replacement procedures, refer to the "Do-it-yourself" section of this manual.