Nissan Rogue (T33) 2021-Present Owner’s Manual & User Guide: Towing load/specification

WARNING

The towing capacities in this manual are general guidelines. Actual safe towing capacity of your Nissan Rogue depends on factory or dealer-installed equipment, passenger load, and cargo weight. You must weigh both the vehicle and trailer as described to determine true towing capacity. Never exceed the listed maximum towing capacity, GCWR, or GVWR on the certification label. Doing so may result in an accident causing serious injury or property damage.

Towing load/specification chart

1. Towing capacity values assume a base vehicle with a driver and any required options. Additional passengers, cargo, and accessories reduce the available towing capacity of your Nissan Rogue.

Towing safety

Trailer hitch

Choose a trailer hitch that matches both your vehicle and trailer. Ensure the hitch is securely attached to the vehicle to help prevent sway caused by wind, road irregularities, or passing trucks. This is especially important when towing with the Nissan Rogue.

Hitch ball

Select a hitch ball with the correct size and weight rating for the trailer:

• The required hitch ball size is stamped on most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also have the size printed on top.
• Select a hitch ball class that matches the trailer weight.
• The diameter of the threaded shank must match the hole diameter in the ball mount. The shank should be no more than 1/16″ smaller than the ball mount hole.
• The threaded shank must be long enough to allow proper installation, with at least two threads visible beyond the lock washer and nut.

Ball mount

The hitch ball attaches to the ball mount, which is inserted into the hitch receiver. Select a ball mount of the correct class for the trailer weight.

Choose a ball mount that keeps the trailer tongue level with the ground when attached to the Nissan Rogue.

Weight carrying hitches

A weight-carrying (or “dead weight”) ball mount supports the full tongue weight and trailer weight directly on the ball mount and hitch receiver.

Weight distribution hitch

This hitch type — also known as a "load-leveling" or "equalizing" hitch — uses bars that connect the ball mount to the trailer to distribute tongue weight across the tow vehicle’s frame, improving stability.

A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) is recommended for towing trailers exceeding 5,000 lb (2,267 kg). Always check the trailer and hitch manufacturer’s recommendations when preparing a Nissan Rogue for heavy towing.

NOTE:

A weight-distributing hitch may affect trailer surge brake operation. If using a surge brake-equipped trailer, confirm compatibility with the hitch, brake, or trailer manufacturer before installation.

Follow all manufacturer instructions for installing and using a weight-distributing hitch system.

General setup steps:

1. Park the unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition ON and doors closed, allow the Nissan Rogue to settle so it can level itself.

2. Measure the height of a reference point at the center of the front and rear bumpers.

3. Attach the trailer and adjust the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper height is within 0–0.5 in (0–13 mm) of the initial measurement. The rear bumper should not rise above the reference height noted earlier.

WARNING

Always adjust the weight-distributing hitch so the rear bumper of your Nissan Rogue does not rise above the original reference height when the trailer is connected. If the rear bumper sits higher than the measured reference point, the vehicle may handle unpredictably, increasing the risk of losing control and causing serious personal injury or property damage.

Sway control device

Sudden steering maneuvers, strong wind gusts, and air turbulence from passing vehicles can affect trailer stability. A sway control device can help reduce these effects. If you choose to use one, consult a reputable trailer hitch supplier to ensure the device is compatible with your Nissan Rogue, the hitch, trailer, and the trailer’s braking system. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.

Class I hitch

A Class I hitch (receiver, ball mount, and hitch ball) is suitable for towing trailers with a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (907 kg). This makes it appropriate for light-duty towing situations involving a properly equipped Nissan Rogue.

Tire pressures

• When towing, inflate the vehicle’s tires to the recommended cold tire pressure listed on the Tire and Loading Information label of your Nissan Rogue.
• Ensure trailer tire size, condition, load rating, and inflation pressure meet the specifications provided by the trailer and tire manufacturers.

Safety chains

Always attach safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer. Cross the chains beneath the tongue, and attach them to the hitch rather than the bumper or axle. Allow enough slack for cornering without letting the chains drag on the ground.

Trailer lights (if so equipped)

CAUTION

When connecting trailer wiring to your Nissan Rogue, a commercially available power-type module/converter must be used to power the trailer lights. This unit draws power directly from the vehicle battery while using the taillight, stoplight, and turn signal circuits only as triggers. The converter must not draw more than 15 milliamps from the stop and tail lamp circuits. Using a converter that exceeds these limits can damage the vehicle’s electrical system.

Trailer lights must meet federal or local regulations. For assistance with wiring, contact a NISSAN dealer or a reputable trailer equipment shop.

Pre-towing tips

• Ensure your Nissan Rogue remains level when the trailer is loaded or unloaded. Do not drive if the vehicle has a nose-up or nose-down stance—check for improper tongue load, overloading, or worn suspension components.
• Secure all cargo in the trailer to prevent load shifting.
• Keep the trailer’s center of gravity low by storing heavier items near the floor.
• Distribute the trailer load so that approximately 60% of the weight is in the front half and 40% in the rear, with side-to-side balance.
• Check hitch connections, trailer tire pressure, vehicle tire pressure, trailer lights, and wheel lug nuts every time you connect the trailer to your Nissan Rogue.
• Ensure your mirrors comply with local laws. Install extended mirrors if needed.
• Know the combined height of your vehicle and trailer for clearance awareness.

Trailer towing tips

To gain confidence and understand how your Nissan Rogue behaves with a trailer, practice turning, stopping, and backing in a safe, open area. Towing changes steering feel, stability, and braking performance.

• Secure all items in the trailer before driving.
• Lock the trailer coupler to prevent accidental unlatching.
• Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration, or braking.
• Avoid sharp turns and sudden lane changes.
• Drive at moderate speeds. Obey state/province-specific trailer towing speed limits.
• When backing up, hold the bottom of the steering wheel. Move your hand in the direction you want the trailer to travel. Back up slowly and use a guide if available.

Always block both vehicle and trailer wheels when parking. Avoid parking on slopes, but if unavoidable, follow these steps:

CAUTION

If you press the Park button before blocking the wheels and applying the parking brake, transmission damage may occur.

1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.

2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill side of both the vehicle and trailer wheels.

3. Release the brake pedal slowly until the blocks take the load.

4. Apply the parking brake.

5. Press the Park (P) button to engage the transmission.

6. Turn off the engine.

To drive away:

1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.

2. Start the engine.

3. Shift into gear.

4. Release the parking brake.

5. Move forward slowly until clear of the blocks.

6. Have someone retrieve the blocks.

• When driving downhill, the trailer’s weight may push on your Nissan Rogue, reducing stability. Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear.
• Avoid prolonged or repeated braking to prevent overheating. Use engine braking for long descents.
• Increase following distance—towing requires longer stopping distances.
• NISSAN advises against using cruise control while towing.
• Do not use the following systems while towing (if equipped):
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
  • Intelligent Lane Intervention (I-LI)
  • Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
  • Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention (IBSI)
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
  • ProPILOT Assist systems (ICC, ProPILOT Assist 1.1/2.1, Steering Assist)
  • Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection
  • Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW)
  • Rear Automatic Braking (RAB)
• Obey all local towing regulations and speed limits.
• Check hitch connections, wiring harnesses, and wheel lug nuts after 50 miles (80 km) and at every rest stop.
• When launching a boat, avoid submerging the exhaust tailpipe or rear bumper.
• Disconnect trailer lights before backing into water to prevent bulb damage.

When towing with your Nissan Rogue, the CVT fluid, transfer fluid, and differential gear oil should be replaced more frequently. Refer to the “9. Maintenance and schedules” section for service intervals.