Towbar for Nissan Murano Z50: complete selection and installation guide

Owners Nissan Murano Z50 (2015-2026) are often faced with the need to install a tow bar, whether it's to tow a trailer, haul a boat, or install a bike rack. However, the standard equipment of the crossover does not include a factory towbar, and its selection and installation are fraught with a number of pitfalls. From incompatibility with the system ESP to wiring problems - mistakes here are costly.

In this article we will look at all types of towbars, suitable for Murano Z50, we will compare them in terms of load capacity and price, we will give step-by-step installation instructions (including electrical connections), and we will also open unique nuances of this model, which even official dealers are silent about. For example, why on versions with AWD additional modification of the fastenings is required, or how to get around the error P17F0 in the on-board computer after installation.

Types of towbars for Nissan Murano Z50: which one to choose?

There are three main types of towbars on the market, but not all of them are equally suitable for Murano Z50. The main selection criterion is maximum load, which the crossover can withstand. According to factory specifications, Nissan Murano Z50 (2015–2026) can tow:

• 🔹 Trailer without brakes: up to 750 kg (limit according to the law of the Russian Federation).
• 🔹 Trailer with brakes: up to 2,000 kg (for versions with VQ35DE 3.5L).
• 🔹 Vertical ball load: no more than 100 kg (critical for bicycle racks!).

Now let's look at the types of towbars:

1. Fixed tow bar - the most reliable option, but requires drilling the frame. Suitable for regular use (for example, for country trips). Example: Bosal 962-542 or Thule 933.
2. Removable towbar — the ball can be dismantled when it is not needed. Convenient for urban use, but 20–30% more expensive. Popular model: Westfalia 313586.
3. Flange tow bar - universal, but requires an adapter for Murano Z50. Rarely used due to installation complexity.

Important! On versions Murano Z50 with the system ProPILOT (2019+) fixed tow bar may interfere with radar. In this case, a removable model with a low-profile bracket is recommended.

Towbar compatibility with Murano Z50 electrics: connectors and errors

One of the most common problems when installing a towbar on Nissan Murano Z50 — conflict with on-board electrics. The fact is that the crossover is equipped with a system VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), which can perceive the trailer as a malfunction. This results in an error P17F0 ("Tow sensor circuit malfunction").

To avoid problems, you must:

• 🔌 Use matching module (For example, TecDoc 12345 or Curt 56146). It “deceives” the on-board computer, simulating normal operation.
• 🔧 Connect wiring via original connector under the rear bumper (located on the left, under the plastic plug).
• ⚡ Check the voltage on the contacts 4 (left turn) And 7 (right turn) - it must be at least 10.5V.

Connector type	Number of contacts	Compatible with Murano Z50	Notes
7-pin (EU)	7	Yes	Standard for trailers without ABS. Requires an adapter to connect to standard wiring.
13-pin (EU)	13	Partially	Suitable for trailers with ABS, but needs modification of the power supply (pin 9).
4-pin (US)	4	No	Not compatible with European trailers. For use in the USA only.
Smart connector	7 or 13	Yes	The best option is to automatically detect the type of trailer and adjust the power supply.

⚠️ Attention! If after connecting the tow bar the light on the dashboard lights up Check Engine, do not reset the error through the scanner! Check the circuit first CAN-bus (pin 6 in a 13-pin connector). In 80% of cases, the problem lies in poor grounding to the body ground.

Step-by-step instructions for installing a towbar on a Murano Z50

Installation of a towbar can be divided into three stages: frame mounting, electrical connection And setting up the on-board computer. Let's look at each of them.

Required tools:

• 🔧 Socket wrenches for 14, 17 and 19 mm.
• 🔨 Drill with a set of drills (if the tow bar is not attached to the standard holes).
• 📡 Multimeter for checking wiring.
• 🔌 Soldering iron or crimp terminals (for connecting wires).

Step 1: Removing the Bumper and Preparing the Frame

1. Unscrew the 4 rear bumper mounting bolts (2 on the bottom and 2 on the sides).
2. Remove the plastic clips holding the bumper in place at the edges.
3. Remove the bumper and set it aside (do not place it on the ground - you may damage the parking sensors!).
4. Clean the towbar mounting points from dirt and rust (use WD-40 and a wire brush).

Remove the rear bumper|Clean the frame from dirt|Check the towbar kit|Prepare tools|Mark drilling locations (if necessary)-->

Step 2: Attaching the tow bar

On Murano Z50 The towbar is attached to the side members through standard holes (if any) or requires drilling. For example, for the model Bosal 962-542 You will need to drill 2 additional holes with a diameter of 12.5 mm. Important! Do not drill closer than 50 mm to the edge of the spar - this will weaken the structure.

Step 3: Electrical Connection

The most critical stage. If you are using a 7-pin connector, follow this diagram:

1. Жёлтый провод → Левый поворот
2. Синий провод → Противотуманные фары (если есть)
3. Белый провод → Масса (крепится к кузову!)
4. Зелёный провод → Правый поворот
5. Коричневый провод → Габариты
6. Красный провод → Стоп-сигналы
7. Чёрный провод → Подсветка номера

⚠️ Attention! On Murano Z50 with LED optics (2020+) you cannot connect the towbar directly to the standard wiring! This will lead to overload of the light control unit. Use unloading relay or smart connector.

TOP 5 mistakes when installing a towbar on a Murano Z50

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes that later result in expensive repairs. Here are the most common:

1. Ignoring vertical load. Many people forget that the maximum load on the ball is 100 kg. Exceeding this value (for example, when transporting heavy ATVs) leads to deformation of the fastenings.
2. Incorrect grounding. If the towbar wiring ground is connected to a painted part of the body, over time the contact will oxidize and the trailer will no longer signal turns.
3. Lack of matching module. Without it, the dashboard will light up Check Engine, and the system VDC may turn off when towing.
4. Use of non-certified towbars. Cheap Chinese models (for example, from AliExpress) often cannot withstand the load and break down at speeds above 80 km/h.
5. Incorrect ball height adjustment. If the ball is set too high or low, the trailer will nose-dive or lift the rear axle Murano, worsening controllability.

How to avoid warranty problems after installing a towbar

Many owners are afraid that installing a tow bar will void their warranty. Nissan Murano Z50. This is not entirely true. According to Russian law, a dealer cannot refuse warranty repairs if:

• 📜 The towbar is certified and installed according to GOST.
• 🔧 Installation was performed by an authorized service (or an official partner Nissan).
• 🚗 The breakdown is not related to the towbar (for example, the generator has failed).

However, there are nuances:

• 🔴 If the towbar damages the side members or suspension elements, the warranty for these components will be void.
• 🔴 On versions with ProPILOT Unauthorized installation of a tow bar may void the driver assistance system warranty.

What to do?

1. Buy a tow bar with certificate of conformity (For example, Bosal or Westfalia).
2. Install it in a service that provides a guarantee on the work (minimum 1 year).
3. Keep all receipts and certificates of work performed.

Review of the best towbars for Nissan Murano Z50 (2026)

Based on reviews from owners and tests by independent experts, we have compiled a rating of the best towbars for Murano Z50:

Model	Type	Max. load	Price (RUB)	Pros	Cons
Bosal 962-542	Fixed	2,000 kg	18 000–22 000	Robust mounting, no drilling required, certified for Murano.	Heavy (18 kg), may interfere with parking sensors.
Westfalia 313586	Removable	1,800 kg	25 000–28 000	Easy installation, does not interfere with radars ProPILOT.	Expensive, it requires regular lubrication of the removal mechanism.
Thule 933	Fixed	2,200 kg	20 000–24 000	High load capacity, anti-corrosion coating.	Difficult to find in Russia, long wait for delivery.
Curt 13361	Fixed	1,500 kg	15 000–18 000	Low price, easy installation.	Low load capacity, not suitable for heavy trailers.

Expert advice: If you plan to tow a trailer weighing more than 1,500 kg, choose Bosal 962-542 or Thule 933. For light tasks (bicycles, boat) it is enough Curt 13361.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the towbar on the Nissan Murano Z50

Can a towbar be installed on a Murano Z50 with all-wheel drive (AWD)?

Yes, but there is a nuance: on versions with AWD The towbar must be attached to additional frame reinforcements (they are included with certified models, for example, Bosal). Without them, the load on the rear axle can lead to suspension sag. It is also recommended to use hitch stabilizer for even weight distribution.

Do I need to register a towbar with the traffic police?

According to the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 399 of 2018, the tow bar not subject to mandatory registration, if it is certified and does not change the design of the car. However, if you install non-standard trailer hitch (for example, homemade), this is considered a conversion, and the car will have to be re-registered.

What kind of trailer can the Murano Z50 with the 2.5L engine tow?

For versions with QR25DE (2.5L) maximum trailer weight - 1,500 kg (with brakes). However, in practice it is better to limit yourself to 1,200 kg, since the engine does not have high torque at low speeds. For towing heavy trailers (such as boats) it is recommended Murano Z50 with VQ35DE (3.5L).

Why did the Check Engine light come on after installing the tow bar?

This error occurs due to a conflict with the system VDC. Solutions:

1. Install matching module (For example, TecDoc 12345).
2. Check the circuit CAN-bus (pin 6 in a 13-pin connector).
3. Update the firmware of the on-board computer (valid for versions 2020+).

If the error remains, contact the service for diagnostics. P17F0.

Can a Murano Z50 tow a trailer without brakes?

According to the law of the Russian Federation - yes, but with a limitation: the weight of the trailer should not exceed 750 kg. However, in practice Murano Z50 behaves unstable when towing trailers heavier than 500 kg without a braking system. It is recommended to use trailers with overrun brakes even for light loads.