rear view mirror INFINITI EX 2013 Towing Guide

2013 Infiniti Towing Guide
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TRAILER TONGUE
The tongue is the part of the trailer that extends forward to meet the tow vehicle, and it also carries
the coupler assembly. Knowledge of the trailer minimum and maximum tongue load is critical as it
can have a significant effect on the handling of the tow vehicle. Refer to your vehicle owner’s
manual to view the maximum trailer tongue load listed for your vehicle, and always keep the tongue
load between 10 to 15% of the trailer weight. Do not exceed the 10 to 15% tongue weight
specification. If the calculated tongue weight is less than 10%, reduce the total trailer weight to
match the available tongue weight.

SAFETY CHAINS/CABLES
Always use suitable safety chains/cables between the tow vehicle and the trailer. If the hitch
should break or become disengaged for some reason, these chains/cables will provide an
emergency connection between the vehicle and the trailer.

The chains/cables should be crossed under the
trailer tongue and attached to the hitch or
vehicle frame. Crossing the chains/cables under
the tongue will help prevent the tongue from
hitting the ground should the trailer become
disconnected.

Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chains/cables to turn corners without binding;
however, note that excessive slack will allow the
chains/cables to drag on the ground.

Do not use S-hooks for attaching, as they may
become un-hooked and are illegal in many
states.

To avoid damage to the bumper and chains/cables when making a sharp turn, do not attach the
chains/cables too close to the coupler. Consult your trailer manufacturer for the proper location of
the chain/cable attachment to the trailer.

REAR VIEW MIRRORS
In many cases, a trailer can block your rear vision when you are using only the standard Infiniti rear
view mirrors. These mirrors were not designed for towing. “Extended” mirrors specifically designed
for trailer towing should be used when your rearward vision is obstructed. Before using these
mirrors, make certain that they comply with state and local regulations. Telescoping Tow Mirrors are
available as an accessory for certain Infiniti vehicles. Contact your Infiniti retailer for details.

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2013 Infiniti Towing Guide
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Towing can significantly alter the handling and performance characteristics of your vehicle. Plus, it
puts increased strain on the engine and drivetrain. Therefore, it is always a good idea to approach
towing from the standpoint of safety — whether you are purchasing equipment or actually pulling
the trailer.

Always make sure your vehicle’s towing capacity is adequate for the trailer you intend to tow. Buy or
lease only quality equipment. In addition, be certain that you have all of the equipment needed for
safe towing, such as safety chains/cables, electric trailer brakes, electric trailer brake controller,
breakaway switch, and extended rear view mirrors.

You should follow a more frequent maintenance schedule and check fluid levels, pressures, tire
condition, etc., more often when on the road. See your vehicle owner’s manual for details.

LOADING YOUR TRAILER
Taking the time to load and balance your trailer properly will improve overall handling and minimize
the strain on your tow vehicle. Incorrectly loaded trailers tend to sway or swing from side to side,
upsetting vehicle handling. Careful loading and balancing can help eliminate these problems.

As mentioned earlier, conventional trailer tongue load must fall between 10-15% of the total trailer
weight, or within the limits of the maximum trailer tongue load specified by the trailer manufacturer.
Excessive trailer tongue load can actually push down the vehicle in back, lifting the front wheels to
a point where traction, steering response, and braking are severely reduced. Insufficient trailer
tongue load or negative load can lift the trailer tongue upwards on the trailer ball causing instability,
which may lead to “tail wagging” or jackknifing.

With this in mind, proper loading is extremely
important. When loading a trailer, 60% of the total
cargo weight should be positioned in the front
portion of the trailer and 40% in the back. Then the
load should be adjusted until the proper tongue load
ratio is achieved.

60%40%

TOWING SAFETY