lights INFINITI JX 2013 Towing Guide

2013 Infiniti Towing Guide
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RENTING
The first thing to keep in mind when renting a trailer is to rent only from professional companies
that specialize in towing and towing equipment. More than likely, specialized companies hire
professional staff that can assist you in selecting and installing the proper towing equipment for
your Infiniti vehicle.

When renting, make sure you have your vehicle owner’s manual on hand so that you can reference
the towing capacities for your specific vehicle. Use this data to help select the proper trailer to meet
your anticipated towing needs. Never rent a trailer that exceeds the established towing capacities
for your vehicle, and make sure that any related towing equipment you rent will be sufficient for the
loaded trailer.

While you are there, ask questions. How much does the empty trailer weigh? How much weight will
the trailer hold? What is the trailer’s tongue load? With what type of brakes is it equipped (if any)?
All of these factors have an effect on whether your Infiniti vehicle is capable of safely pulling that
type of trailer or piece of equipment.

Make certain that the trailer stoplights, taillights, turn signals, and brakes (if equipped) are
connected and are operating correctly, and that all safety equipment is properly installed. Check
the safety chains/cables, tie-downs, etc.

For safer operation, carefully inspect the condition of the trailer and towing equipment. Specifically,
check to make sure the tires are not worn excessively and are properly inflated. Make sure there are
not any broken welds, missing bolts, and that the hitch components are not damaged.

Towing safety should be a high priority when choosing and renting towing equipment, including
hitches. NEVER RENT A CLAMP-ON-TYPE HITCH. Your vehicle’s bumpers are not designed for using
this type of hitch. Using it will damage your vehicle and could even result in the trailer separating
from the towing vehicle; this can cause death or serious injury. To avoid this, use only a permanent-
type hitch.

PURCHASING
If you are buying a travel or boat trailer, be sure that your Infiniti vehicle has the towing capacity to
pull it. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for detailed information regarding the towing capacity
of your specific vehicle. Your vehicle owner’s manual should ALWAYS be referenced before making
any towing decisions.

Naturally, you will want to select the towing and safety equipment that adheres to your
state’s and federal safety regulations.
TOWING EQUIPMENT

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SWAY CONTROL DEVICE
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting caused by other vehicles can affect trailer handling.
Sway control devices may help control these effects. If you choose to use one, contact a reputable
trailer hitch supplier to make sure the sway control device will work with the vehicle, hitch, trailer
and the trailer’s brake system. A sway control device is recommended for all towing above 2,000 lb
(907 kg). Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for installing and using the sway
control device.

BREAKAWAY SWITCH
On a trailer with electric brakes, a breakaway switch can automatically activate the trailer brake
system if the trailer becomes separated from the tow vehicle. Should the trailer become detached,
a breakaway switch may help prevent the trailer from wandering into another lane.

A breakaway switch relies on the power of a trailer battery, so make sure it is not discharged. Never
use the breakaway switch to “park” the trailer on a grade. The battery would eventually discharge
and release the brake, allowing the trailer to roll.

Be sure to leave enough slack in the tether on the breakaway switch to turn corners without binding.
If you do not, the electric trailer brakes will lock-up and not release. See your trailer manufacturer
for proper installation of a breakaway switch that is compatible with your trailer braking system.

TRAILER LIGHTS
Trailer lights should comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and should be
in proper working order at all times. A trailer’s taillights, stoplights, and turn signal lights must be
wired into the towing vehicle’s electrical system.*

Most trailers operate on a four-wire system in which the stoplights and turn signal lights utilize the
same wire. Most all Infiniti vehicles have separate wires for the stoplights and turn signal lights,
therefore a device called a “converter” is needed.** Specifically, a “powered converter” must be
used, as a converter of this type creates only minimal additional electrical demand (draw) on the
vehicle lighting circuits, which helps to ensure protection for the vehicle’s sensitive electronics.

Always check for correct operation of the taillights, stoplights, and turn signal lights every time you
connect a trailer for towing. Never replace vehicle fuses with fuses of a higher amperage rating than
the original.

*Vehicles equipped with LED taillights require that wiring be connected at a specific location. For assistance in

hooking up trailer lights, contact your Infiniti retailer or a professional supplier of towing equipment.
**QX56 and JX35 vehicles are pre-wired for trailer lighting and do not require a converter.

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PASSENGERS
Never allow passengers to ride inside a trailer while it is being towed. Not only is this unlawful in
most areas, passengers could be seriously injured during sudden trailer movement or in an
accident. In addition, trailers may allow fumes from the tow vehicle to leak inside. This could result
in carbon monoxide poisoning from the engine exhaust.

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS
Vehicle modifications — beyond those required for proper hitch installation, wiring hook-up, or
adding extended mirrors — are not recommended for any Infiniti vehicle being used for towing
purposes. Changes to the drivetrain, suspension, exhaust systems, frame structure/unibody, or
other vehicle components are not necessary for towing within the limits described in this guide.
These changes may diminish the reliability and longevity of your vehicle and damage caused by
such modifications may not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.

TOOL KIT
When towing, bring tools including flares, a flashlight, emergency reflectors, jumper cables, extra
fuses, extra radiator coolant, oil, and easily replaced spare parts such as taillight bulbs. You should
also carry spare tires for your tow vehicle and trailer, as well as a jack suitable for use on the trailer.
Be aware that not all automotive jacks can be used safely on a trailer.

BEFORE STARTING OUT
Before starting out on a trip, make one last inspection of the tow vehicle and the trailer. Are the tire
pressures correct? Are the safety chains/cables securely in place? Is the cargo tied down securely?
Do all the lights work? Is the coupler properly attached over the hitch ball and secured using a
locking pin? Is the breakaway switch hooked up and functioning properly? Are vehicle and electric
trailer brakes working properly?

Make a checklist of key items to be inspected. When towing, vehicle engine oil, transmission oil,
and coolant should always be checked before starting out. Finding a potential problem while in
your driveway is better than discovering it miles from home.