run flat INFINITI QX50 2020 User Guide
Page 555 of 580
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains
should be crossed and should be attached to
the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or axle.
The safety chains can be attached to the
bumper if the hitch ball is mounted to the
bumper. Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chains to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while us-
ing the vehicle tail light, stop light and turn
signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more than
15 milliamps from the stop and tail lamp
circuits. Using a module/converter that ex-
ceeds these power requirements may dam-
age the vehicle’s electrical system. See a
reputable trailer retailer to obtain the
proper equipment and to have it installed.Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/or local regulations. For assistance in
hooking up trailer lights, contact an INFINITI
retailer or reputable trailer retailer. Vehicles
equipped with the optional trailer tow pack-
age are equipped with a 7-pin trailer harness
connector. If your trailer is equipped with a
flat 4-pin connector, an adapter will be
needed to connect the trailer lights to the
vehicle. Adapters are available at auto parts
stores and hitch retailers.
Trailer brakes
Most states require a separate braking sys-
tem on trailers with a loaded weight above a
specific amount, make sure the trailer meets
the local regulations and the regulations
where you plan to tow.
Several types of braking systems are avail-
able.
Surge Brakes -
The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydrau-
lic line running to each trailer wheel. Surge
brakes are activated by the trailer pushing
against the hitch ball when the tow vehicle is
braking. Hydraulic surge brakes are common
on rental trailers and some boat trailers. In
this type of system, there is no hydraulic or
electric connection for brake operation be-
tween the tow vehicle and the trailer. Electric Trailer Brakes -
Electric braking sys-
tems are activated by an electronic signal
sent from a trailer brake controller (special
brake-sensing module).
Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes are
properly installed and demonstrate proper
brake function testing.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
∙ Be certain your vehicle maintains a level position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle
if it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-
down condition; check for improper
tongue load, overload, worn suspension
or other possible causes of either condi-
tion.
∙ Always secure items in the trailer to pre- vent load shift while driving.
∙ Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the trailer to keep the trailer center of
gravity low.
Technical and consumer information10-25