max load INFINITI QX50 2021 Towing Guide

2021 INFINITI Towing Guide


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RENTING
The first thing to keep in mind when renting any type of tow equipment, trailer or tow dolly
is to rent only from professional companies that specialize in towing and towing equipment.
Specialized companies should 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. Make certain that the tow
equipment and components you rent do not exceed your vehicle’s maximum towing
capacity. Make sure that any related towing equipment you rent has the proper weight
class rating for your maximum intended towed load weight, and the maximum Gross
Combined Weight Rating.

While you are at the rental company, 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, dolly, or piece of tow
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.

WARNING: NEVER RENT A CLAMP-ON-TYPE HITCH. The hitch should not be
attached to or affect the operation of the impact-absorbing bumper. Use only a
permanent-type hitch properly attached to the vehicle to help avoid personal injury or
property damage.

PURCHASING
If you are buying a 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.

TOWING EQUIPMENT

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Hitch Types

Receiver Hitch – A receiver hitch is bolted
directly to the vehicle structure for added
strength and durability. INFINITI bolt-on
receiver hitches are designed specifically for
INFINITI vehicles and include the necessary
reinforcements, with ample clearance around
bumpers, frame members, etc. These hitches
allow for the removal of the ball mount when
not towing. Choose a proper class ball mount
based on the trailer weight.


Clamp-On Bumper Hitch – This is a temporary
hitch that clamps onto the bumper assembly.

WARNING: DO NOT USE this type of
clamp-on bumper hitch on any INFINITI vehicle
because using it may result in the trailer
separating from the towing vehicle. If the trailer
separates from the vehicle, it could cause a
crash, resulting in property damage and
personal injury, or death. Use of this type of
hitch can also damage the towing vehicle.

Weight-Distributing Hitch System – This type of
system uses a “load-leveling” or “equalizing” hitch.
The weight-distributing feature helps shift the
trailer tongue weight to all the axles of the tow
vehicle and the trailer axles.

Weight –distributing hitches should be used in many
towing conditions. In general, a weight-distributing
hitch system is recommended and should be used if
you plan to tow trailers with a maximum weight
over 5,000 lbs. Refer to trailer and hitch manufacturer for detailed information on load
limits. Weight distributing hitches are available in many styles and with sway control
accessory options to accommodate trailers with maximum loaded weight and for different
driving conditions.

NOTE – A weight-distributing hitch system may affect the operation of trailer surge
brakes. If you are considering use of a weight-distributing hitch system with a surge brake-
equipped trailer, check with the surge brake, hitch, or trailer manufacturer to determine if
and how this can be done. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for
installing and using the weight-distributing hitch system.

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BALL MOUNT
A ball mount (also known as a drawbar) is a bar that holds a hitch ball and is inserted into a
receiver-type hitch. Ball mounts are available for a number of weight capacities (3,500 lbs.,
5,000 lbs., etc.), heights, fit different hitch sizes (1 1/4”, 2”, etc.), and can be weight-
distributing or non-weight-distributing. Choose a proper ball mount based on class, hitch
size, weight rating, and the vehicle’s tow capacity.


HITCH BALL
A hitch ball is bolted through a ball mount or a hitch
hole in the tow vehicle’s rear bumper. The coupler on
the trailer tongue attaches over the hitch ball.
Like ball mounts, hitch balls are available in a
number of weight capacities and sizes. Always make
sure the hitch ball selected has the proper shank
diameter and weight rating for the ball mount as
well as the coupler on your trailer. Using a 1 7/8”
hitch ball in a 2” coupler, for example, could result in the trailer separating from the tow
vehicle. The required hitch ball size is stamped on most trailer couplers.
The diameter of the hitch ball shank must be matched to the ball mount hole diameter. The
shank should be no more than 1/16” smaller than the hole in the ball mount. To keep the
hitch ball in top condition, a simple maintenance routine is recommended. Coating it with
light grease will minimize wear of both the coupler and hitch ball. Also, by removing the
hitch ball when not towing, or by protecting it with a special cover, you will help prevent
rust from forming on it.

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 and capacity of the tow
vehicle. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to view the maximum conventional trailer
tongue load listed for your vehicle. Trailer tongue weight is the amount of downward
pressure exerted onto the hitch ball. Keep the tongue load between 10-15% of the total
trailer weight. DO NOT exceed the maximum tongue load specification. If the tongue
weight is below the recommended amount, you must move some of the load forward or
add weight to the front frame of the trailer.


Hitch
Mount BallBall

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PREPARING YOUR VEHICLE
BREAK-IN AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
CAUTION- INFINITI recommends that you allow a sufficient “break-in” of both the
engine and drivetrain before towing with your new INFINITI vehicle.
DO NOT tow a trailer or haul a heavy load for the first 500 miles. For the first 500 miles
that you tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph and do not make starts at full throttle.
Following these recommendations helps your engine and other parts of your vehicle
wear in at heavier loads.

Keep in mind, too, that towing places higher demands and added loads on vehicle
components, so more frequent maintenance is called for. Your INFINITI Owner’s
Manual & Maintenance Guide provides the accelerated maintenance schedule for
towing purposes. Engine oil, filter, transmission oil, and possibly other fluids should be
changed more frequently when towing.

TIRE PRESSURE
When towing a trailer, increase the tow vehicle tire pressures to the recommended
cold specifications. You will find these figures in the vehicle owner’s manual and on the
tire pressure chart located within the vehicle. Trailer tire condition, size, load rating, and
inflation pressure must be in accordance with the trailer and tire manufacturer’s
specifications.

MEASURING VEHICLE WEIGHT
The key to safer, efficient towing has to do with weight. Your vehicle — SUV, or
crossover vehicle — is capable of carrying and towing only a certain amount of
weight. You must compare your vehicle’s tow weight ratings with the combined
weight of the vehicle, trailer, and their contents. This will help ensure that the total
weight does not exceed any of your vehicle’s tow weight ratings. There are four
weights to consider when towing:
 Gross Vehicle Weight- curb weight of vehicle plus the combined weight of
passengers and cargo
 Gross Axle Weight (Front and Rear)- maximum weight (load limit)that can be
specified for front or rear axle
 Gross Combined Weight- maximum total weight of vehicle, passengers, cargo,
and trailer
 Trailer Tongue Load- the weight exerted at the vehicle-trailer coupling point

These ratings are based upon normal highway driving and may be reduced if
operating in reduced-traction situations (for example, slippery boat ramps).

WARNING- Attempting to tow loads greater than the GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, and
the trailer tongue load specified could adversely affect vehicle handling, stability,
braking, and performance. Parts of your vehicle can break, and tire damage could
occur as a result of overloading; this may not be covered by your vehicle warranty.
Overloading can also result in loss of control of your vehicle and which could cause a
serious accident, personal injury or death.

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GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT (GVW)
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the actual weight of the fully loaded vehicle or
trailer, including passengers, cargo, and fuel, hitch, trailer tongue weight, and any
optional equipment.

The best way to determine the GVW is by having
the vehicle — loaded and ready to tow —
weighed at a public scale. That figure must
include the combined weight of all passengers
and cargo that are normally in the vehicle when
towing a trailer.

The GVW of the towing vehicle must not exceed
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) shown
on the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
(F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.) certification label located
in the driver’s-side door area. Weigh your vehicle
on a platform type scale with all of the
passengers and cargo that are normally in the
vehicle when towing a trailer. Subtract the actual
vehicle weight from the GVWR. The remaining
amount is the available maximum tongue/king
pin load.

To avoid overloading the vehicle, be sure to
include the trailer tongue weight as a part of the
cargo when determining how much weight can
be safely carried inside the vehicle. The weight of
any roof rack cargo should also be included.



MFD BY NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD
DATE
GVWR
GAWR FR.
WITH

GAWR RR.
WITH
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO
ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY
STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON
THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE
SHOWN ABOVE.
SEE OWNERS MANUAL FOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
TIRES
TIRES
TYPE: TRUCK
MODEL: 3B000
COLOR TRIM TRANS
AXLE ENGINE

RIMS AT PSI
COLD SINGLERIMS AT PSI
COLD SINGLE

F.M.V.S.S
Certification Label

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GROSS AXLE WEIGHT (GAW)
The Gross Axle Weight (GAW) is the maximum weight placed on a single axle (front
and rear) that it is designed to safely carry.

To determine the GAW, load the vehicle as you would for towing and attach the
loaded trailer. At a public scale, with the loaded trailer attached, place only the tow
vehicle front wheels on the scale to determine the actual front axle GAW. To obtain
the rear axle GAW, place all four tow vehicle wheels on the scale. From that figure,
subtract the front GAW and you will have the rear GAW amount. The cargo in the
trailer and the vehicle may have to be moved, or removed to meet the specified
rating.


The GAW you come up with must not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for
your vehicle. On INFINITI vehicles, the GAWR for both axles is listed on the F.M.V.S.S.
certification label.











GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT (GCW)
The Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is the total weight of the tow vehicle with all
passengers, cargo, and fuel, plus the total weight of the trailer and all its cargo.

To determine the GCW, simply weigh your vehicle when fully loaded and ready to tow,
and add in the weight of the loaded trailer.

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The GCW you come up with must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) for your vehicle. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to view the maximum
GCWR specification listed for your vehicle.


TRAILER TONGUE LOAD
Trailer tongue load is the amount
of the trailer’s weight pressing
down on the tow vehicle hitch
ball.
To measure trailer tongue load,
place the tongue of the trailer on
a scale when the trailer is not
attached to the vehicle. A
separate vehicle jack — not the
trailer jack — should be used, as
the location of the trailer jack is rearward of the trailer tongue and will not give you an
accurate measurement of the true tongue load. Make sure the vehicle jack is placed
directly under the trailer tongue coupler, and the tongue is set at the height/level of
the tow vehicle hitch.

For proper handling, you must keep the trailer tongue load between 10-15% of the
actual trailer weight, within the limits of the maximum trailer tongue load allowable. For
example, to determine the proper trailer tongue load for a 1,500-lb. trailer, multiply the
weight of 1,500 lbs. by 10% to arrive at a figure of 150 lbs. Some trailer types may
require different trailer tongue loads for safe towing. Always follow the trailer
manufacturer’s recommendations for proper trailer set-up and trailer tongue load.
Keep the trailer tongue load within the maximum trailer tongue load allowable.
Additionally, make sure the vehicle has the payload capacity available for the trailer
tongue load. If the tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper tongue load. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to view the maximum trailer
tongue load listed for your vehicle.

HITCH & TRAILER HEIGHT
It is important that your trailer floor and
tongue ride as level as possible. This
will help prevent over-angling,
bottoming-out, and improper tongue
load and load transfer. Therefore, the
hitch or trailer tongue must be adjusted
during the initial vehicle/trailer fit-up to
ensure a level ride. Ball mounts and
weight distribution hitches are available
in different configurations to adjust the tongue load and load transfer and hitch ball

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height. On some tandem axle trailers an incorrect hitch height can result in uneven
trailer axle loading.

WARNING- Towing can significantly alter the handling, stability and performance
characteristics of your vehicle. Moreover, 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.

WARNING- Always make sure your vehicle’s towing capacity is adequate for the
trailer you intend to tow. Be certain that you have all of the proper equipment needed
for safe towing, such as safety chains/cables, electric trailer brakes, electric trailer
brake controller, breakaway switch, and extended rear view mirrors. Make certain
your equipment conforms to all federal, state or local regulations to help avoid against
the possibility of a serious accident and personal injury or death.

You should follow a more frequent maintenance schedule and check fluid levels,
pressures, tire condition, etc., more often when on the road. Refer to your vehicle
owner’s manual for details. It is recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer for service.
LOADING YOUR TRAILER

WARNING- 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 and stability which
could result in a serious accident, personal injury or death. Careful loading and
balancing, and a weight distribution hitch and sway-control device 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.

WARNING- Excessive trailer tongue load can actually push down the tow vehicle in
back, lifting the front wheels to a point where traction, steering response, and braking
may be severely reduced. which could result in an accident, personal injury or death.
Too little trailer tongue load or negative load can lift the trailer tongue upwards on the
trailer ball causing instability, which may lead to swaying, “tail wagging,” or jackknifing
which could result in an accident, personal injury or death.

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

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BLIND SPOT INTERVENTION

WARNING- Do not use or rely upon the Blind Spot Intervention system (BSI) when
towing a trailer. The BSI system cannot function properly when objects are obstructing
the radar sensors which could cause an accident, property damage, or death.

TOW MODE (IF SO EQUIPPED)
Tow Mode is recommended when towing a heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load, in
stop-and-go traffic, rolling terrain, or a busy parking lot. Driving the vehicle in Tow Mode
may affect fuel economy and transmission/engine driving characteristics. See your
vehicle owner’s manual for additional information about Tow Mode.


IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
A moderate increase in engine operating temperature is normal when towing a trailer.
If, however, the coolant temperature gauge reading is abnormally high, or if you are
experiencing a significant loss of power, or if you hear unusual engine noises,* the
engine may be overheating and you should immediately take the following steps:

1. Pull your vehicle safely over to the side of the road, out of traffic. Apply the
parking brake and move the gearshift lever to NEUTRAL (manual) or PARK
(automatic). DO NOT STOP THE ENGINE.

2. Turn off the air conditioning and, after opening all the windows, turn the heater
on to maximum hot and the fan to its highest speed, and exit the vehicle. The
heater core in your vehicle is just like a miniature engine radiator and will provide
an extra cooling surface to help reduce engine temperature.

*See your vehicle owner’s manual for additional indications that your vehicle may be
overheating.

3. If the temperature does not drop or continues to increase, stop the engine
immediately.

4. Being cautious of traffic, step out of the vehicle and, from a safe distance, look
for steam underneath the engine. If you see steam or leaking coolant, stand
clear to avoid being burned and shut off your engine immediately and allow it to
cool. If there is no steam, open the hood.

WARNING -Never remove the radiator cap when the radiator is hot. If the cap is
removed under these conditions, pressurized hot water/coolant may spurt out,
possibly causing serious injury.

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5. As soon as the engine has cooled to its normal operating temperature, visually
inspect the drive belts for damage or looseness. A loose belt reduces water
pump efficiency.


WARNING- Be careful to keep your hands, hair, jewelry, and clothing clear of the
running drive belt and other moving parts when inspecting the engine and radiator.
Also check to see if the cooling fan is running, and inspect the water pump, radiator,
and radiator hoses for leaks. Keep in mind, too, that if your vehicle is equipped with
an electric fan motor, it may start without warning any time the coolant temperature
is high. If you find leaking coolant, a loose or missing drive belt, or an inoperable fan,
turn off the engine immediately.

6. If no leaks are apparent and all other components appear to be operating
properly with the engine cooled to its normal operating temperature; check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the engine running. Add coolant to the
reservoir tank if needed. At this point, if repairs are required, go to the nearest
INFINITI retailer. See the IN CASE OF EMERGENCY section of your vehicle owner’s
manual for additional information on overheating.

NOTE – All INFINITI vehicles have an engine protection mode which helps reduce the
chance of engine damage if the engine coolant reaches a specified temperature.

NOTES













Passenger Vehicles – INFINITI cautions that you do not tow a trailer with the Q50, or Q60
vehicles.


1. Maximum Trailer Weight values are calculated assuming a base
vehicle with driver and any options required, to achieve the
rating. Additional passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment
will add weight to the vehicle and reduce your vehicle’s
maximum towing capacity and trailer tongue load.

2. In general, a weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) should be
used when towing over 5,000 lbs.

3. Most states require a separate braking system on trailers with a
loaded weight above a specific amount. Check local ordinances.
7-pin connector trailer wire harnesses are required for use with
trailer brakes (available separately).