maintenance INFINITI QX70 2017 Towing Guide

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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 come in a number of weight capacities (3,500 lbs., 5,000 lbs., etc.)
and sizes (1 1/4”, 2”, etc.), and can be weight-distributing or non-weight-distributing. Choose a
proper class ball mount based on the trailer weight.

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.
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” (500 miles) 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 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 Service & 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, crossover, or
passenger car — 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
 Gross Axle Weight (Front and Rear)
 Gross Combined Weight
 Trailer Tongue Load
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, braking, and performance. If you do, parts
of your vehicle can break, and tire damage could occur as a result of overloading which 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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WARNING - Towing can significantly alter the handling 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 ensure 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. See your vehicle owner’s manual for details.

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 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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WARNING-The trailer load should be balanced
equally from side-to-side. Unequal side-to-side
loading can negatively affect handling and
braking. Once in place, all cargo should be firmly
secured to prevent shifting. If the load should shift
abruptly during braking or cornering, it could
adversely affect the handling of your vehicle and
cause a very unsafe situation and may lead to an
accident or personal injury.

● DO NOT carry flammable materials, such as
gasoline, in your trailer. In the event of an accident,
an explosion or fire could occur.

PROVIDING FOR VEHICLE/TRAILER STABILITY
WARNING- Improper loading, excessive or insufficient trailer tongue load, overloading,
excessive trailer weight, poorly designed trailer suspensions, crosswinds, and poor
maintenance are all things that can affect the stability of your vehicle and trailer
combination. Vehicle instability may result in loss of vehicle control and cause an
accident, personal injury or death.

If swaying occurs, gradually reduce speed, and apply only the trailer brakes to help reduce sway.
Steady the steering wheel and gradually pull over and stop to check the cargo load for proper
balance and distribution to ensure proper trailer tongue load. In addition, check the condition of
the suspension and shocks, as well as the tires, tire pressures, and wheel bearings on both the tow
vehicle and trailer.

If the swaying continues and your trailer is suitably balanced and within the towing capacity limits
of your vehicle, discontinue towing and consult your INFINITI retailer or trailer manufacturer to
determine the problem.

VEHICLE SPEED
Please note that some states have specific regulations and speed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Remember to reduce your speed in unsafe or less-than-ideal road conditions or weather.
When towing a trailer, braking distances increase while handling agility decreases. Always leave
yourself an extra margin of distance to respond to emergencies.

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By far the most important benefit of INFINITI luxury is the Total Ownership Experience.® Years
before we ever built our first luxury car, we built this belief: Luxury is much more than a collection
of features on an automobile. It is a way of doing business based upon building a lasting
relationship. From the very moment you arrive at an INFINITI retailer, we strive to exceed your
expectations at every turn with our line of products and our people. You will notice our commitment
to your satisfaction in everything we do, from the way we build our vehicles to the way we support
them for years to come. As an INFINITI driver you will enjoy a host of useful services like 24-hour
Roadside Assistance,* a Complimentary INFINITI Service Loan Car** and Trip Interruption Benefits.*
Your ownership experience will be a complete one, extending from our showroom to our Web site
and beyond.

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
4-year/unlimited-mileage* includes: Trip Interruption Benefits, 24-hour toll-free customer
assistance number, battery boost, lock-outs, flat tires, out-of-gas, accident towing.

SERVICE LOAN CAR PROGRAM
When you make an appointment and drop off your INFINITI vehicle for warranty repair maintenance
at participating retailers, a complimentary INFINITI Service Loan Car** will be waiting. And before
your INFINITI is returned to you, it will be hand-washed and running smoothly.

COMMITMENT
To a superior product representing excellent value, presented in a unique environment. To honor
our guests and treat them with respect during the buying process. To give our customers
outstanding service throughout their ownership, so that they may enjoy an ongoing relationship
with knowledgeable people. To be completely committed to ensuring total satisfaction for our
customers.

OWNERSHIP ONLINE
Our goal is to provide owners with a premium quality vehicle and an outstanding ownership
experience that does not end when you drive away from the showroom. To that end, we have
created the “Ownership” section of the www.INFINITIUSA.com Web site, which further reflects our
commitment to serving INFINITI owners’ needs. There you can find easily accessible maintenance
schedules, warranty information, and articles exclusively available to INFINITI owners.

*Roadside Assistance/Trip Interruption available during the first four years after initial new vehicle delivery.
**Subject to availability. Available only during the 4-year/60,000-mile Basic coverage. The customer must be

21 years of age or older with a valid U.S. driver’s license. The customer must provide proof of primary

insurance. Restrictions may apply.
THE TOTAL OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE INFINITIUSA.com