lights INFINITI QX80 2017 Towing Guide

2017 INFINITI Towing Guide

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RENTING
The first thing to keep in mind when renting any type of tow equipment, trailer, 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 not exceed your 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.

Naturally, you will want to select the towing and safety equipment that adheres to federal safety
regulations, as well as any regulations in any state in which you may travel.
TOWING EQUIPMENT

2017 INFINITI Towing Guide

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A sway control device is recommended for all towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Too low a
percentage of tongue weight can also cause sway. 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.

WARNING-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. If your vehicle is equipped with a towing package, a 7-pin
trailer harness connector is located at the trailer hitch, under a cover on the rear bumper on some
models for connecting trailer lights. For trailers that use a different style plug, contact your INFINITI
retailer or a professional supplier of towing equipment for adaptors to the 7-pin trailer harness.

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.
**QX80 and QX60 vehicles are pre-wired for trailer lighting and do not require a converter.

CAUTION – Improperly installed or poor quality trailer harness wiring may adversely affect your
vehicle’s electrical system. Use only an INFINITI approved wiring harness, or consult your retailer
or a professional supplier of towing equipment for compatible equipment.

2017 INFINITI Towing Guide

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PASSENGERS

WARNING- 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

WARNING - DO NOT modify your vehicle beyond those required for proper hitch installation,
wiring hook-up, or adding extended mirrors on any INFINITI vehicle being used for towing purposes.
Changes to the drivetrain, suspension, exhaust systems, electrical, 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, void warranty coverage or
possible result in loss of vehicle control and cause an accident, personal injury or death.


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.
Choose a jack that can raise and lower the trailer so that you can connect the coupler to and
disconnect it from the ball of your hitch. Choose one with a weight capacity that matches or
surpasses your trailer tongue weight.


WARNING- Be aware that your automotive jack is designed for lifting only your vehicle during a
tire change. Using an automobile jack to lift a trailer-bearing load may be unstable possibly causing
it to fall off the jack stand which may result in property damage or serious injury or death.

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 inspect. 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.
If you have never towed a trailer before, be aware that it does take getting used to. To begin with,
TOWING TIPS/CAUTIONS & WARNINGS