towing INFINITI QX80 2021 Towing Guide
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2021 INFINITI Towing Guide  
 
 
20
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).  
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2021 INFINITI Towing Guide  
 
 
21 Other Recommendations and Information – Towing performance and speed are 
affected by vehicle payload, tow weight, road grades, and weather conditions, 
including high temperatures. See your vehicle owner’s manual for details. 
 
TOWING GLOSSARY  
 
  
BALL MOUNT A bar that holds the hitch ball and is inserted into the hitch receiver.  
BREAKAWAY SWITCH A safety device using a trailer battery that automatically applies the trailer’s 
brakes if it should accidentally become separated from the tow vehicle.  
A breakaway switch may be used with both electric or surge trailer brake 
systems. 
  BUMPER HITCH A reinforced bumper designed to accommodate a hitch ball. 
  ELECTRIC TRAILER  
BRAKES When the brakes on a tow vehicle are applied, an electric current is sent to 
an actuator which applies the trailer’s brakes. 
  ELECTRIC TRAILER  
BRAKE CONTROLLER A device that controls the electric trailer brakes. 
  GROSS AXLE  
WEIGHT RATING 
(GAWR) The maximum amount of weight each vehicle axle (front and rear) is 
designed to safely carry.     
   GROSS COMBINED  
WEIGHT RATING 
(GCWR) The maximum allowable combined weight of the vehicle and trailer, 
including passengers and all cargo. 
   GROSS VEHICLE 
WEIGHT RATING 
(GVWR) The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, 
fuel, hitch, trailer tongue load, and any optional equipment. 
   HITCH BALL 
 A ball that connects the trailer to the tow vehicle hitch that provides the 
means by which the trailer pivots during cornering.  Available in a number of 
sizes and weight capacities, it must correspond to the trailer coupler size, and 
have a sufficient capacity rating for the trailer being pulled. 
   RECEIVER HITCH A frame- or structure-mounted hitch with a receiver that allows removal of the 
ball mount. 
   SAFETY CHAINS/CABLES Provides an emergency connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer, 
should the trailer become disengaged for any reason. 
   SURGE BRAKES 
 Hydraulic-type braking system activated by inertia. As the tow vehicle begins 
to brake, the trailer pushes against the hitch ball, consequently activating the 
trailer brakes.   
   TRAILER 
TONGUE/COUPLER The part of the trailer that extends forward to meet the tow vehicle, and 
carries the coupler assembly.
     
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2021 INFINITI Towing Guide  
 
 
22
	
 
 
At INFINITI, we back everything we build. So we are proud that every INFINITI is 
protected by some of the best New Vehicle Limited Warranties, including  
4-year/60,000-mile (whichever comes first) Basic coverage. All 2021 models also  
feature 6-years/70,000-mile (whichever comes first) Powertrain coverage.*  
 
For additional peace of mind, the Elite INFINITI Extended Protection Plan provides you 
with quality long-term mechanical protection for 8 years/120,000 miles (measured from 
in service date and zero miles, whichever comes first)”— long past your vehicle’s Basic 
and Powertrain Limited Warranty. With the extra coverage, if a covered component 
fails during the term of the plan, INFINITI pays… not you.** Plus, the Elite INFINITI 
Extended Protection Plan includes extensive Roadside Assistance benefits and car 
rental coverage. 
 
All of this makes the Elite INFINITI Extended Protection Plan a truly comprehensive 
package, offering INFINITI owners exceptional value and peace of mind.
  Coverage is 
available throughout the United States. Repair work will be done at authorized INFINITI 
retailers by INFINITI-trained technicians utilizing Genuine INFINITI Parts. 
 
For more information about the Elite INFINITI Extended Protection Plan, contact your 
participating INFINITI retailer or call 1-800-662-6200. 
  
The quality of Genuine INFINITI Parts and Accessories is backed by the integrity of a 
Genuine INFINITI Replacement Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty. If purchased 
within the Basic coverage period of 4 years/60,000 miles (whichever comes first), 
Genuine INFINITI Parts and Accessories are covered by the remaining period of the 
warranty. If the remaining period is less than 12 months/12,000 miles (or if the vehicle 
warranty has expired), then Genuine INFINITI Parts and Accessories except for 
replacement audio components are covered by their own 12-month/12,000-mile from 
the date of installation or purchase (whichever comes first). See your INFINITI Warranty 
Information Booklet or ask your INFINITI retailer for specific details.  
 
CONCERN FOR YOUR SAFETY 
INFINITI urges you to always use your seat belt whenever you drive. And please make 
sure all passengers are buckled up. Keep in mind that air bags are a supplemental 
restraint system and must always be used in conjunction with a seat belt.  
 
TRAILER TONGUE 
LOAD The amount of trailer weight pressing down on the hitch. 
   WEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING 
HITCH SYSTEM Type of hitch system that helps shift the trailer tongue weight to all trailer tires 
and the tow vehicle front tires. Strongly recommended when towing trailers 
with a Maximum Trailer Weight greater than 5,000 lbs.   
   WIRING HARNESS 
 Provides an electrical connection linking the tow vehicle’s electrical system to 
the trailer’s system. 
   
PROTECTION  
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23 In addition, a rear-facing child restraint must never be used in the front passenger seat 
if the vehicle is equipped with a front passenger air bag. Children 12 and under should 
ride in the rear seat properly secured in child restraints, booster seats, or seat belts, 
according to their size. Please see your vehicle owner's manual for more details. 
 
*
For complete warranty details, refer to the INFINITI Warranty Information Booklet or see your 
nearest INFINITI retailer. 
**A nominal deductible may apply. For details please refer to the Elite INFINITI Extended 
Protection Plan Service Agreement or contact your INFINITI retailer. 
 
 
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 
THE TOTAL OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE INFINITIUSA.com
  
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2021 INFINITI Towing Guide  
 
 
24 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.  
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2021 INFINITI Towing Guide  
 
 
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All rights reserved.  All illustrations, and specifications in this document are based on the 
latest product information available at the time of publication. Some vehicles are 
shown with optional equipment. See the actual vehicle for complete accuracy. 
Availability and delivery times for particular models and equipment may vary. INFINITI 
Division of Nissan North America, Inc. reserves the right to make changes at any time, 
without prior notice, in prices, colors, materials, equipment, specifications, and models, 
and to discontinue models or equipment. Specifications, options, and accessories may 
differ in Hawaii, U.S. territories, and other countries. For information on availability, 
options or accessories, contact your INFINITI retailer. 
 
INFINITI, the INFINITI Brand Symbol and INFINITI Model Name(s) are Nissan trademarks. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Publication: June 2020 
©2020 INFINITI Division of Nissan North America, Inc.