maintenance INFINITI EX 2013 Towing Guide

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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.

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.

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 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. 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
Infiniti recommends that you allow a sufficient “break-in” (500 miles) of both the engine and
drivetrain before towing with your new Infiniti vehicle. In addition, for the first 500 miles that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph and do not make starts at full throttle.

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 safe, 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:
Š Gross Vehicle Weight
Š Gross Axle Weight (Front and Rear)
Š Gross Combined Weight
Š 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.

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Towing can significantly alter the handling and performance characteristics of your vehicle. Plus, 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.

Always make sure your vehicle’s towing capacity is adequate for the trailer you intend to tow. Buy or
lease only quality equipment. In addition, be certain that you have all of the equipment needed for
safe towing, such as safety chains/cables, electric trailer brakes, electric trailer brake controller,
breakaway switch, and extended rear view mirrors.

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
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. Careful loading and balancing 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.
Excessive trailer tongue load can actually push down the vehicle in back, lifting the front wheels to
a point where traction, steering response, and braking are severely reduced. Insufficient trailer
tongue load or negative load can lift the trailer tongue upwards on the trailer ball causing instability,
which may lead to “tail wagging” or jackknifing.

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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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 quickly affect
the handling of your vehicle and cause a very
unsafe situation.


Finally, do not carry flammable materials, such as
gasoline, in your trailer. In the event of an accident, an explosion or fire could occur.

ENSURING VEHICLE/TRAILER STABILITY
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.

If swaying does occur, 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 emergency situations.

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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