park assist INFINITI Q50 2014 Towing Guide

2014 Infiniti Towing Guide
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Telescoping Tow Mirrors are available as an accessory for certain Infiniti vehicles. Contact your
Infiniti retailer for details.

SWAY CONTROL DEVICE
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting caused by other vehicles can affect trailer handling.
Sway control devices may help control the pivoting motion between tow vehicle and trailer and
make trailer towing easier on the driver. If you choose to use one, contact a reputable trailer hitch
supplier to make sure the sway control device will work with the vehicle, hitch, trailer and the
trailer’s brake system. 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. 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. 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.