ECU INFINITI Q50 2015 Towing Guide

2015 Infiniti Towing Guide


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And if you plan to tow often, consider convenience. Quick-disconnect trailer light connectors and
ratchet-type tie-downs, for example, make the job go faster and easier and are usually worth the
extra small investment. Purchase towing items such as hitches and hitch balls only from your
Infiniti retailer or a professional supplier of towing equipment.

If you are intending to use your vehicle to tow a trailer you already own, you must ensure that your
loaded trailer remains well within your vehicle's towing capacity as specified in the vehicle owner's
manual. In addition, you should purchase the right type, style, and class* of hitch and towing
equipment to properly adapt the trailer to your vehicle.




TYPES OF EQUIPMENT
Towing requires a variety of equipment, and, depending upon the application, there can be several
types or styles of each piece of equipment. Working with your Infiniti retailer or a professional
supplier of towing equipment, it should be relatively simple to determine the proper type of
equipment for your specific vehicle given the intended application. This section explains the most
common pieces of towing equipment available.

HITCHES
Whichever type of hitch you use, it should be firmly bolted to your vehicle, and should be of the
appropriate weight class for the trailer, tow dollies or towing equipment you intend to tow. In
addition, keep the following in mind:

WARNING- Never modify the vehicle’s braking or exhaust systems or its body structure/frame
when installing the hitch. Altering the brakes or structure on a vehicle could increase the likelihood
of a crash.

 Installing an aftermarket hitch may affect the rear crash performance of your vehicle. Changing
the crash performance of a vehicle could lead to more severe vehicle damage, personal injury or
death in a crash. Be sure that the hitch does not interfere in any way with the vehicle’s impact-
absorbing bumper.
 Never attach a hitch or towing device to the vehicle bumper. This may 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.


Regularly check to see that all hitch-mounting bolts are securely fastened to ensure
the hitch will not come loose, and remains properly attached to the vehicle to help
avoid property damage, personal injury or death.

CAUTION- For receiver-type hitches using a ball mount, the ball mount should be removed when
not towing, or by protecting it with a special cover, this will help protect it from damage, and
prevent rust from forming on it.

 If you install a hitch yourself, remember that it must be securely attached to the frame or
underbody, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Never attach a hitch or towing device
to the vehicle axle housing. This may damage the housing, wheel bearings, wheels, or tires.


*
Refer to your owner’s manual for the equipment class information specific to your vehicle.
WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU

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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. Overloading or
unsafe operating conditions could lead to a serious 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.

2015 Infiniti Towing Guide


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PASSENGERS

WARNING- Never allow passengers to ride inside a trailer while it is being towed because there
are not any passenger restraints in a trailer. 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, 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.


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.

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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 2015 models also feature 72 month/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 7 years/100,000 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 are covered by their own 12-month/12,000-mile (whichever comes first)Limited
Warranty. 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.

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.


PROTECTION