warning lights INFINITI Q50 2015 Towing Guide

2015 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. More than
likely, specialized companies 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 there, 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 travel or boat 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

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.