INFINITI Q50 2021 Towing Guide
Manufacturer: INFINITI, Model Year: 2021, Model line: Q50, Model: INFINITI Q50 2021Pages: 26, PDF Size: 0.6 MB
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GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT (GVW)
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the actual weight of the fully loaded vehicle or
trailer, including passengers, cargo, and fuel, hitch, trailer tongue weight, and any
optional equipment.
The best way to determine the GVW is by having
the vehicle — loaded and ready to tow —
weighed at a public scale. That figure must
include the combined weight of all passengers
and cargo that are normally in the vehicle when
towing a trailer.
The GVW of the towing vehicle must not exceed
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) shown
on the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
(F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.) certification label located
in the driver’s-side door area. Weigh your vehicle
on a platform type scale with all of the
passengers and cargo that are normally in the
vehicle when towing a trailer. Subtract the actual
vehicle weight from the GVWR. The remaining
amount is the available maximum tongue/king
pin load.
To avoid overloading the vehicle, be sure to
include the trailer tongue weight as a part of the
cargo when determining how much weight can
be safely carried inside the vehicle. The weight of
any roof rack cargo should also be included.
MFD BY NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD
DATE
GVWR
GAWR FR.
WITH
GAWR RR.
WITH
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO
ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY
STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON
THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE
SHOWN ABOVE.
SEE OWNERS MANUAL FOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
TIRES
TIRES
TYPE: TRUCK
MODEL: 3B000
COLOR TRIM TRANS
AXLE ENGINE
RIMS AT PSI
COLD SINGLERIMS AT PSI
COLD SINGLE
F.M.V.S.S
Certification Label
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GROSS AXLE WEIGHT (GAW)
The Gross Axle Weight (GAW) is the maximum weight placed on a single axle (front
and rear) that it is designed to safely carry.
To determine the GAW, load the vehicle as you would for towing and attach the
loaded trailer. At a public scale, with the loaded trailer attached, place only the tow
vehicle front wheels on the scale to determine the actual front axle GAW. To obtain
the rear axle GAW, place all four tow vehicle wheels on the scale. From that figure,
subtract the front GAW and you will have the rear GAW amount. The cargo in the
trailer and the vehicle may have to be moved, or removed to meet the specified
rating.
The GAW you come up with must not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for
your vehicle. On INFINITI vehicles, the GAWR for both axles is listed on the F.M.V.S.S.
certification label.
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT (GCW)
The Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is the total weight of the tow vehicle with all
passengers, cargo, and fuel, plus the total weight of the trailer and all its cargo.
To determine the GCW, simply weigh your vehicle when fully loaded and ready to tow,
and add in the weight of the loaded trailer.
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The GCW you come up with must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) for your vehicle. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to view the maximum
GCWR specification listed for your vehicle.
TRAILER TONGUE LOAD
Trailer tongue load is the amount
of the trailer’s weight pressing
down on the tow vehicle hitch
ball.
To measure trailer tongue load,
place the tongue of the trailer on
a scale when the trailer is not
attached to the vehicle. A
separate vehicle jack — not the
trailer jack — should be used, as
the location of the trailer jack is rearward of the trailer tongue and will not give you an
accurate measurement of the true tongue load. Make sure the vehicle jack is placed
directly under the trailer tongue coupler, and the tongue is set at the height/level of
the tow vehicle hitch.
For proper handling, you must keep the trailer tongue load between 10-15% of the
actual trailer weight, within the limits of the maximum trailer tongue load allowable. For
example, to determine the proper trailer tongue load for a 1,500-lb. trailer, multiply the
weight of 1,500 lbs. by 10% to arrive at a figure of 150 lbs. Some trailer types may
require different trailer tongue loads for safe towing. Always follow the trailer
manufacturer’s recommendations for proper trailer set-up and trailer tongue load.
Keep the trailer tongue load within the maximum trailer tongue load allowable.
Additionally, make sure the vehicle has the payload capacity available for the trailer
tongue load. If the tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper tongue load. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to view the maximum trailer
tongue load listed for your vehicle.
HITCH & TRAILER HEIGHT
It is important that your trailer floor and
tongue ride as level as possible. This
will help prevent over-angling,
bottoming-out, and improper tongue
load and load transfer. Therefore, the
hitch or trailer tongue must be adjusted
during the initial vehicle/trailer fit-up to
ensure a level ride. Ball mounts and
weight distribution hitches are available
in different configurations to adjust the tongue load and load transfer and hitch ball
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height. On some tandem axle trailers an incorrect hitch height can result in uneven
trailer axle loading.
WARNING- Towing can significantly alter the handling, stability and performance
characteristics of your vehicle. Moreover, 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.
WARNING- Always make sure your vehicle’s towing capacity is adequate for the
trailer you intend to tow. Be certain that you have all of the proper equipment needed
for safe towing, such as safety chains/cables, electric trailer brakes, electric trailer
brake controller, breakaway switch, and extended rear view mirrors. Make certain
your equipment conforms to all federal, state or local regulations to help avoid against
the possibility of a serious accident and personal injury or death.
You should follow a more frequent maintenance schedule and check fluid levels,
pressures, tire condition, etc., more often when on the road. Refer to your vehicle
owner’s manual for details. It is recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer for service.
LOADING YOUR TRAILER
WARNING- 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 and stability which
could result in a serious accident, personal injury or death. Careful loading and
balancing, and a weight distribution hitch and sway-control device 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.
WARNING- Excessive trailer tongue load can actually push down the tow vehicle in
back, lifting the front wheels to a point where traction, steering response, and braking
may be severely reduced. which could result in an accident, personal injury or death.
Too little trailer tongue load or negative load can lift the trailer tongue upwards on the
trailer ball causing instability, which may lead to swaying, “tail wagging,” or jackknifing
which could result in an accident, personal injury or death.
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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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 and
stability 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, it may result in an explosion, fire,
or personal injury or death.
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. Vehicle instability may result in loss of vehicle control and
cause an 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.
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PASSENGERS
WARNING- Never allow passengers to ride inside a trailer while it is being towed.
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,
electrical, 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, and damage caused by such modifications
may not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty or may possibly 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. Choose a jack that can raise and lower the
trailer so that you can connect the coupler to and disconnect it from the ball of your
hitch. Choose one with a weight capacity that matches or surpasses your trailer
tongue weight.
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.
If you have never towed a trailer before, be aware that it does take getting used to.
*When checking or replacement is required, it is recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer for
service.
TOWING TIPS/CAUTIONS &
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To begin with, towing noticeably affects your vehicle’s performance:
It will not accelerate as quickly — an important point to keep in mind when merging
onto a highway.
It will not stop as quickly. Leave more room than usual between you and the traffic
ahead, and brake sooner when coming to a stop.
Abrupt maneuvering can unbalance the load and reduce the handling and
stability of your tow vehicle. Plan ahead and make lane changes and turns
smoothly.
If possible, before you actually hit the open road, practice towing in a large
uncrowded area such as a safe, open place with minimal traffic. Become especially
familiar with backing up a trailer — the maneuver many people find most difficult.
BRAKE SOONER
The combination of your tow vehicle and trailer obviously requires a greater distance
to stop. A good rule of thumb to remember is that for each 10 mph of speed, allow
yourself one tow vehicle and trailer length of distance between the front of your
vehicle and the vehicle ahead. When braking, use firm but gradual pressure on the
pedal rather than panic braking.
WARNING- Applying the brakes abruptly or with too much force can cause the
trailer to skid or jackknife at its point of attachment with the vehicle. This, in turn, can
throw the tow vehicle out of control. If equipped with an electric trailer brake
controller, follow the recommended operational instructions.
CORNER MORE SLOWLY
Know your vehicle and trailer capabilities.
WARNING- Entering a sharp corner too quickly or abruptly can “crack the whip,”
whereby the trailer can actually pull the tow vehicle off the road resulting in property
damage, a serious accident, personal injury, or death.
Therefore, when approaching a relatively sharp corner, begin braking sooner than you
would when not towing. Do your braking in a straight line prior to the corner, and turn
smoothly into it. In addition, remember to make a wider turn than normal to ensure that
the trailer safely clears the inside of the turn.
BACK UP WITH CAUTION
Backing up with a trailer is a difficult maneuver. Steer with one hand at the bottom of
the steering wheel. To turn the trailer to the left, first move the steering wheel to the left.
To turn the trailer to the right, move the wheel to the right. All movements of the wheel
should be done in small increments. Of course, backing up should be done only at
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very slow speeds. For large trailers that obstruct your rearward vision, have someone
outside the vehicle act as a “spotter” to guide you along.
WARNING- Do not use or rely upon the Back-up Collision Intervention system (BCI)
when towing a trailer. The BCI system cannot function properly when objects are
obstructing the radar sensor beams.
PARK SMART
A tow vehicle and trailer can be an unwieldy combination in a small area, so always
try to park where you will have a relatively easy time maneuvering. Once parked,
always block the wheels on both the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Parking on a slope is not recommended. If, however, you must park on a slope and
since your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, there are some
precautions you should take:
Turn the wheels of the tow vehicle towards the side of the road away from the
center of the road, and apply the parking brake and only then move the gear lever
into PARK.
Next, block/chock the wheels once the tow vehicle and trailer are in position and
are being held by the vehicle’s brake.
CAUTION-If you move the lever into PARK before blocking the wheels and applying
the parking brake, it may be difficult to later shift out of PARK. Transmission damage
may also occur.
PASS CAREFULLY
As mentioned in the introduction to this section, because of the added weight of the
trailer, acceleration capability is reduced and you will require a longer distance to
pass another vehicle. Be certain you have sufficient time and space to pass safely.
WARNING- Never attempt to pass on hills or when going around curves. Doing so
could cause a loss of vehicle control and result in accident, property damage or
personal injury. Because the trailer does not follow the exact path as the tow vehicle
on turns, safely passing and cornering while towing takes considerably more distance
and turning space than normal. Be certain you have sufficient time and space to pass
safely, remember, the length of the trailer must also pass the other vehicle before you
can safely change lanes.
HILLS – UPGRADES
Your vehicle was designed to be used primarily to carry passengers and cargo. If your
Infiniti
vehicle owner’s manual states its allowed for towing, its automatic transmission is
designed to select automatically the correct gear for the best towing comfort and
performance as the incline increases. To maintain speed or avoid up and down shifts,
manually shift to a lower gear as needed. The added weight of a trailer places an
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increased load on the engine and cooling system, so monitor your coolant
temperature gauge and automatic transmission fluid temperature gauge (if
equipped) carefully. At the first sign of overheating, pull to the side of the road. See IF
YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS later in this section for more information.
HILLS – DOWNGRADES
WARNING- While going downhill, the weight of the trailer pushing on the tow vehicle
may decrease overall stability, and may deteriorate overall handling characteristics.
The vehicle may handle unpredictably which could cause a loss of vehicle control
resulting in an accident, property damage, serious injury or death. Therefore, to
maintain adequate control, reduce your speed and shift to a lower gear and apply
the braking in short bursts. If your vehicle is equipped with Tow Mode, see your vehicle
owner’s manual for information about the use of this function.
WARNING- Avoid long or repeated use of the brakes when descending a hill, as this
reduces their effectiveness and could cause overheating which could result in
damage to your brake components or unable to slow to a safe speed. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine braking” and reduces the need to brake as
frequently.
HIGH-ALTITUDE PERFORMANCE
An engine will lose about 4% of its performance for every 1,000 feet above sea level
that you travel. If you will be towing in high altitudes, it is a good idea to allow more
time than usual due to the engine’s reduced performance.
While towing a trailer, do not use the following systems (if so equipped):
— ProPILOT Assist
— the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system
— the Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system
— the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system
— the Blind Spot Intervention® (BSI) system
— the Back-up Collision Intervention (BCI) system
— the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
— the Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
— the Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) with pedestrian detection system
— the Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) system.
INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL
WARNING- In order to maintain a safe distance to the vehicle ahead to avoid the
possibility of accidents, property damage, serious injury or death. INFINITI recommends
not to use the Intelligent Cruise control (ICC) system while towing a trailer or other
vehicle. In certain road conditions when your vehicle is towing, the ICC sensor may
not detect a vehicle ahead. If the ICC sensor cannot detect the reflector on the
vehicle ahead, the ICC system may not maintain the selected distance which could
cause an accident, property damage, or death.
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BLIND SPOT INTERVENTION
WARNING- Do not use or rely upon the Blind Spot Intervention system (BSI) when
towing a trailer. The BSI system cannot function properly when objects are obstructing
the radar sensors which could cause an accident, property damage, or death.
TOW MODE (IF SO EQUIPPED)
Tow Mode is recommended when towing a heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load, in
stop-and-go traffic, rolling terrain, or a busy parking lot. Driving the vehicle in Tow Mode
may affect fuel economy and transmission/engine driving characteristics. See your
vehicle owner’s manual for additional information about Tow Mode.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
A moderate increase in engine operating temperature is normal when towing a trailer.
If, however, the coolant temperature gauge reading is abnormally high, or if you are
experiencing a significant loss of power, or if you hear unusual engine noises,* the
engine may be overheating and you should immediately take the following steps:
1. Pull your vehicle safely over to the side of the road, out of traffic. Apply the
parking brake and move the gearshift lever to NEUTRAL (manual) or PARK
(automatic). DO NOT STOP THE ENGINE.
2. Turn off the air conditioning and, after opening all the windows, turn the heater
on to maximum hot and the fan to its highest speed, and exit the vehicle. The
heater core in your vehicle is just like a miniature engine radiator and will provide
an extra cooling surface to help reduce engine temperature.
*See your vehicle owner’s manual for additional indications that your vehicle may be
overheating.
3. If the temperature does not drop or continues to increase, stop the engine
immediately.
4. Being cautious of traffic, step out of the vehicle and, from a safe distance, look
for steam underneath the engine. If you see steam or leaking coolant, stand
clear to avoid being burned and shut off your engine immediately and allow it to
cool. If there is no steam, open the hood.
WARNING -Never remove the radiator cap when the radiator is hot. If the cap is
removed under these conditions, pressurized hot water/coolant may spurt out,
possibly causing serious injury.