trailer INFINITI QX 2011 Owner's Manual

Temperature conditions can also affect towing.
For example, towing a heavy trailer in high
outside temperatures on graded roads can af-
fect engine performance and cause overheat-
ing. The transmission high fluid temperature
and engine protection mode, which helps re-
duce the chance of transmission and engine
damage, could activate and automatically de-
crease engine power. Vehicle speed may de-
crease under high load. Plan your trip carefully
to account for trailer and vehicle load, weather
and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced speed
may be lower than other traffic, which could
increase the chance of a collision. Be especially
careful when driving. If the vehicle cannot
maintain a safe driving speed, pull to the side
of the road in a safe area. Allow the engine to
cool and return to normal operation. See “IF
YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section of this manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper tow-
ing procedures is not covered by INFINITI
warranties.
Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load be-
tween 10 to 15% of the total trailer load or use
the trailer tongue load specified by the trailer
manufacturer. The tongue load must be within
the maximum tongue load limits shown in the
following “Towing Load/Specification” chart. If
the tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange
cargo to allow for proper tongue load.
STI0542
9-18Technical and consumer information

MAXIMUM GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT
(GVW)/MAXIMUM GROSS AXLE
WEIGHT (GAW)
The GVW of the towing vehicle must not exceed
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) shown
on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
The GVW equals the combined weight of the
unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage, hitch,
trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment. In addition, front or rear GAW must
not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label.Towing capacities are calculated assuming a
base vehicle with driver and any options re-
quired to achieve the rating. Additional passen-
gers, cargo and/or optional equipment, such as
the trailer hitch, will add weight to the vehicle
and reduce your vehicle’s maximum towing
capacity and trailer tongue load.
The vehicle and trailer need to be weighed to
confirm the vehicle is within the GVWR, Front
GAWR, Rear GAWR, Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) and Towing capacity.
All vehicle and trailer weights can be measured
using platform type scales commonly found at
truck stops, highway weigh stations, building
supply centers or salvage yards.
To determine the available payload capacity for
tongue/king pin load, use the following proce-
dure.
1. Locate the GVWR on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
2. Weigh your vehicle on the scale with all of the passengers and cargo that are nor-
mally in the vehicle when towing a trailer.
3. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the GVWR. The remaining amount is the
available maximum tongue/king pin load.
To determine the available towing capacity, use
the following procedure.
1. Find the GCWR for your vehicle on the“Towing Load/Specification” chart found
later in this section.
2. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the GCWR. The remaining amount is the
available maximum towing capacity.
To determine the Gross Trailer Weight, weigh
your trailer on a scale with all equipment and
cargo, that are normally in the trailer when it is
towed. Make sure the Gross trailer weight is not
more than the Gross Trailer Weight Rating
shown on the trailer and is not more than the
calculated available maximum towing capacity.
Also weigh the front and rear axles on the scale
to make sure the Front Gross Axle Weight and
Rear Gross Axle Weight are not more than Front
Gross Axle Weight and Rear Gross Axle Weight
on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
The cargo in the trailer and vehicle may need to
be moved or removed to meet the specified
ratings.
TI1012M
Technical and consumer information9-19

Example:
●Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed on a
scale - including passengers, cargo and
hitch - 6,450 lb. (2,926 kg).
● Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label -
7,300 lb. (3,311 kg).
● Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) from
“Towing Load/Specification” chart - 14,300
lb. (6,486 kg).
● Maximum Trailer towing capacity from “Tow-
ing Load/Specification” chart - 8,500 lb.
(3,856 kg).7,300 lb. (3,311 kg) GVWR
 6,450 lb. (2,926 kg) GVW
= 850 lb. (385 kg) Available for tongue
weight
14,300 lb. (6,486 kg) GCWR
 6,450 lb. (2,926 kg) GVW
= 7,850 lb. (3,560 kg) Capacity available
for towing
850 lb. (385 kg) / Available tongue
weight
7,850 lb. (3,560 kg) Available capacity = 11 % tongue weight
The available towing capacity may be less than
the maximum towing capacity due to the pas-
senger and cargo load in the vehicle.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight be-
tween 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or within the
trailer tongue load specification recommended
by the trailer manufacturer. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange the cargo to ob-
tain the proper tongue load. Do not exceed the
maximum tongue weight specification shown in
the “Towing load/specification” chart even if
the calculated available tongue weight is
greater than 15%. If the calculated tongue
weight is less than 10%, reduce the total trailer
weight to match the available tongue weight.
Always verify that available capacities are
within the required ratings.
9-20Technical and consumer information

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHARTUnit: lb (kg)
US Canada
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) model Four-Wheel Drive
(4WD) model Four-Wheel Drive
(4WD) model
MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY*1, *2 8,500 (3,856)8,500 (3,856)
MAXIMUM TONGUE LOAD 850 (385)850 (385)
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT RATING 14,300 (6,486) 14,480 (6,568) 14,480 (6,568)
1: The towing capacity values are calculated assuming a base vehicle with driver and any options required to achieve the rating. Additional passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment will add
weight to the vehicle and reduce your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.
2: Use of a weight-distributing hitch system is recommended when towing over 5,000 lb (2,267 kg).
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle is equipped with a trailer tow
package. The trailer tow package includes a
receiver-type frame mounted hitch. This hitch is
rated for the maximum towing capacity of this
vehicle when the proper towing equipment is
used. Choose a proper ball mount and hitch ball
that is rated for the trailer to be towed. Genuine
INFINITI ball mounts and hitch balls are avail-
able from an INFINITI retailer.
Technical and consumer information9-21

To access the trailer hitchA, remove the trailer
hitch cover located on the lower part of the rear
bumper.
To remove the trailer hitch cover:
1. Remove the 2 clips. 2. Pull the bottom of the cover straight back-
ward to remove the inner side and upper
clips.
WARNING
Trailer hitch components have specific weight
ratings. Your vehicle may be capable of towing
a trailer heavier than the weight rating of the
hitch components. Never exceed the weight
rating of the hitch components. Doing so can
cause serious personal injury or property
damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and
weight rating for your trailer:
●The required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on top of the ball.
● Choose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.
● The diameter of the threaded shank of the
hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should
be no more than 1/16 smaller than the hole
in the ball mount. ●
The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount and
the ball mount is inserted into the hitch re-
ceiver. Choose a proper class ball mount based
on the trailer weight. Additionally, the ball
mount should be chosen to keep the trailer
tongue level with the ground.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball mount
is one that is designed to carry the whole
amount of tongue weight and gross weight
directly on the ball mount and on the receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-leveling”
or “equalizing” hitch. A set of bars attach to the
ball mount and to the trailer to distribute the
tongue weight (hitch weight) of your trailer.
Many vehicles cannot carry the full tongue
weight of a given trailer, and need some of the
tongue weight transferred through the frame
and pushing down on the front wheels. This
gives stability to the tow vehicle.STI0804
9-22Technical and consumer information

A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) is
recommended if you plan to tow trailers with a
maximum weight over 5,000 lbs (2,267 kg).
Check with the trailer and towing equipment
manufacturers to determine if they recommend
the use of a weight-distributing hitch system.
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 manu-
facturer for installing and using the weight-
distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface.With the ignition switch in the ON position
and the doors closed, allow the vehicle to
stand for several minutes so that it can
level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the
center of the vehicle. 3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust
the hitch equalizers so that the front
bumper height is within0-.5inches (0 -
13 mm) of the reference height measured
in step 2. The rear bumper should be no
higher than the reference height mea-
sured in step 2.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing hitch so
the rear of the bumper is no higher than the
measured reference height when the trailer is
attached. If the rear bumper is higher than the
measured reference height when loaded, the
vehicle may handle unpredictably which could
cause a loss of vehicle control and cause seri-
ous personal injury or property damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer han-
dling. Sway control devices may be used to help
control these affects. 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. Follow the instructions provided
by the manufacturer for installing and using the
sway control device.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (907 kg).
Class II hitch
Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb (1,588 kg).
Class III hitch
Class III trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 5,000 lb (2,267 kg).
Class IV hitch
Class IV trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow
trailers of a maximum weight of 10,000 lb
(4,545 kg). A weight distributing hitch should be
used to tow trailers that weigh over 5,000 lb
(2,267 kg).
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000 lb
(4,545 kg) maximum weight rating, but your
vehicle is only capable of towing the maximum
trailer weights shown in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart earlier in this section.
Technical and consumer information9-23

CAUTION
●Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
● Do not modify the vehicle exhaust system,
brake system, etc.
● Do not attach any additional hitches to your
vehicle because a hitch is already mounted
to your vehicle frame.
Tire pressures
●When towing a trailer, inflate the ve-
hicle tires to the recommended cold
tire pressure indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
●Trailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and
tire manufacturers’ specifications.
Safety chains
Always use a suitable chain between your ve-
hicle and the trailer. The safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chains to permit
turning corners.
Trailer lights
Your vehicle is equipped with a towing package,
which also includes the 7-pin trailer harness
connector located under the trailer hitch cover
on the rear bumper.
CAUTION
● When splicing into the vehicle electrical sys-
tem, a commercially available power-type
module/converter must be used to provide
power for all trailer lighting. This unit uses
the vehicle battery as a direct power source
for all trailer lights while using the vehicle
tail light, stoplight and turn signal circuits as a signal source. The module/converter
must draw no more than 15 milliamps from
the stop and tail lamp circuits. Using a
module/converter that exceeds these power
requirements may damage the vehicle’s
electrical system. See a reputable trailer re-
tailer to obtain the proper equipment and to
have it installed.
● Do not connect electrical devices that draw
more than 40 amps to the vehicle. The fus-
ible link may melt.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact an INFINITI retailer or
reputable trailer retailer.
Trailer brakes
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs. (1,587
kg) or more, trailers with a brake system MUST
be used. However, most states require a sepa-
rate braking system on trailers with a loaded
weight above a specific amount. Make sure the
trailer meets the local regulations and the regu-
lations where you plan to tow.
STI0745
9-24Technical and consumer information

Several types of braking systems are available.
Surge Brakes -The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydraulic
line running to each trailer wheel. Surge brakes
are activated by the trailer pushing against the
hitch ball when the tow vehicle is braking.
Hydraulic surge brakes are common on rental
trailers and some boat trailers. In this type of
system, there is no hydraulic or electric connec-
tion for brake operation between the tow ve-
hicle and the trailer.
Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking systems
are activated by an electronic signal sent from a
trailer brake controller (special brake sensing
module).
Have a professional supplier of towing equip-
ment make sure the trailer brakes are properly
installed and demonstrate proper brake func-
tion testing.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system directly to
the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
● Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it has an
abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition;
check for improper tongue load, overload,
worn suspension or other possible causes of
either condition.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
● Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the
trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
● Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
● Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation,
and trailer wheel lug nuts every time you
attach a trailer to the vehicle.
● Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
● Determine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turn-
ing, stopping and backing up in an area which
is free from traffic. Steering stability, and brak-
ing performance will be somewhat different
than under normal driving conditions.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
● Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
● Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
● Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
● Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed. Some states or provinces have spe-
cific speed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
● When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Technical and consumer information9-25

Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift selector lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the wheels and
applying the parking brake, transmission dam-
age could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the down-hill side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the blocks
absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park).
6. Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models:
Make sure that the 4WD shift switch is
engaged in the AUTO, 4HI or 4LO position
and the Automatic Transmission (AT) park
warning light is turned off.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer
are clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
● While going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descending
a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness and
could cause overheating. Shifting to a lower
gear instead provides “engine braking” and
reduces the need to brake as frequently.
● If the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, see “IF YOUR VEHICLE
OVERHEATS” in the “6. In case of emer-
gency” section.
● Trailer towing requires more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances. ●
Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (800 km).
● Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule in the INFINITI Service
and Maintenance Guide.
● When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
● Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions
allow. This combination will help stabilize
the vehicle.
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering orapplying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side of the road
in a safe area.
9-26Technical and consumer information

3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it isbalanced as described earlier in this sec-
tion.
●Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
● Use the Tow mode or downshift the trans-
mission to a lower gear for engine braking
when driving down steep or long hills. This
will help slow the vehicle without applying
the brakes.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
● Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
● INFINITI recommends that the cruise control
not be used while towing a trailer. ●
While towing a trailer, do not use the follow-
ing systems (if so equipped):
– the Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) sys- tem
– the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system
– the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
– the Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
– Intelligent Brake Assist ( IBA) system
● Some states or provinces have specific regu-
lations and speed limits for vehicles that are
towing trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
● Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
● When launching a boat, do not allow the
water level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
● Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, the transmission fluid
should be changed more frequently. For addi-
tional information, see the INFINITI Service and
Maintenance Guide.
TOW mode
Using TOW mode is recommended when pulling
a heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load. Push the
TOW MODE switch to activate tow mode. The
TOW MODE indicator light in the meter illumi-
nates when TOW mode is selected. Push the
TOW MODE switch again to turn TOW mode off.
TOW mode is automatically cancelled when the
ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.
TOW mode includes the following features:
● Grade logic — Adjusts transmission shifts
when pulling a trailer or hauling a load up a
grade.
● Downhill Speed Control (DSC) — automati-
cally downshifts when driving down a grade
with a trailer or heavy load to help control
vehicle speed.
Driving the vehicle in the TOW mode with no
trailer/load or light trailer/light load will not
cause any damage. However, fuel economy may
be reduced and the transmission/engine driv-
ing characteristics may feel unusual.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil should
be replaced and transmission oil/fluid should be
changed more frequently. For additional infor-
mation, see the 9. “Technical and consumer in-
formation” section later in this manual.
Technical and consumer information9-27