trailer INFINITI QX 2013 Owner's Manual

9-14Technical and consumer information
WARNING
.It is extremely dangerous to ride
in a cargo area inside the vehicle.
In a collision, people riding in
these areas are more likely to be
seriously injured or killed.
.Do not allow people to ride in any
area of vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat
belts.
.Be sure everyone in your vehicle is
in a seat and using a seat belt
properly.
TERMS
It is important to familiarize yourself
with the following terms before
loading your vehicle:
.Curb Weight (actual weight of yourvehicle) - vehicle weight includ-
ing: standard and optional equip-
ment, fluids, emergency tools,
and spare tire assembly. This weight
does not include passen-
gers and cargo.
.GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb weight plus the combined weight
of passengers and cargo.
.GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-ing) - maximum total combined
weight of the unloaded vehicle,
passengers, luggage, hitch, trailer
tongue load and any other op-
tional equipment. This informa-
tion is located on the F.M.V.S.S./
C.M.V.S.S. label.
.GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) -maximum weight (load) limit spe-
cified for the front or rear axle.
This information is located on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. label.
.GCWR (Gross Combined WeightRating) - The maximum total
weight rating of the vehicle, pas-
sengers, cargo, and trailer.
.Vehicle Capacity Weight, Loadlimit, Total load capacity - max-
imum total weight limit specified of the load (passengers and car-
go) for the vehicle. This is the
maximum combined weight of
occupants and cargo that can be
loaded into the vehicle. If the
vehicle is used to tow a trailer,
the trailer tongue weight must be
included as part of the cargo load.
This information is located on the
Tire and Loading Information la-
bel.
.Cargo capacity - permissible
weight of cargo, the weight of
total occupants weight subtracted
from the load limit.
VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION

9-16Technical and consumer information
3.Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For exam-
ple, if the XXX amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb. passengers in your vehi-
cle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650
lbs. (1400−750 (5 x 150) = 650
lbs) or (640 −340 (5 x 70) = 300
kg.)
5.Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded
on the vehicle. That weight may
not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity
of your vehicle.
Before driving a loaded vehicle,
confirm that you do not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for your vehicle. (See “Mea-
surement of weights” later in this
section.)
Also check tires for proper inflation
pressures. See the Tire and Loading
Information label.
SIC4446
SECURING THE LOAD
There are tie down hooks located in the
cargo area as shown. The tie down hooks
can be used to secure cargo with ropes or
other types of straps.
Do not apply a total load of more than 22
lb (10 kg) to a single hook
*Aor 7 lb (3 kg)
to a single hook
*Bwhen securing cargo.
WARNING
. Properly secure all cargo with ropes or
straps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. Do not place cargo higher than

9-18Technical and consumer information
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a trailer
and its cargo can adversely affect vehicle
handling, braking and performance and may
lead to accidents.
CAUTION
.Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 miles (800 km). Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
. For the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 MPH
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
Remember that towing a trailer places
additional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
drivetrain, steering, braking and other
systems. An INFINITI Towing Guide (U.S. only) is
available on the website at
www.InfinitiUSA.com. This guide includes
information on trailer towing capability and
the special equipment required for proper
towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
the value specified in the
“Towing load/
specification” later in this section. The total
trailer load equals trailer weight plus its
cargo weight.
. When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs
(1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a
brake system MUST be used.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) should not exceed the value
specified in the following “Towing Load/
Specification” chart.
STI0541
The GCWR equals the combined weight of
the towing vehicle (including passengers
and cargo) plus the total trailer load.
Towing loads greater than these or using
improper towing equipment could ad-
versely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is
not only related to the maximum trailer
loads, but also the places you plan to tow.
Tow weights appropriate for level highway
driving may have to be reduced on very
steep grades or for low traction situations
(for example, on slippery boat ramps).
Temperature conditions can also affect
TOWING A TRAILER

towing. For example, towing a heavy trailer
in high outside temperatures on graded
roads can affect engine performance and
cause overheating. The transmission high
fluid temperature and engine protection
mode, which helps reduce the chance of
transmission and engine damage, could
activate and automatically decrease engine
power. Vehicle speed may decrease under
high load. Plan your trip carefully to
account for trailer and vehicle load, weath-
er 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 over-
heats” in the“6. In case of emergency”
section of this manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures is not covered by INFINITI
warranties.
STI0542
Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load
between 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.
Technical and consumer information9-19

9-20Technical and consumer information
TI1012M
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
required to achieve the rating. Additional
passengers, cargo and/or optional equip-
ment, 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 com-
monly found at truck stops, highway weigh
stations, building supply centers or sal-
vage yards.
To determine the available payload capa-
city for tongue/king pin load, use the
following procedure.
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
normally 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 ca-
pacity.
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.
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
“ Towing 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 passenger and cargo load in the
vehicle. Remember to keep trailer tongue weight
between 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 obtain 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.
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9-22Technical 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
available from an INFINITI retailer.

STI0804
To access the trailer hitch*A, 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 backward 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 receiver. Choose a proper class ball
mount based on the trailer weight. Addi-
tionally, 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
Technical and consumer information9-23

9-24Technical and consumer information
weight transferred through the frame and
pushing down on the front wheels. This
gives stability to the tow vehicle.
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 deter-
mine 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
manufacturer for installing and using the
weight-distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level sur-face. 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 within 0 - .5
inches (0 - 13 mm) of the reference
height measured in step 2. The rear
bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured 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 serious personal
injury or property damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts and buffet-
ing caused by other vehicles can affect
trailer handling. 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.
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
vehicle tires to the recommended
cold tire pressure indicated on the
Tire and Loading Information la-
bel.
.Trailer tire condition, size, loadrating and proper inflation pres-
sure should be in accordance with
the trailer and tire manufacturers’
specifications.
Safety chains
Always use a suitable chain between your
vehicle 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.
STI0745
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
system, 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
Technical and consumer information9-25