maintenance INFINITI QX50 2020 Towing Guide

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BALL MOUNT
A ball mount ( also known as a drawbar) is a bar that holds a hitch ball and is inserted into a
receiver -type hi tch. Ball mounts are available for a number of weight capacities (3,500 lbs.,
5,000 lbs. , etc.) , heights, fit different hitch sizes ( 1 1 /4 ”, 2”, etc.), and can be weight -
distributing or non -weight -distributing. Choose a proper ball mount based on class, h itch
size, weight rating , and the vehicle’s tow capacity.


HITCH BALL
A hitch ball is bolted through a ball mount or a h itch
hole in the tow vehicle’s rear bumper. The coupler on
the trailer tongue attaches over the hitch ball.
Like ball mounts, hitch ba lls are available in a
number of weight capacities and sizes. A lways make
sure the hitch ball selected has the proper shank
diameter and weight rating for the ball mount as
well as the coupler on your trailer. Using a 1 7 /8 ”
hitch ball in a 2 ” coupler, for example, could result in the trailer separating from the tow
vehicle. The required hitch ball size is stamped on most trailer couplers.
The diameter of the hitch ball shank must be matched to the ball mount hole diameter. The
shank should be no more tha n 1/ 16 ” smaller than the hole in the ball mount . T o keep the
hitch ball in top condition , a simple maintenance routine is recommended . Coating it with
light grease will minimize wear of both the coupler and hitch ball. Also, by removing the
hitch ball wh en not towing, or by protecting it with a special cover, you will help prevent
rust from forming on it.

TRAILER TONGUE
The tongue is th e part of the trailer that extends forward to meet the tow vehicle , and it
also carries the coupler assembly. Knowledge of the trailer minimum and max imum tongue
load is critical as it can have a significant effect on th e handling and capacity of the tow
vehicle. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to view the maximum conventional trailer
tongue load listed for your vehicle. Trailer tongue weight is the amount of downward
pressure exerted onto the hitch ball. Keep the tongue load between 10 -15% of the total
trailer weight. DO NOT exceed the maximum tongue load specification. If the tongue
weight is below the recommended amount, you must move some of the load forward or
add weight to the front frame of the trailer.

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PREPARING YOUR VEHICLE
BREAK-IN AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
CAUTION- INFINITI recommends that you allow a su fficient “break-in” of both the
engine and drivetrain before towing with your new INFINITI vehicle.
DO NOT tow a trailer or haul a heavy load for the first 50 0 miles. For the first 500 miles
that you tow a trail er, do not drive over 50 mph and do not make starts at full throttle .
F ollowing these recommendations helps your engine and other parts of your vehicle
wear in at heavier loads.

Keep in mind, too, that towing places higher demands and added loads on ve hicle
components, so more frequent maintenance is called for. Your INFINITI S ervice &
Maintenance G uide provides the accelerated maintenance schedule for towing
purposes. Engine oil, filter, transmission oil, and possibly other fluids should be changed
mor e frequently when towing.

TIRE PRESSURE
When towing a trailer, increase the tow vehicle tire pressures to the recommended
cold specifications . You wi ll find these figures in the vehicle owner’s manual and on the
tire pressure chart located with in the vehicle. Trailer tire condition, size, load rating, and
inflation pressure must be in accordance with the trailer and tire manufacturer’s
specifications.

MEASURING VEHICLE WEIGHT
The key to safer, efficient towing has to do with weight. Y our vehicle — SUV, or
crossover vehicle — is capable of carrying and towing only a certain amount of
weight. You must compare your vehicle’s tow weight rating s with the combined
weight of the vehicle, trailer , and their contents. This will help ensure that the total
weight doe s not exceed any of your vehicle’s tow weight rating s. There are four
weights to consider when towing:
 Gross Vehicle Weight - curb weight of vehicle plus the combined weight of
passengers and cargo
 Gross Axle Weight (Front and Rear)- maximum weight (load limit) that can be
specified for front or rear axle
 Gross Combined Weight- maximum total weight of vehicle, passengers, cargo,
and trailer
 Trailer Tongue Load - the weight exerted at the vehicle- trailer coupling point

These ratings are based upon normal high way driving and may be reduced if
operating in reduced -traction situations (for example, slippery boat ramps ).

WARNING - Attempting to tow loads greater than the GVWR, GAWR, GCWR , and
the t railer tongue l oad specified could adversely affect vehicle handling, braking, and
performance. If you do, parts of your vehicle can break, and tire damage could
occur as a result of overloading which may not be covered by your vehicle warranty.
Overloading can also result in loss of control of your vehicle and which c ould cause a
serious accident, personal injury or death.

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in different configurations to adjust the tongue load and load tr ansfer and hitch ball
he ight . On some tandem axle trailers an incorrect hitch height can result in uneven
trailer axle loading.

WARNING- Towing can significantly alter the handling 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 a re 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 ensure
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. See your vehicle owner’s
manual for details.
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 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 o f 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 caus ing instability, which may lead to swaying, “tail wagging ,” or jackknif ing
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.





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 carg o should be firmly
secured to prevent shifting. I f 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
anaccident or personal injury .
● D O N OT carry flammable materials, such as
gasoline, in your t railer. In the event of an
a ccident, an explosion or fire could occur.

PROVIDING FOR VEHICLE/TRAILER STABILITY

WARNING - Improper loading, excessive or in sufficient trailer tongue load,
overloading, excessive trailer weight, po orly 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 loa d 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.

I f the swaying contin ues and your trailer is suitably balanced and within the towing
capacity limits of your vehicle, discontinue towing and consult your INFINITI retailer or
trailer m anufacturer to determine the problem.

VEHICLE SPEED
Please note that s ome states have speci fic 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 emergenc ies.

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By far the most important benefit of INFINITI luxury is the Total Ownership E xperience.®
Years before we ever built our first luxury car, we built this belief: Luxury is much more
than a collection of features on an automobile. It is a way of doing business based
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As an INFINITI driver you wi ll enjoy a host of useful services like 24-hour Roadside
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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
4-year/unlimited -mileage* includes: Trip Interruption Benefits, 24 -hour toll-free customer
assistance number, battery boost, lock -outs, flat tires, out-of -gas, accident towing.

SERVICE LOAN CAR PROGRAM
When you make an appointment and drop off your INFINITI vehicle for warranty repair
m aintenance at participating retailer s, a complimentary INFINITI Service Loan Car** will
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COMMITMENT
To a superior product representing excellent value, presented in a unique environment.
To honor our guests and treat them with respect during the buying process. To give our
customer s outstanding service throughout their ownership, so that they may enjoy an
ongoing relationship with knowledgeable people. To be completely committed to
ensuring total satisfaction for our customers.

OWNERSHIP ONLINE
Our goal is to provide owners with a premium quality vehicle and an outstanding
ownership experience that does not end when you drive away from the showroom. To
that end, we have created the “Ownersh ip” section of the www.INFINITIUSA.com Web
site, which further reflects our commitment to ser ving INFINITI owners’ needs. There you
can find easily accessible maintenance schedules, warranty information, and articles
exclusively available to INFINITI owners.

*Roadside Assistance/Trip Interruption available during the first four years after initia l new vehicle
delivery.
**Subject to availability. Available only during the 4 -year/60,000- mile Basic coverage. The
customer must be 21 years of age or older with a valid U.S. driver’s license. The customer must
provide proof of primary insurance. Restrict ions may apply.
THE TOTAL OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE
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