weight INFINITI QX50 2021 Towing Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: INFINITI, Model Year: 2021, Model line: QX50, Model: INFINITI QX50 2021Pages: 26, PDF Size: 0.6 MB
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2021 INFINITI Towing Guide
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RENTING
The first thing to keep in mind when renting any type of tow equipment, trailer or tow dolly
is to rent only from professional companies that specialize in towing and towing equipment.
Specialized companies should 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 do not exceed your vehicle’s 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 at the rental company, 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 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.
TOWING EQUIPMENT
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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.
And if you plan to tow often, consider convenience. Quick-disconnect trailer light
connectors and ratchet-type tie-downs, for example, make the job go faster and easier and
are usually worth the extra small investment. Purchase towing items such as hitches and
hitch balls only from your INFINITI retailer or a professional supplier of towing equipment.
If you are intending to use your vehicle to tow a trailer you already own, you must ensure
that your loaded trailer remains well within your vehicle's towing capacity as specified in
the vehicle owner's manual. In addition, you should purchase the right type, style, and class*
of hitch and towing equipment to properly adapt the trailer to your vehicle.
TYPES OF EQUIPMENT
Towing requires a variety of equipment, and, depending upon the application, there can be
several types or styles of each piece of equipment. Working with your INFINITI retailer or a
professional supplier of towing equipment, it should be relatively simple to determine the
proper type of equipment for your specific vehicle given the intended application. This
section explains the most common pieces of towing equipment available.
HITCHES
Whichever type of hitch you use, it should be firmly bolted to your vehicle, and should be of
the appropriate weight class for the trailer, tow dollies or towing equipment you intend to
tow. In addition, keep the following in mind:
WARNING- Never modify the vehicle’s braking or exhaust systems or its body
structure/frame when installing the hitch. Altering the brakes or structure on a vehicle
could increase the likelihood of a crash.
Installing an aftermarket hitch may affect the rear crash performance of your vehicle.
Changing the crash performance of a vehicle could lead to more severe vehicle damage,
personal injury or death in a crash. Be sure that the hitch does not interfere in any way
with the vehicle’s impact-absorbing bumper.
Never attach a hitch or towing device to the vehicle bumper. This may 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.
Regularly check to see that all hitch-mounting bolts are securely fastened to ensure
the hitch will not come loose, and remains properly attached to the vehicle to help
avoid property damage, personal injury or death.
CAUTION- If you have a receiver-type hitch using a ball mount; remove the ball mount
when not towing, or protect it with a special cover, this will help keep it from damage, and
prevent rust from forming on it.
If you install a hitch yourself, remember that it must be securely attached to the frame
or underbody, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Never attach a hitch or
towing device to the vehicle axle housing. This may damage the housing, wheel
bearings, wheels, or tires.
*
Refer to your owner’s manual for the equipment class information specific to your vehicle.
WHAT IS RIGHT FOR
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Hitch Types
Receiver Hitch – A receiver hitch is bolted
directly to the vehicle structure for added
strength and durability. INFINITI bolt-on
receiver hitches are designed specifically for
INFINITI vehicles and include the necessary
reinforcements, with ample clearance around
bumpers, frame members, etc. These hitches
allow for the removal of the ball mount when
not towing. Choose a proper class ball mount
based on the trailer weight.
Clamp-On Bumper Hitch – This is a temporary
hitch that clamps onto the bumper assembly.
WARNING: DO NOT USE this type of
clamp-on bumper hitch on any INFINITI vehicle
because using it may result in the trailer
separating from the towing vehicle. If the trailer
separates from the vehicle, it could cause a
crash, resulting in property damage and
personal injury, or death. Use of this type of
hitch can also damage the towing vehicle.
Weight-Distributing Hitch System – This type of
system uses a “load-leveling” or “equalizing” hitch.
The weight-distributing feature helps shift the
trailer tongue weight to all the axles of the tow
vehicle and the trailer axles.
Weight –distributing hitches should be used in many
towing conditions. In general, a weight-distributing
hitch system is recommended and should be used if
you plan to tow trailers with a maximum weight
over 5,000 lbs. Refer to trailer and hitch manufacturer for detailed information on load
limits. Weight distributing hitches are available in many styles and with sway control
accessory options to accommodate trailers with maximum loaded weight and for different
driving conditions.
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.
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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 hitch. 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, hitch
size, weight rating, and the vehicle’s tow capacity.
HITCH BALL
A hitch ball is bolted through a ball mount or a hitch
hole in the tow vehicle’s rear bumper. The coupler on
the trailer tongue attaches over the hitch ball.
Like ball mounts, hitch balls are available in a
number of weight capacities and sizes. Always 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 than 1/16” smaller than the hole in the ball mount. To 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 when not towing, or by protecting it with a special cover, you will help prevent
rust from forming on it.
TRAILER TONGUE
The tongue is the 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 maximum tongue
load is critical as it can have a significant effect on the 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.
Hitch
Mount BallBall
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SAFETY CHAINS/CABLES
Always use suitable safety chains/cables between the tow vehicle and the trailer. If the
hitch should break or become disengaged for some reason, these chains/cables will provide
an emergency connection between the vehicle and the trailer. The ultimate combined
breaking strength of the two chains must be equal to the gross weight of the towed
vehicle(s).
The chains/cables should be crossed under the trailer tongue and attached to the hitch or
vehicle frame. Crossing the chains/cables under the tongue will help prevent the tongue
from hitting the ground should the trailer become disconnected.
Be sure to leave enough slack in the chains/cables to turn corners without binding;
however, note that excessive slack will allow the chains/cables to drag on the ground.
WARNING- Do not use S-hooks for attaching the safety chains as they may become
un-hooked while towing. If the S-hook unhooks, the emergency chains/cables will become
detached, so if the tow hitch breaks or becomes disengaged, it will allow the trailer to
completely break away causing property damage and possibly personal injury or death.
The use of S-hooks is illegal in many states.
CAUTION- To avoid damage to the bumper and chains/cables when making a sharp
turn, do not attach the chains/cables too close to the coupler. Consult your trailer
manufacturer for the proper location of the chain/cable attachment to the trailer.
REAR VIEW MIRRORS
WARNING- In many cases, a trailer can block your rear vision when you are using only
the standard INFINITI rear view and outside mirrors. Be careful when changing lanes or
turning. Using only these mirrors could cause an accident as they were not designed for
towing.
“Extended” mirrors specifically designed for trailer towing should be used when your
rearward vision is obstructed. Before using these mirrors, make certain that they comply
with state and local regulations. Telescoping Tow Mirrors are available as an accessory for
certain INFINITI vehicles. Contact your INFINITI retailer for details.
SWAY CONTROL DEVICE
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting caused by other vehicles can affect trailer
handling. Sway control devices may help control the pivoting motion between tow vehicle
and trailer and make trailer towing easier on the driver. 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.
A sway control device is recommended for all towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). If the
tongue weight percentage is low it can also cause sway. Follow the instructions provided
by the manufacturer for installing and using the sway control device.
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BRAKES
As with hitches, several types of braking systems are available. Most states require a
separate braking system on trailers with a loaded weight above a specific amount,
therefore you should check to ensure you comply with all regulations and laws. Have a
professional supplier of towing equipment demonstrate proper brake function testing.
Never connect a trailer brake system directly to the vehicle brake system. Trailer
brakes must be connected so that in the case of a breakaway from the towing
vehicle, the trailer brakes system shall automatically apply to stop the trailer to help
ensure against the possibility of a serious accident and personal injury or death.
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 connection for brake operation between the tow vehicle 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). If electric trailer
brakes are used, INFINITI recommends the installation of a trailer brake controller. If you
use an all-electronic actuation system it will not be necessary to tap into the tow
vehicle’s hydraulic system. For adjustment specifications refer to the brake controller
manual for the controller being used.
For your convenience, QX80 and QX60 vehicles are pre-wired to accommodate most
popular electric trailer brake controllers. A wiring harness* is either included with your
vehicle or available from your INFINITI retailer. This harness provides electric trailer
brake controller input and output connections to the vehicle wiring. Contact an
INFINITI retailer or a professional supplier of towing equipment for information on trailers
equipped with electric brakes and for Genuine INFINITI jumper harness availability for
your specific vehicle.
CAUTION- Improper or poor quality trailer harness wiring may affect your vehicle’s
electrical system. Use only an INFINITI approved wiring harness, or consult your retailer
or professional supplier of towing equipment for compatible equipment and to have
it installed.
GENUINE INFINITI PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Whether you will be towing occasionally or on a regular basis, INFINITI offers a full range
of Genuine INFINITI Parts and Accessories to help you tow with confidence. Every
accessory is thoroughly tested and inspected for fit and workmanship. Therefore, you
can be certain that every item is designed to be compatible with the standard
features of your vehicle and designed to assist you with your towing needs.
*Contact your INFINITI retailer for more information on accessories or towing-related
parts for your INFINITI vehicle.
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PREPARING YOUR VEHICLE
BREAK-IN AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
CAUTION- INFINITI recommends that you allow a sufficient “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 500 miles. For the first 500 miles
that you tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph and do not make starts at full throttle.
Following 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 vehicle
components, so more frequent maintenance is called for. Your INFINITI Owner’s
Manual & Maintenance Guide provides the accelerated maintenance schedule for
towing purposes. Engine oil, filter, transmission oil, and possibly other fluids should be
changed more frequently when towing.
TIRE PRESSURE
When towing a trailer, increase the tow vehicle tire pressures to the recommended
cold specifications. You will find these figures in the vehicle owner’s manual and on the
tire pressure chart located within 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. Your 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 ratings with the combined
weight of the vehicle, trailer, and their contents. This will help ensure that the total
weight does not exceed any of your vehicle’s tow weight ratings. 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 highway 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 trailer tongue load specified could adversely affect vehicle handling, stability,
braking, and performance. Parts of your vehicle can break, and tire damage could
occur as a result of overloading; this may not be covered by your vehicle warranty.
Overloading can also result in loss of control of your vehicle and which could cause a
serious accident, personal injury or death.
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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