trailer INFINITI QX80 2014 Towing Guide

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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.

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.

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TRAILER TONGUE LOAD
Trailer tongue load is the amount of
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 height.

Trailer Tongue Load
Total Trailer Loadx 100 = 10-15%
Vehicle
Jack
Trailer Tongue Load
Total Trailer Load

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CAUTION- 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 are purchasing
equipment or actually pulling the trailer.

CAUTION- Always make sure your vehicle’s towing capacity is adequate for the trailer you intend to
tow. Buy or lease only quality equipment. In addition, be certain that you have all of the equipment
needed for safe towing, such as safety chains/cables, electric trailer brakes, electric trailer brake
controller, breakaway switch, and extended rear view mirrors.

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
CAUTION- 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. 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 are 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.

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 of your vehicle and
cause a very unsafe situation and may lead to an
accident or personal injury.


WARNING- DO NOT carry flammable materials, such as gasoline, in your trailer. In the event of an
accident, an explosion or fire could occur.

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. Overloading or unsafe
operating conditions could lead to a serious 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
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
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, 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.

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.
CAUTION- Be aware that not all automotive jacks can be used safely on a trailer.

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.

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If you have never towed a trailer before, be aware that it does take getting used to. To begin with,
towing noticeably affects your vehicle’s performance:
Š It will not accelerate as quickly — an important point to keep in mind when merging onto a
highway.
Š 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.
Š 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. 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 a serious accident. 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 to help
avoid the trailer cutting corners and an unsafe turn possibly causing an accident .

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.
TOWING TIPS/CAUTIONS & WARNINGS

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Of course, backing up should be done only at 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 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.

CAUTION- Parking on a slope is not recommended. If, however, you must park on a slope and your
vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, there are some precautions you should take:
Š 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.
Š Next, have someone block 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. 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. More weight means more time to
speed up and your tow vehicle may not have enough power on a mountain grade for safe passing.

HILLS – UPGRADES
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, it 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 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.

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HILLS – DOWNGRADES
WARNING- While going downhill, the weight of the trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may decrease
overall stability. 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.

INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL
WARNING- Do not use cruise control while towing a trailer. The system may not detect a vehicle
ahead.

BLIND SPOT INTERVENTION
WARNING- Do not use the Blind Spot Intervention system (BSI) when towing a trailer. The BSI
system cannot function properly when objects are obstructing the radar sensors.

TOW MODE (IF 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:

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NOTES












Passenger Vehicles – Infiniti does not recommend trailer towing with Q50, Q60 (Coupe,
Convertible), Q70, or Q70 (HEV) vehicles.

Cross-Over Vehicles – Infiniti
does not recommend trailer towing with QX50, or the QX70 2WD vehicles.

Other Recommendations and Information – Towing performance and speed are affected by vehicle
payload, tow weight, road grades, and weather conditions, including high temperatures. See your
vehicle owner’s manual for details.
















1 Maximum Trailer Weight 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 and trailer tongue
load.

2 In general, a weight-distributing hitch system should be used when towing
over 5,000 lbs.

3 Most states require a separate braking system on trailers with a loaded
weight above a specific amount. Check local ordinances. 7-pin connector
trailer wire harnesses are required for use with trailer brakes (available
separately).

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BALL MOUNT A bar that holds the hitch ball and is inserted into the hitch receiver. Also
commonly called a drawbar.
BREAKAWAY SWITCH A safety device using a trailer battery that automatically applies the trailer’s
brakes if it should accidentally become separated from the tow vehicle. A
breakaway switch may be used with both electric or surge trailer brake systems.
BUMPER HITCH A reinforced bumper designed to accommodate a hitch ball.
ELECTRIC TRAILER BRAKES When the brakes on a tow vehicle are applied, an electric current is sent to an
actuator which applies the trailer’s brakes.
ELECTRIC TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER A device that controls the electric trailer brakes.
GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) The maximum amount of weight each vehicle axle (front and rear) is designed to
safely carry.
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT RATING (GCWR) The maximum allowable combined weight of the vehicle and trailer, including
passengers and all cargo.
GROSS VEHICLE
WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, fuel,
hitch, trailer tongue load, and any optional equipment.
HITCH BALL
A ball that connects the trailer to the tow vehicle hitch that provides the means
by which the trailer pivots during cornering. Available in a number of sizes and
weight capacities, it must correspond to the trailer coupler size, and have a
sufficient capacity rating for the trailer being pulled.
RECEIVER HITCH A frame- or structure-mounted hitch with a receiver that allows removal of the ball
mount.
SAFETY CHAINS/CABLES Provides an emergency connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer,
should the trailer become disengaged for any reason.
SURGE BRAKES
Hydraulic-type braking system activated by inertia. As the tow vehicle begins to
brake, the trailer pushes against the hitch ball, consequently activating the trailer
brakes.
TRAILER TONGUE/COUPLER The part of the trailer that extends forward to meet the tow vehicle, and carries
the coupler assembly.
TRAILER TONGUE
LOAD The amount of trailer weight pressing down on the hitch.
WEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING
HITCH SYSTEM Type of hitch system that helps shift the trailer tongue weight to all trailer tires
and the tow vehicle front tires. Strongly recommended when towing trailers with a
Maximum Trailer Weight greater than 5,000 lbs.
WIRING HARNESS
Provides an electrical connection linking the tow vehicle’s electrical system to the
trailer’s system.

TOWING GLOSSARY