brake INFINITI QX80 2021 Towing Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: INFINITI, Model Year: 2021, Model line: QX80, Model: INFINITI QX80 2021Pages: 26, PDF Size: 0.6 MB
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2021 INFINITI Towing Guide
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SAFETY IS PRIORITY ONE
Obviously, your first concern should be safety. Your vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Always remember that towing a trailer places
additional loads on your vehicle’s engine, drivetrain, suspension, steering, braking, and
other systems. Therefore, be certain that your vehicle can meet the demands of the towing
application you have in mind.
Rent or purchase only the highest-quality towing and safety equipment you can find.
Reinforced tow hitches designed especially for certain INFINITI vehicles are available from
your INFINITI retailer. Hitches for other INFINITI models — if INFINITI recommends towing
with that vehicle — should be bought from and installed by a professional supplier of towing
equipment. Carefully review all information and literature provided with any hitch you
purchase for safety and proper use information. Finally, it is important to follow the towing
capacity limit set for your specific vehicle and to ensure that your vehicle is in top
mechanical condition, especially the tires, brakes, suspension, and engine cooling system.
See your vehicle owner’s manual for details.
NEVER EXCEED THE ESTABLISHED TOWING CAPACITY
Towing capacities vary from vehicle to vehicle. See the towing information in your vehicle
owner’s manual to confirm whether your 2021 INFINITI vehicle can be used for towing and
if so its towing capacity.
EQUIP YOUR INFINITI FOR TOWING
The frequency and type of towing dictate the manner in which you equip your vehicle. If
you plan to tow often, either for recreation or work, select the engine size, transmission
type, suspension, and towing capacity that are best suited to your requirements. This guide
can help you select the proper equipment.
READ THIS GUIDE BEFORE YOU TOW
This guide was designed to provide an overview of safe towing practices. Here, you will
find information on towing equipment, safety, proper loading and driving techniques,
towing tips, and much more.
It is also a good idea to discuss your towing requirements with either your INFINITI retailer
or a professional supplier of towing equipment before you equip your INFINITI vehicle for
towing. Finally, there are state and local laws on towing that you should review to ensure
compliance with all regulations.
CAUTION: INFINITI recommends you do not use your new vehicle to tow a trailer or
haul a heavy load for the first 500 miles (800 km) of use. Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged. For the first 500 miles that you tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps your engine and other parts of your
vehicle wear in at heavier loads.
INTRODUCTION
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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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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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BREAKAWAY SWITCH
On a trailer with electric brakes, a breakaway switch can automatically activate the trailer
brake system if the trailer becomes separated from the tow vehicle. Should the trailer
become detached, a breakaway switch may help prevent the trailer from wandering into
another lane.
WARNING- A breakaway switch relies on the power of a trailer battery, so make
sure it is not discharged. Never use the breakaway switch to “park” the trailer on a grade.
The battery would eventually discharge and release the brake, allowing the trailer to roll.
Be sure to leave enough slack in the tether on the breakaway switch to turn corners
without binding. If you do not, the electric trailer brakes will lock-up and not release. See
your trailer manufacturer for proper installation of a breakaway switch that is compatible
with your trailer braking system.
TRAILER LIGHTS
Trailer lights should comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and
should be in proper working order at all times. If your vehicle is equipped with a towing
package, a 7-pin trailer harness connector is located at the trailer hitch, under a cover on
the rear bumper on some models for connecting trailer lights. For trailers that use a
different style plug, contact your INFINITI retailer or a professional supplier of towing
equipment for adaptors to the 7-pin trailer harness.
A trailer’s taillights, stoplights, and turn signal lights must be wired into the towing vehicle’s
electrical system.* Most trailers operate on a four-wire system in which the stoplights and
turn signal lights utilize the same wire. Most all INFINITI vehicles have separate wires for
the stoplights and turn signal lights, therefore a device called a “converter” is needed.
Specifically, a “powered converter” must be used, as a converter of this type creates only
minimal additional electrical demand (draw) on the vehicle lighting circuits, which helps to
ensure protection for the vehicle’s sensitive electronics.* Always check for correct operation
of the taillights, stoplights, and turn signal lights every time you connect a trailer for
towing. Never replace vehicle fuses with fuses of a higher amperage rating than the
original.
*Vehicles equipped with LED taillights require that wiring be connected at a specific location. For
assistance in
hooking up trailer lights, contact your INFINITI retailer or a professional supplier of
towing equipment.
CAUTION – Improperly installed or poor quality trailer harness wiring may adversely
affect your vehicle’s electrical system. Use only an INFINITI approved wiring harness,
or consult your retailer or a professional supplier of towing equipment for compatible
equipment.
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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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height. On some tandem axle trailers an incorrect hitch height can result in uneven
trailer axle loading.
WARNING- Towing can significantly alter the handling, stability 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.
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 avoid 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. Refer to your vehicle
owner’s manual for details. It is recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer for service.
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 and stability 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 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
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 causing instability, which may lead to swaying, “tail wagging,” or jackknifing
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.
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 and
stability of your vehicle and cause a
very unsafe situation and may lead to an
accident or personal injury.
● DO NOT carry flammable materials, such as
gasoline, in your trailer. In the event of an
accident, it may result in an explosion, fire,
or personal injury or death.
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. 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 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
WARNING- 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
WARNING - 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,
electrical, 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 or may possibly result in loss of
vehicle control and cause an accident, personal injury or death.
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. Choose a jack that can raise and lower the
trailer so that you can connect the coupler to and disconnect it from the ball of your
hitch. Choose one with a weight capacity that matches or surpasses your trailer
tongue weight.
WARNING- Be aware that your automotive jack is designed for lifting only your
vehicle during a tire change. Using an automobile jack to lift a trailer-bearing load may
be unstable possibly causing it to fall off the jack stand which may result in property
damage or serious injury or death.
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.
If you have never towed a trailer before, be aware that it does take getting used to.
*When checking or replacement is required, it is recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer for
service.
TOWING TIPS/CAUTIONS &