lock INFINITI QX80 2021 Towing Guide

2021 INFINITI Towing Guide


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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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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 &

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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 or rely upon 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.

Parking on a slope is not recommended. If, however, you must park on a slope and
since your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, there are some
precautions you should take:
 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.
 Next, block/chock 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. Doing so
could cause a loss of vehicle control and result in accident, property damage or
personal injury. 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. Be certain you have sufficient time and space to pass
safely, remember, the length of the trailer must also pass the other vehicle before you
can safely change lanes.

HILLS – UPGRADES
Your vehicle was designed to be used primarily to carry passengers and cargo. If your
Infiniti
vehicle owner’s manual states its allowed for towing, its automatic transmission 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

2021 INFINITI Towing Guide


23 In addition, a rear-facing child restraint must never be used in the front passenger seat
if the vehicle is equipped with a front passenger air bag. Children 12 and under should
ride in the rear seat properly secured in child restraints, booster seats, or seat belts,
according to their size. Please see your vehicle owner's manual for more details.

*
For complete warranty details, refer to the INFINITI Warranty Information Booklet or see your
nearest INFINITI retailer.
**A nominal deductible may apply. For details please refer to the Elite INFINITI Extended
Protection Plan Service Agreement or contact your INFINITI retailer.


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Years before we ever built our first luxury car, we built this belief: Luxury is much more
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As an INFINITI driver you will enjoy a host of useful services like 24-hour Roadside
Assistance,* a Complimentary INFINITI Service Loan Car** and Trip Interruption
Benefits.* Your ownership experience will be a complete one, extending from our
showroom to our Web site and beyond.

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
maintenance at participating retailers, a complimentary INFINITI Service Loan Car** will
be waiting. And before your INFINITI is returned to you, it will be hand-washed and
running smoothly.

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
customers 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
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