wiring INFINITI QX80 2021 Towing Guide

2021 INFINITI Towing Guide


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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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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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At INFINITI, we back everything we build. So we are proud that every INFINITI is
protected by some of the best New Vehicle Limited Warranties, including
4-year/60,000-mile (whichever comes first) Basic coverage. All 2021 models also
feature 6-years/70,000-mile (whichever comes first) Powertrain coverage.*

For additional peace of mind, the Elite INFINITI Extended Protection Plan provides you
with quality long-term mechanical protection for 8 years/120,000 miles (measured from
in service date and zero miles, whichever comes first)”— long past your vehicle’s Basic
and Powertrain Limited Warranty. With the extra coverage, if a covered component
fails during the term of the plan, INFINITI pays… not you.** Plus, the Elite INFINITI
Extended Protection Plan includes extensive Roadside Assistance benefits and car
rental coverage.

All of this makes the Elite INFINITI Extended Protection Plan a truly comprehensive
package, offering INFINITI owners exceptional value and peace of mind.
Coverage is
available throughout the United States. Repair work will be done at authorized INFINITI
retailers by INFINITI-trained technicians utilizing Genuine INFINITI Parts.

For more information about the Elite INFINITI Extended Protection Plan, contact your
participating INFINITI retailer or call 1-800-662-6200.

The quality of Genuine INFINITI Parts and Accessories is backed by the integrity of a
Genuine INFINITI Replacement Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty. If purchased
within the Basic coverage period of 4 years/60,000 miles (whichever comes first),
Genuine INFINITI Parts and Accessories are covered by the remaining period of the
warranty. If the remaining period is less than 12 months/12,000 miles (or if the vehicle
warranty has expired), then Genuine INFINITI Parts and Accessories except for
replacement audio components are covered by their own 12-month/12,000-mile from
the date of installation or purchase (whichever comes first). See your INFINITI Warranty
Information Booklet or ask your INFINITI retailer for specific details.

CONCERN FOR YOUR SAFETY
INFINITI urges you to always use your seat belt whenever you drive. And please make
sure all passengers are buckled up. Keep in mind that air bags are a supplemental
restraint system and must always be used in conjunction with a seat belt.

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.

PROTECTION