2011 INFINITI QX Owners Manual

VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITY
Do not exceed the load limit of your
vehicle shown as “The combined weight
of occupants and cargo” on the Tire and
Loading Information label. Do not ex-
ceed the number of occupants shown as
“Seating Capacity” on the Tire and Load-
ing Information label.
To get “the combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo”, add the weight of all
occupants, then add the total luggage
weight. Examples are shown in the illus-
tration.
Steps for determining correct load
limit
1.Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on
your vehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
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3.Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals the avail-
able amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the XXX
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there
will be five 150 lb. passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs. (1400 750 (5 x 150) = 650
lbs) or (640 340 (5 x 70) = 300 kg.)
5.Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be trans-
ferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this re-
duces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle. Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm
that you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle.
(See “MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS” later
in this section.)
Also check tires for proper inflation pres-
sures. See the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label.
SECURING THE LOAD
There are tie down hooks located in the cargo
area as shown. The tie down hooks can be used
to secure cargo with ropes or other types of
straps.
Do not apply a total load of more than 22 lb (10
kg) to a single hook
Aor 7 lb (3 kg) to a single
hook
Bwhen securing cargo.
WARNING
● Properly secure all cargo with ropes or
straps to help prevent it from sliding or shift-
ing. Do not place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision, unse-
cured cargo could cause personal injury.
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●The child restraint top tether strap may be
damaged by contact with items in the cargo
area. Secure any items in the cargo area. Your
child could be seriously injured or killed in a
collision if the top tether strap is damaged.
● Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR or the maximum front and rear
GAWRs. If you do, parts of your vehicle can
break, tire damage could occur, or it can
change the way your vehicle handles. This
could result in loss of control and cause per-
sonal injury.
LOADING TIPS
●The GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S./
C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
●Do not load the front and rear axle to
the GAWR. Doing so will exceed the
GVWR.
WARNING
●Properly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seatbacks.
In a sudden stop or collision, unsecured
cargo could cause personal injury.
●Do not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of your
vehicle can break, tire damage could oc-
cur, or it can change the way your ve-
hicle handles. This could result in loss
of control and cause personal injury.
●Overloading not only can shorten the
life of your vehicle and the tire, but can
cause unsafe vehicle handling and
long braking distance. This may cause
a premature tire failure, which could
result in a serious accident and per-
sonal injury. Failures caused by over-
loading are not covered by the vehi-
cle’s warranty.
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of
your vehicle. When the vehicle is loaded,
drive to a scale and weigh the front and
the rear wheels separately to determine
axle loads. Individual axle loads should
not exceed either of the gross axle
weight ratings (GAWR). The total of the
axle loads should not exceed the gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR). These rat-
ings are given on the vehicle certifica-
tion label. If weight ratings are ex-
ceeded, move or remove items to bring
all weights below the ratings.
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Technical and consumer information

WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a trailer and
its cargo can adversely affect vehicle handling,
braking and performance and may lead to
accidents.
CAUTION
●Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load for
the first 500 miles (800 km). Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
● For the first 500 miles (800 km) that you tow
a trailer, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This
helps the engine and other parts of your ve-
hicle wear in at the heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer places additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drivetrain, steer-
ing, braking and other systems.
An INFINITI Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available
on the website at www.InfinitiUSA.com. This
guide includes information on trailer towing
capability and the special equipment required
for proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the “TOWING LOAD/ SPECIFI-
CATION” later in this section. The total trailer
load equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.
● When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs (1,587
kg) or more, trailers with a brake system
MUST be used.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) should not exceed the value specified in
the following “Towing Load/Specification”
chart. The GCWR equals the combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and
cargo) plus the total trailer load. Towing loads
greater than these or using improper towing
equipment could adversely affect vehicle han-
dling, braking and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but
also the places you plan to tow. Tow weights
appropriate for level highway driving may have
to be reduced on very steep grades or for low
traction situations (for example, on slippery
boat ramps).
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TOWING A TRAILER
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Temperature conditions can also affect towing.
For example, towing a heavy trailer in high
outside temperatures on graded roads can af-
fect engine performance and cause overheat-
ing. The transmission high fluid temperature
and engine protection mode, which helps re-
duce the chance of transmission and engine
damage, could activate and automatically de-
crease engine power. Vehicle speed may de-
crease under high load. Plan your trip carefully
to account for trailer and vehicle load, weather
and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced speed
may be lower than other traffic, which could
increase the chance of a collision. Be especially
careful when driving. If the vehicle cannot
maintain a safe driving speed, pull to the side
of the road in a safe area. Allow the engine to
cool and return to normal operation. See “IF
YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section of this manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper tow-
ing procedures is not covered by INFINITI
warranties.
Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load be-
tween 10 to 15% of the total trailer load or use
the trailer tongue load specified by the trailer
manufacturer. The tongue load must be within
the maximum tongue load limits shown in the
following “Towing Load/Specification” chart. If
the tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange
cargo to allow for proper tongue load.
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MAXIMUM GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT
(GVW)/MAXIMUM GROSS AXLE
WEIGHT (GAW)
The GVW of the towing vehicle must not exceed
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) shown
on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
The GVW equals the combined weight of the
unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage, hitch,
trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment. In addition, front or rear GAW must
not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label.Towing capacities are calculated assuming a
base vehicle with driver and any options re-
quired to achieve the rating. Additional passen-
gers, cargo and/or optional equipment, such as
the trailer hitch, will add weight to the vehicle
and reduce your vehicle’s maximum towing
capacity and trailer tongue load.
The vehicle and trailer need to be weighed to
confirm the vehicle is within the GVWR, Front
GAWR, Rear GAWR, Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) and Towing capacity.
All vehicle and trailer weights can be measured
using platform type scales commonly found at
truck stops, highway weigh stations, building
supply centers or salvage yards.
To determine the available payload capacity for
tongue/king pin load, use the following proce-
dure.
1. Locate the GVWR on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
2. Weigh your vehicle on the scale with all of the passengers and cargo that are nor-
mally in the vehicle when towing a trailer.
3. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the GVWR. The remaining amount is the
available maximum tongue/king pin load.
To determine the available towing capacity, use
the following procedure.
1. Find the GCWR for your vehicle on the“Towing Load/Specification” chart found
later in this section.
2. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the GCWR. The remaining amount is the
available maximum towing capacity.
To determine the Gross Trailer Weight, weigh
your trailer on a scale with all equipment and
cargo, that are normally in the trailer when it is
towed. Make sure the Gross trailer weight is not
more than the Gross Trailer Weight Rating
shown on the trailer and is not more than the
calculated available maximum towing capacity.
Also weigh the front and rear axles on the scale
to make sure the Front Gross Axle Weight and
Rear Gross Axle Weight are not more than Front
Gross Axle Weight and Rear Gross Axle Weight
on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
The cargo in the trailer and vehicle may need to
be moved or removed to meet the specified
ratings.
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Example:
●Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed on a
scale - including passengers, cargo and
hitch - 6,450 lb. (2,926 kg).
● Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label -
7,300 lb. (3,311 kg).
● Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) from
“Towing Load/Specification” chart - 14,300
lb. (6,486 kg).
● Maximum Trailer towing capacity from “Tow-
ing Load/Specification” chart - 8,500 lb.
(3,856 kg).7,300 lb. (3,311 kg) GVWR
 6,450 lb. (2,926 kg) GVW
= 850 lb. (385 kg) Available for tongue
weight
14,300 lb. (6,486 kg) GCWR
 6,450 lb. (2,926 kg) GVW
= 7,850 lb. (3,560 kg) Capacity available
for towing
850 lb. (385 kg) / Available tongue
weight
7,850 lb. (3,560 kg) Available capacity = 11 % tongue weight
The available towing capacity may be less than
the maximum towing capacity due to the pas-
senger and cargo load in the vehicle.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight be-
tween 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or within the
trailer tongue load specification recommended
by the trailer manufacturer. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange the cargo to ob-
tain the proper tongue load. Do not exceed the
maximum tongue weight specification shown in
the “Towing load/specification” chart even if
the calculated available tongue weight is
greater than 15%. If the calculated tongue
weight is less than 10%, reduce the total trailer
weight to match the available tongue weight.
Always verify that available capacities are
within the required ratings.
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TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHARTUnit: lb (kg)
US Canada
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) model Four-Wheel Drive
(4WD) model Four-Wheel Drive
(4WD) model
MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY*1, *2 8,500 (3,856)8,500 (3,856)
MAXIMUM TONGUE LOAD 850 (385)850 (385)
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT RATING 14,300 (6,486) 14,480 (6,568) 14,480 (6,568)
1: The towing capacity 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.
2: Use of a weight-distributing hitch system is recommended when towing over 5,000 lb (2,267 kg).
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle is equipped with a trailer tow
package. The trailer tow package includes a
receiver-type frame mounted hitch. This hitch is
rated for the maximum towing capacity of this
vehicle when the proper towing equipment is
used. Choose a proper ball mount and hitch ball
that is rated for the trailer to be towed. Genuine
INFINITI ball mounts and hitch balls are avail-
able from an INFINITI retailer.
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