2013 INFINITI EX emergency towing

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TRAILER TONGUE
The tongue is the part of the trailer that extends forward to meet the tow vehicle, and it also carries
the coupler assembly. Knowledge of the trailer minimum and maximum tongue load is critical as it
can have a significant effect on the handling of the tow vehicle. Refer to your vehicle owner’s
manual to view the maximum trailer tongue load listed for your vehicle, and always keep the tongue
load between 10 to 15% of the trailer weight. Do not exceed the 10 to 15% tongue weight
specification. If the calculated tongue weight is less than 10%, reduce the total trailer weight to
match the available tongue weight.

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 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.

Do not use S-hooks for attaching, as they may
become un-hooked and are illegal in many
states.

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
In many cases, a trailer can block your rear vision when you are using only the standard Infiniti rear
view mirrors. These mirrors 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.

OK


Not OK

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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 quickly affect
the handling of your vehicle and cause a very
unsafe situation.


Finally, do not carry flammable materials, such as
gasoline, in your trailer. In the event of an accident, an explosion or fire could occur.

ENSURING VEHICLE/TRAILER STABILITY
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.

If swaying does occur, 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 emergency situations.

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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
Vehicle modifications — beyond those required for proper hitch installation, wiring hook-up, or
adding extended mirrors — are not recommended for 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.
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 be inspected. 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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maximum hot and the fan to its highest speed. The heater core in your vehicle is just like a
miniature engine radiator and will provide an extra cooling surface to help reduce engine
temperature.

*
See your vehicle owner’s manual for additional indications that your vehicle may be overheating.

3. If the temperature does not drop or continues to increase, stop the engine immediately.

4. Being cautious of traffic, step out of the vehicle and, from a safe distance, look for steam
underneath the engine. If you see steam or leaking coolant, stand clear to avoid being
burned and shut off your engine immediately and allow it to cool. If there is no steam, open
the hood. Never remove the radiator cap when the radiator is hot. If the cap is removed
under these conditions, hot water/coolant under high pressure may spurt out, possibly
causing serious injury.

5. As soon as the engine has cooled to its normal operating temperature, visually inspect the
drive belts for damage or looseness. A loose belt reduces water pump efficiency. Be careful
to keep your hands, hair, jewelry, and clothing clear of the running drive belt and other
moving parts when inspecting the engine and radiator. Also check to see if the cooling fan is
running, and inspect the water pump, radiator, and radiator hoses for leaks. Keep in mind,
too, that if your vehicle is equipped with an electric fan motor, it may start without warning
any time the coolant temperature is high. If you find leaking coolant, a loose or missing drive
belt, or an inoperable fan, turn off the engine immediately.

6. If no leaks are apparent and all other components appear to be operating properly with the
engine cooled to its normal operating temperature, check the coolant level in the reservoir
tank with the engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir tank if needed. At this point, if
repairs are required, go to the nearest Infiniti retailer. See the IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
section of your vehicle owner’s manual for additional information on overheating.

NOTE – All Infiniti vehicles have an engine protection mode which helps reduce the chance of
engine damage if the engine coolant reaches a specified temperature.

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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 and 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 also
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