2014 Infiniti Towing Guide
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CAUTION- Towing can significantly alter the handling 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.
CAUTION- Always make sure your vehicle’s towing capacity is adequate for the trailer you intend to
tow. Buy or lease only quality equipment. In addition, be certain that you have all of the equipment
needed for safe towing, such as safety chains/cables, electric trailer brakes, electric trailer brake
controller, breakaway switch, and extended rear view mirrors.
You should follow a more frequent maintenance schedule and check fluid levels, pressures, tire
condition, etc., more often when on the road. See your vehicle owner’s manual for details.
LOADING YOUR TRAILER
CAUTION- 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. 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 are 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.
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
