2014 INFINITI QX80 emergency towing

2014 Infiniti Towing Guide
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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 and capacity 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. DO NOT exceed the maximum tongue load specification.

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.

WARNING- Do not use S-hooks for attaching, as
they may become un-hooked and are 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 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.

OK


Not OK

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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
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, 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.
CAUTION- 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 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.

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1. Pull your vehicle safely over to the side of the road, out of traffic. Apply the parking brake
and move the gearshift lever to NEUTRAL (manual) or PARK (automatic). DO NOT STOP THE
ENGINE.

2. Turn off the air conditioning and, after opening all the windows, turn the heater on to
maximum hot and the fan to its highest speed, and exit the vehicle. 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. WARNING -Never remove the radiator cap when the radiator is hot. If the cap is
removed under these conditions, pressurized hot water/coolant 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 that 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 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