2015 INFINITI QX80 Towing Guide

2015 Infiniti Towing Guide


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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.

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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PREPARING YOUR VEHICLE

BREAK-IN AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
CAUTION- Infiniti recommends that you allow a sufficient “break-in” (500 miles) of both the
engine and drivetrain before towing with your new Infiniti vehicle. DO NOT tow a trailer or haul a
heavy load for the first 500 miles. For the first 500 miles that that you tow a trailer, do not drive
over 50 mph and do not make starts at full throttle. Following these recommendations helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at heavier loads.

Keep in mind, too, that towing places higher demands and added loads on vehicle components, so
more frequent maintenance is called for. Your Infiniti Service & Maintenance Guide provides the
accelerated maintenance schedule for towing purposes. Engine oil, filter, transmission oil, and
possibly other fluids should be changed more frequently when towing.

TIRE PRESSURE
When towing a trailer, increase the tow vehicle tire pressures to the recommended cold
specifications. You will find these figures in the vehicle owner’s manual and on the tire pressure
chart located within the vehicle. Trailer tire condition, size, load rating, and inflation pressure must
be in accordance with the trailer and tire manufacturer’s specifications.

MEASURING VEHICLE WEIGHT
The key to safer, efficient towing has to do with weight. Your vehicle — SUV, crossover, or
passenger car — is capable of carrying and towing only a certain amount of weight. You must
compare your vehicle’s tow weight ratings with the combined weight of the vehicle, trailer, and their
contents. This will help ensure that the total weight does not exceed any of your vehicle’s tow
weight ratings. There are four weights to consider when towing:
 Gross Vehicle Weight
 Gross Axle Weight (Front and Rear)
 Gross Combined Weight
 Trailer Tongue Load

These ratings are based upon normal highway driving and may be reduced if operating in reduced-
traction situations (for example, slippery boat ramps).

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WARNING- Attempting to tow loads greater than the GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, and the trailer tongue
load specified could adversely affect vehicle handling, braking, and performance. If you do, parts
of your vehicle can break, and tire damage could occur as a result of overloading which may not be
covered by your vehicle warranty. Overloading can also result in loss of control of your vehicle and
which could cause a serious accident, personal injury or death.










GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT (GVW)
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the actual weight of the fully loaded vehicle or trailer, including
passengers, cargo, and fuel, hitch, trailer tongue weight, and any optional equipment.

The best way to determine the GVW is by having the
vehicle — loaded and ready to tow — weighed
at a public scale. That figure must include the combined
weight of all passengers and cargo that are normally in
the vehicle when towing a trailer.

The GVW you come up with must not exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for your vehicle. On all
Infiniti vehicles, the GVWR is shown on the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard (F.M.V.S.S.) certification label
located in the driver’s-side door area. Weigh your vehicle
on the scale with all of the passengers and cargo that are
normally in the vehicle when pulling a trailer. Subtract
the actual vehicle weight from the GVWR. The remaining
amount is the available maximum tongue/king pin load.

To avoid overloading the vehicle, be sure to include the
trailer tongue weight as a part of the cargo when
determining how much weight can be safely carried
inside the vehicle. The weight of any roof rack cargo
should also be included.



MFD BY NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD
DATE
GVWR
GAWR FR.
WITH

GAWR RR.
WITH
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO
ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY
STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON
THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE
SHOWN ABOVE.
SEE OWNERS MANUAL FOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
TIRES
TIRES
TYPE: TRUCK
MODEL: 3B000
COLOR TRIM TRANS
AXLE ENGINE

RIMS AT PSI
COLD SINGLERIMS AT PSI
COLD SINGLE

F.M.V.S.S
Certification Label

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GROSS AXLE WEIGHT (GAW)
The Gross Axle Weight (GAW) is the maximum weight placed on a single axle (front and rear) that it
is designed to safely carry.

To determine the GAW, load the vehicle as you would for towing and attach the loaded trailer. At a
public scale, with the loaded trailer attached, place only the tow vehicle front wheels on the scale
to determine the actual front axle GAW. To obtain the rear axle GAW, place all four tow vehicle
wheels on the scale. From that figure, subtract the front GAW and you will have the rear GAW
amount. The cargo in the trailer and the vehicle may have to be moved, or removed to meet the
specified rating.


The GAW you come up with must not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle.
On Infiniti vehicles, the GAWR for both axles is listed on the F.M.V.S.S. certification label.











GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT (GCW)
The Gross Combined Weight (GCW) is the total weight of the tow vehicle with all passengers, cargo,
and fuel, plus the total weight of the trailer and all its cargo.

To determine the GCW, simply weigh your vehicle when fully loaded and ready to tow, and add in
the weight of the loaded trailer.

2015 Infiniti Towing Guide


12 The GCW you come up with must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) for your
vehicle. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to view the maximum GCWR specification listed for
your vehicle.

TRAILER TONGUE LOAD
Trailer tongue load is the amount of
trailer’s weight pressing down on the
tow vehicle hitch ball.

To measure trailer tongue load, place
the tongue of the trailer on a scale
when the trailer is not attached to the
vehicle. A separate vehicle jack — not
the trailer jack — should be used, as
the location of the trailer jack is rearward of the trailer tongue and will not give you an accurate
measurement of the true tongue load. Make sure the vehicle jack is placed directly under the trailer
tongue coupler, and the tongue is set at the height/level of the tow vehicle hitch.

For proper handling, you must keep the trailer tongue load between 10-15% of the actual trailer
weight, within the limits of the maximum trailer tongue load allowable. For example, to determine
the proper trailer tongue load for a 1,500-lb. trailer, multiply the weight of 1,500 lbs. by 10% to arrive
at a figure of 150 lbs.

Some trailer types may require different trailer tongue loads for safe towing. Always follow the
trailer manufacturer’s recommendations for proper trailer set-up and trailer tongue load. Keep the
trailer tongue load within the maximum trailer tongue load allowable. Additionally, make sure the
vehicle has the payload capacity available for the trailer tongue load. If the tongue load becomes
excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for proper tongue load.

Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to view the maximum trailer tongue load listed for your
vehicle.

HITCH & TRAILER HEIGHT
It is important that your trailer floor and
tongue ride as level as possible. This
will help prevent over-angling, bottoming-out,
and improper tongue load and load transfer.
Therefore, the hitch or trailer tongue must be
adjusted during the initial vehicle/trailer fit-
up to ensure a level ride. Ball mounts and

Trailer Tongue Load
Total Trailer Loadx 100 = 10-15%
Vehicle
Jack
Trailer Tongue Load
Total Trailer Load

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weight distribution hitches are available in different configurations to adjust the tongue load and
load transfer and hitch ball height.

WARNING - 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.

WARNING- Always make sure your vehicle’s towing capacity is adequate for the trailer you
intend to tow. Be certain that you have all of the proper equipment needed for safe towing, such
as safety chains/cables, electric trailer brakes, electric trailer brake controller, breakaway switch,
and extended rear view mirrors. Make certain your equipment conforms to all federal, state or local
regulations to help ensure against the possibility of a serious accident and personal injury or death.


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
WARNING- 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 which could result in a serious accident,
personal injury or death. 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 may be 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 which could result in an accident, personal injury or death.

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

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WARNING-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
adversely affect the handling of your vehicle and
cause a very unsafe situation and may lead to an
accident or personal injury.

● DO NOT carry flammable materials, such as
gasoline, in your trailer. In the event of an accident,
an explosion or fire could occur.

PROVIDING FOR VEHICLE/TRAILER STABILITY
WARNING- 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. Overloading or
unsafe operating conditions could lead to a serious accident, personal injury or death.

If swaying occurs, gradually reduce speed, and apply only the trailer brakes to help reduce sway.
Steady the steering wheel and gradually pull over and stop to 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 emergencies.

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PASSENGERS

WARNING- Never allow passengers to ride inside a trailer while it is being towed because there
are not any passenger restraints in a trailer. 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, 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, void warranty coverage or possible 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.


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.