2015 INFINITI QX80 recommended

2015 Infiniti Towing Guide


5 Weight-Distributing Hitch System – This type of system
uses a “load-leveling” or “equalizing” hitch. The weight-
distributing feature helps shift the trailer tongue weight
to all the axles of the tow vehicle and the trailer axles.

Weight –distributing hitches should be used in many
towing conditions. In general, a weight-distributing hitch
system is recommended and should be used if you plan
to tow trailers with a maximum weight over 5,000 lbs.
Refer to trailer and hitch manufacturer for detailed information on load limits. Weight distributing
hitches are available in many styles and with sway control accessory options to accommodate
trailers with maximum loaded weight and for different driving conditions.
NOTE – A weight-distributing hitch system may affect the operation of trailer surge brakes. If you are
considering use of a weight-distributing hitch system with a surge brake-equipped trailer, check
with the surge brake, hitch, or trailer manufacturer to determine if and how this can be done. Follow
the instructions provided by the manufacturer for installing and using the weight-distributing hitch
system.

BALL MOUNT
A ball mount (also known as a drawbar) is a bar that holds a hitch ball and is inserted into a
receiver-type hitch. Ball mounts come in a number of weight capacities (3,500 lbs., 5,000 lbs., etc.)
and sizes (1
1/4”, 2”, etc.), and can be weight-distributing or non-weight-distributing. Choose a
proper class ball mount based on the trailer weight.

HITCH BALL
A hitch ball is bolted through a ball mount or a hitch hole
in the tow vehicle’s rear bumper. The coupler on the
trailer tongue attaches over the hitch ball.

Like ball mounts, hitch balls are available in a number of
weight capacities and sizes. Always make sure the hitch
ball selected has the proper shank diameter and weight
rating for the ball mount as well as the coupler on your trailer. Using a 1
7/8” hitch ball in a 2”
coupler, for example, could result in the trailer separating from the tow vehicle. The required hitch
ball size is stamped on most trailer couplers.
The diameter of the hitch ball shank must be matched to the ball mount hole diameter. The shank
should be no more than
1/16” smaller than the hole. To keep the hitch ball in top condition, a
simple maintenance routine is recommended. Coating it with light grease will minimize wear of
both the coupler and hitch ball. Also, by removing the hitch ball when not towing, or by protecting it
with a special cover, you will help prevent rust from forming on it.

Hitch
Mount BallBall

2015 Infiniti Towing Guide


7 regulations. Telescoping Tow Mirrors are available as an accessory for certain Infiniti vehicles.
Contact your Infiniti retailer for details.


SWAY CONTROL DEVICE
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting caused by other vehicles can affect trailer handling.
Sway control devices may help control the pivoting motion between tow vehicle and trailer and
make trailer towing easier on the driver. If you choose to use one, contact a reputable trailer hitch
supplier to make sure the sway control device will work with the vehicle, hitch, trailer and the
trailer’s brake system. A sway control device is recommended for all towing above 2,000 lb (907
kg). Too low a percentage of tongue weight can also cause sway. Follow the instructions provided
by the manufacturer for installing and using the sway control device.

BREAKAWAY SWITCH
On a trailer with electric brakes, a breakaway switch can automatically activate the trailer brake
system if the trailer becomes separated from the tow vehicle. Should the trailer become detached,
a breakaway switch may help prevent the trailer from wandering into another lane. A breakaway
switch relies on the power of a trailer battery, so make sure it is not discharged. Never use the
breakaway switch to “park” the trailer on a grade. The battery would eventually discharge and
release the brake, allowing the trailer to roll.

Be sure to leave enough slack in the tether on the breakaway switch to turn corners without
binding. If you do not, the electric trailer brakes will lock-up and not release. See your trailer
manufacturer for proper installation of a breakaway switch that is compatible with your trailer
braking system.

TRAILER LIGHTS
Trailer lights should comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and should be
in proper working order at all times. A trailer’s taillights, stoplights, and turn signal lights must be
wired into the towing vehicle’s electrical system.*

Most trailers operate on a four-wire system in which the stoplights and turn signal lights utilize the
same wire. Most all Infiniti vehicles have separate wires for the stoplights and turn signal lights,
therefore a device called a “converter” is needed.** Specifically, a “powered converter” must be
used, as a converter of this type creates only minimal additional electrical demand (draw) on the
vehicle lighting circuits, which helps to ensure protection for the vehicle’s sensitive electronics.
Always check for correct operation of the taillights, stoplights, and turn signal lights every time you
connect a trailer for towing. Never replace vehicle fuses with fuses of a higher amperage rating than
the original.

*Vehicles equipped with LED taillights require that wiring be connected at a specific location. For assistance in

hooking up trailer lights, contact your Infiniti retailer or a professional supplier of towing equipment.
**QX80 and QX60 vehicles are pre-wired for trailer lighting and do not require a converter.

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9

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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If you have never towed a trailer before, be aware that it does take getting used to. To begin with,
towing noticeably affects your vehicle’s performance:
 It will not accelerate as quickly — an important point to keep in mind when merging onto a
highway.
 It will not stop as quickly. Leave more room than usual between you and the traffic ahead, and
brake sooner when coming to a stop.
 Abrupt maneuvering can unbalance the load and reduce the handling and stability of your tow
vehicle. Plan ahead and make lane changes and turns smoothly.

If possible, before you actually hit the open road, practice towing in a large uncrowded area such as
a safe, open place with minimal traffic. Become especially familiar with backing up a trailer — the
maneuver many people find most difficult.

BRAKE SOONER
The combination of your tow vehicle and trailer obviously requires a greater distance to stop. A
good rule of thumb to remember is that for each 10 mph of speed, allow yourself one tow vehicle
and trailer length of distance between the front of your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

When braking, use firm but gradual pressure on the pedal rather than panic braking. Applying the
brakes abruptly or with too much force can cause the trailer to skid or jackknife at its point of
attachment with the vehicle. This, in turn, can throw the tow vehicle out of control. If equipped with
an electric trailer brake controller, follow the recommended operational instructions.

CORNER MORE SLOWLY
Know your vehicle and trailer capabilities.
WARNING- Entering a sharp corner too quickly or abruptly can “crack the whip,” whereby the
trailer can actually pull the tow vehicle off the road resulting in property damage, a serious
accident, personal injury, or death.
Therefore, when approaching a relatively sharp corner, begin braking sooner than you would when
not towing. Do your braking in a straight line prior to the corner, and turn smoothly into it. In
addition, remember to make a wider turn than normal to ensure that the trailer safely clears the
inside of the turn.

BACK UP WITH CAUTION
Backing up with a trailer is a difficult maneuver. Steer with one hand at the bottom of the steering
wheel. To turn the trailer to the left, first move the steering wheel to the left. To turn the trailer to the
right, move the wheel to the right. All movements of the wheel should be done in small increments.
TOWING TIPS/CAUTIONS & WARNINGS

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17
Of course, backing up should be done only at very slow speeds. For large trailers that obstruct your
rearward vision, have someone outside the vehicle act as a “spotter” to guide you along.
WARNING- Do not use the Back-up Collision Intervention system (BCI) when towing a trailer. The
BCI system cannot function properly when objects are obstructing the radar sensor beams.

PARK SMART
A tow vehicle and trailer can be an unwieldy combination in a small area, so always try to park
where you will have a relatively easy time maneuvering. Once parked, always block the wheels on
both the tow vehicle and the trailer.

Parking on a slope is not recommended. If, however, you must park on a slope and your vehicle is
equipped with an automatic transmission, there are some precautions you should take:
 Turn the wheels of the tow vehicle towards the side of the road away from the center of the road,
and apply the parking brake and only then move the gear lever into PARK.
 Next, have someone block the wheels once the tow vehicle and trailer are in position and are
being held by the vehicle’s brake.
CAUTION-If you move the lever into PARK before blocking the wheels and applying the parking
brake, it may be difficult to later shift out of PARK. Transmission damage may also occur.

PASS CAREFULLY
As mentioned in the introduction to this section, because of the added weight of the trailer,
acceleration capability is reduced and you will require a longer distance to pass another vehicle. Be
certain you have sufficient time and space to pass safely.
WARNING- Never attempt to pass on hills or when going around curves. Doing so could cause a
loss of vehicle control and result in accident, property damage or personal injury. Because the
trailer does not follow the exact path as the tow vehicle on turns, safely passing and cornering
while towing takes considerably more distance and turning space than normal. Be certain you
have sufficient time and space to pass safely, remember, the length of the trailer must also pass
the other vehicle before you can safely change lanes.

HILLS – UPGRADES
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, it is designed to select automatically
the correct gear for the best towing comfort and performance as the incline increases. To maintain
speed or avoid up and down shifts, manually shift to a lower gear as needed.

The added weight of a trailer places an increased load on the engine and cooling system, so
monitor your coolant temperature gauge and automatic transmission fluid temperature gauge (if

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18
equipped) carefully. At the first sign of overheating, pull to the side of the road. See IF YOUR ENGINE
OVERHEATS later in this section for more information.

HILLS – DOWNGRADES
WARNING- While going downhill, the weight of the trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may
decrease overall stability, and may deteriorate overall handling characteristics. The vehicle may
handle unpredictably which could cause a loss of vehicle control resulting in an accident, property
damage, serious injury or death. Therefore, to maintain adequate control, reduce your speed and
shift to a lower gear and apply the braking in short bursts. If your vehicle is equipped with Tow
Mode, see your vehicle owner’s manual for information about the use of this function.

WARNING- Avoid long or repeated use of the brakes when descending a hill, as this reduces
their effectiveness and could cause overheating which could result in damage to your brake
components or unable to slow to a safe speed. Shifting to a lower gear instead provides “engine
braking” and reduces the need to brake as frequently.

HIGH-ALTITUDE PERFORMANCE
An engine will lose about 4% of its performance for every 1,000 feet above sea level that you travel.
If you will be towing in high altitudes, it is a good idea to allow more time than usual due to the
engine’s reduced performance.

INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL

WARNING- In order to maintain a safe distance to the vehicle ahead to avoid the possibility of
accidents, property damage, serious injury or death. Infiniti recommends not to use the Intelligent
Cruise control (ICC) system while towing a trailer or other vehicle. In certain road conditions when
your vehicle is towing, the ICC sensor may not detect a vehicle ahead. If the ICC sensor cannot
detect the reflector on the vehicle ahead, the ICC system may not maintain the selected distance
which could cause an accident, property damage, or death.

BLIND SPOT INTERVENTION
WARNING- Do not use the Blind Spot Intervention system (BSI) when towing a trailer. The BSI
system cannot function properly when objects are obstructing the radar sensors which could cause
an accident, property damage, or death.

TOW MODE (IF SO EQUIPPED)
Tow Mode is recommended when towing a heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load, in stop-and-go
traffic, rolling terrain, or a busy parking lot. Driving the vehicle in Tow Mode may affect fuel

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TOWING GLOSSARY




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.