2017 INFINITI Towing Guide
20 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.
NOTES
Passenger Vehicles – INFINITI does not recommend trailer towing with Q50, Q60, Q70, or Q70 (HEV)
vehicles.
Cross-Over Vehicles – INFINITI
does not recommend trailer towing with QX30, QX50, or the QX70 2WD
vehicles.
Other Recommendations and Information – Towing performance and speed are affected by vehicle
payload, tow weight, road grades, and weather conditions, including high temperatures. See your
vehicle owner’s manual for details.
1 Maximum Trailer Weight values are calculated assuming a base vehicle with
driver and any options required, to achieve the rating. Additional
passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment will add weight to the vehicle
and reduce your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity and trailer tongue
load.
2 In general, a weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) should be used
when towing over 5,000 lbs.
3 Most states require a separate braking system on trailers with a loaded
weight above a specific amount. Check local ordinances. 7-pin connector
trailer wire harnesses are required for use with trailer brakes (available
separately).
2017 INFINITI Towing Guide
21
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.
