2018 INFINITI Towing Guide
6
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 conventional trailer tongue load listed for your vehicle. Trailer
tongue weight is the amount of downward pressure exerted onto the hitch ball. Keep the tongue
load between 10-15% of the total trailer weight. DO NOT exceed the maximum tongue load
specification. If the tongue weight is below the recommended amount, you must move some of the
load forward or add weight to the front frame of the trailer.
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 ultimate combined breaking
strength of the two chains must be equal to the gross weight of the towed vehicle(s).
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 the safety chains as they may become un-hooked
while towing. If the S-hook unhooks, the emergency chains/cables will become detached, so if the
tow hitch breaks or becomes disengaged, it will allow the trailer to completely break away causing
property damage and possibly personal injury or death. The use of S-hooks is 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 and outside mirrors. Be careful when changing lanes or turning. Using
only these mirrors could cause an accident as they 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. 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.
2018 INFINITI Towing Guide
13
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
