2020 INFINITI Towing Guide
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in different configurations to adjust the tongue load and load tr ansfer and hitch ball
he ight . On some tandem axle trailers an incorrect hitch height can result in uneven
trailer axle loading.
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 a re 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 o f 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 caus ing instability, which may lead to swaying, “tail wagging ,” or jackknif ing
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.
TOWING SAFETY
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WARNING- Do not use or rely upon 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 sma ll 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
since y our 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, block /chock 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
Your vehicle was designed to be used primarily to carry passengers and cargo. If your
Infiniti
vehicle owner’s manual states its allowed for towing, its automatic transmission 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 sh ift 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
