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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 s ome reason, these chain s/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 cro ssed under the trailer tongue and attached to the hitch or
vehicle frame. Crossing the chain s/cables under the tongue will help prevent the tongue
from hitting the ground should the trailer become disconnected .
B e sure to leave enough slack in the chain s/ 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 mirror s 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 l ocal 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 t owing 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.
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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
