2020 INFINITI Towing Guide
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RENTING
The first thing to keep in mind when renting any type of tow equipment, trailer, tow dolly, is
to rent only from professional companies that specialize in towing and towing equipment.
S pecialized companies should hire professional staff that can assist you in selecting and
installing the proper towing equipment for your INFINITI vehicle.
When renting, make sure you have your vehicle owner’s manual on hand so that you can
reference the towing capacities for your specific vehicle . Make certain that the tow
equipment and components you rent do not exceed yo ur maximum towing capacity. Make
sure that any related towing equipment you rent has the proper weight class rating for your
maximum intended towed load weight, and the maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating.
While you a re at the rental company , ask questions. How much does the empty trailer
weigh? How much weight will the trailer hold? What is the trailer ’s tongue load? W ith what
type of brakes is it equipped (if any) ? All of these factor s have an effect on whether your
INFINITI vehicle is capable of safely pulling that type of trailer, dolly, or piece of tow
equipment.
Make certain that the trailer stoplights, taillights, turn signals, and brakes (if equipped) are
connected and are operat ing correctly, and that all safety equipment is properly installed.
C heck the safety chain s/cables , tie-downs, etc.
For safer operation, carefully inspect the condition of the trailer and towing equipment.
Specifically, check to make sure the tires are not worn excessively and are properly inflated.
Make sure there are no t any broken welds, missing bolts, and that the hitch components
are not damaged. Towing safety should be a high priority when choosing and renting
towing equipment, including hitches.
WARNING: NEVER RENT A CLAMP -ON -TYPE HITCH . The hitch should not be
attached to or affect the operation of the impact -absorbing bumper. Use only a
permanent -type hitch properly attached to the vehicle to help avoid personal injury or
property damage.
PURCHASING
If you are buying a trailer, be sure that your INFINITI vehicle has the towing capacity to pull
it. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for detailed information regarding the towing
capacity of your specific vehicle. Your vehicle owner’s manual should ALWAYS be
referenced before making any towing decisions.
Natu rally, you will want to select the towing and safety equipment that adheres to federal
safety regulations, as well as any regulations in any state in which you may travel.
TOWING EQUIPMENT
2020 INFINITI Towing Guide
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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.
WARNING - A brea kaway 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. If your vehicle is equipped with a towing
package, a 7 -pin trailer harness connector is located at the trailer hitch, under a cover on
the rear bumper on some models for connecting trailer lights. For trailers that use a
different style plug, contact your INFINITI retailer or a professional supplier of towin g
equipment for adaptors to the 7- pin trailer harness.
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 sig nal 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 c reates 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.
CAUTION – Improper ly installed or poor quality t railer harness wiring may adversely
affect your vehicle’s electrical system. Use only a n INFINITI approved wiring harness ,
or consult your retailer or a professional supplier of towing equipment for compatible
equipment.
