2021 INFINITI QX80 ECU

2021 INFINITI Towing Guide


3
Naturally, 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.
And if you plan to tow often, consider convenience. Quick-disconnect trailer light
connectors and ratchet-type tie-downs, for example, make the job go faster and easier and
are usually worth the extra small investment. Purchase towing items such as hitches and
hitch balls only from your INFINITI retailer or a professional supplier of towing equipment.

If you are intending to use your vehicle to tow a trailer you already own, you must ensure
that your loaded trailer remains well within your vehicle's towing capacity as specified in
the vehicle owner's manual. In addition, you should purchase the right type, style, and class*
of hitch and towing equipment to properly adapt the trailer to your vehicle.

TYPES OF EQUIPMENT
Towing requires a variety of equipment, and, depending upon the application, there can be
several types or styles of each piece of equipment. Working with your INFINITI retailer or a
professional supplier of towing equipment, it should be relatively simple to determine the
proper type of equipment for your specific vehicle given the intended application. This
section explains the most common pieces of towing equipment available.

HITCHES
Whichever type of hitch you use, it should be firmly bolted to your vehicle, and should be of
the appropriate weight class for the trailer, tow dollies or towing equipment you intend to
tow. In addition, keep the following in mind:

WARNING- Never modify the vehicle’s braking or exhaust systems or its body
structure/frame when installing the hitch. Altering the brakes or structure on a vehicle
could increase the likelihood of a crash.

 Installing an aftermarket hitch may affect the rear crash performance of your vehicle.
Changing the crash performance of a vehicle could lead to more severe vehicle damage,
personal injury or death in a crash. Be sure that the hitch does not interfere in any way
with the vehicle’s impact-absorbing bumper.
 Never attach a hitch or towing device to the vehicle bumper. This may 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.


Regularly check to see that all hitch-mounting bolts are securely fastened to ensure
the hitch will not come loose, and remains properly attached to the vehicle to help
avoid property damage, personal injury or death.

CAUTION- If you have a receiver-type hitch using a ball mount; remove the ball mount
when not towing, or protect it with a special cover, this will help keep it from damage, and
prevent rust from forming on it.

 If you install a hitch yourself, remember that it must be securely attached to the frame
or underbody, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Never attach a hitch or
towing device to the vehicle axle housing. This may damage the housing, wheel
bearings, wheels, or tires.


*
Refer to your owner’s manual for the equipment class information specific to your vehicle.
WHAT IS RIGHT FOR

2021 INFINITI Towing Guide


14

WARNING-The trailer load should be
balanced equally from side-to-side.
Unequal side-to-side loading can negatively
affect handling and braking. Once in
place, all cargo should be firmly secured to
prevent shifting. If the load should shift
abruptly during braking or cornering, it
could adversely affect the handling and
stability of your vehicle and cause a
very unsafe situation and may lead to an
accident or personal injury.
● DO NOT carry flammable materials, such as
gasoline, in your trailer. In the event of an
accident, it may result in an explosion, fire,
or personal injury or death.

PROVIDING FOR VEHICLE/TRAILER STABILITY


WARNING- Improper loading, excessive or insufficient trailer tongue load,
overloading, excessive trailer weight, poorly designed trailer suspensions, crosswinds,
and poor maintenance are all things that can affect the stability of your vehicle
and trailer combination. Vehicle instability may result in loss of vehicle control and
cause an accident, personal injury or death.

If swaying occurs, gradually reduce speed, and apply only the trailer brakes to help
reduce sway. Steady the steering wheel and gradually pull over and stop to check
the cargo load for proper balance and distribution to ensure proper trailer tongue
load. In addition, check the condition of the suspension and shocks, as well as the tires,
tire pressures, and wheel bearings on both the tow vehicle and trailer.
If the swaying continues and your trailer is suitably balanced and within the towing
capacity limits of your vehicle, discontinue towing and consult your INFINITI retailer or
trailer manufacturer to determine the problem.

VEHICLE SPEED
Please note that some states have specific regulations and speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Remember to reduce your speed in unsafe or less-than-ideal
road conditions or weather. When towing a trailer, braking distances increase while
handling agility decreases. Always leave yourself an extra margin of distance to
respond to emergencies.

2021 INFINITI Towing Guide


15
PASSENGERS

WARNING- Never allow passengers to ride inside a trailer while it is being towed.
Not only is this unlawful in most areas, passengers could be seriously injured during
sudden trailer movement or in an accident. In addition, trailers may allow fumes from
the tow vehicle to leak inside. This could result in carbon monoxide poisoning from the
engine exhaust.

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS

WARNING - DO NOT modify your vehicle beyond those required for proper hitch
installation, wiring hook-up, or adding extended mirrors on any INFINITI vehicle being
used for towing purposes. Changes to the drivetrain, suspension, exhaust systems,
electrical, frame structure/unibody, or other vehicle components are not necessary for
towing within the limits described in this guide. These changes may diminish the
reliability and longevity of your vehicle, and damage caused by such modifications
may not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty or may possibly result in loss of
vehicle control and cause an accident, personal injury or death.


TOOL KIT
When towing, bring tools including flares, a flashlight, emergency reflectors, jumper
cables, extra fuses, extra radiator coolant, oil, and easily replaced spare parts such as
taillight bulbs. You should also carry spare tires for your tow vehicle and trailer, as well
as a jack suitable for use on the trailer. Choose a jack that can raise and lower the
trailer so that you can connect the coupler to and disconnect it from the ball of your
hitch. Choose one with a weight capacity that matches or surpasses your trailer
tongue weight.

WARNING- Be aware that your automotive jack is designed for lifting only your
vehicle during a tire change. Using an automobile jack to lift a trailer-bearing load may
be unstable possibly causing it to fall off the jack stand which may result in property
damage or serious injury or death.

BEFORE STARTING OUT
Before starting out on a trip, make one last inspection of the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Are the tire pressures correct? Are the safety chains/cables securely in place? Is the
cargo tied down securely? Do all the lights work? Is the coupler properly attached over
the hitch ball and secured using a locking pin? Is the breakaway switch hooked up
and functioning properly? Are vehicle and electric trailer brakes working properly?

Make a checklist of key items to inspect. When towing, vehicle engine oil, transmission
oil*, and coolant should always be checked before starting out. Finding a potential
problem while in your driveway is better than discovering it miles from home.
If you have never towed a trailer before, be aware that it does take getting used to.
*When checking or replacement is required, it is recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer for
service.
TOWING TIPS/CAUTIONS &

2021 INFINITI Towing Guide


23 In addition, a rear-facing child restraint must never be used in the front passenger seat
if the vehicle is equipped with a front passenger air bag. Children 12 and under should
ride in the rear seat properly secured in child restraints, booster seats, or seat belts,
according to their size. Please see your vehicle owner's manual for more details.

*
For complete warranty details, refer to the INFINITI Warranty Information Booklet or see your
nearest INFINITI retailer.
**A nominal deductible may apply. For details please refer to the Elite INFINITI Extended
Protection Plan Service Agreement or contact your INFINITI retailer.


By far the most important benefit of INFINITI luxury is the Total Ownership Experience.®
Years before we ever built our first luxury car, we built this belief: Luxury is much more
than a collection of features on an automobile. It is a way of doing business based
upon building a lasting relationship. From the very moment you arrive at an INFINITI
retailer, we strive to exceed your expectations at every turn with our line of products
and our people. You will notice our commitment to your satisfaction in everything we
do, from the way we build our vehicles to the way we support them for years to come.
As an INFINITI driver you will enjoy a host of useful services like 24-hour Roadside
Assistance,* a Complimentary INFINITI Service Loan Car** and Trip Interruption
Benefits.* Your ownership experience will be a complete one, extending from our
showroom to our Web site and beyond.

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
4-year/unlimited-mileage* includes: Trip Interruption Benefits, 24-hour toll-free customer
assistance number, battery boost, lock-outs, flat tires, out-of-gas, accident towing.

SERVICE LOAN CAR PROGRAM
When you make an appointment and drop off your INFINITI vehicle for warranty repair
maintenance at participating retailers, a complimentary INFINITI Service Loan Car** will
be waiting. And before your INFINITI is returned to you, it will be hand-washed and
running smoothly.

COMMITMENT
To a superior product representing excellent value, presented in a unique environment.
To honor our guests and treat them with respect during the buying process. To give our
customers outstanding service throughout their ownership, so that they may enjoy an
ongoing relationship with knowledgeable people. To be completely committed to
ensuring total satisfaction for our customers.

OWNERSHIP ONLINE
Our goal is to provide owners with a premium quality vehicle and an outstanding
ownership experience that does not end when you drive away from the showroom. To
THE TOTAL OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE INFINITIUSA.com