Towing capacities are calculated assuming a
base vehicle with driver and any options re-
quired to achieve the rating. Additional pas-
sengers, cargo and/or optional equipment,
such as the trailer hitch, will add weight to the
vehicle and reduce your vehicle’s maximum
towing capacity and trailer tongue load.
The vehicle and trailer need to be weighed to
confirm the vehicle is within the GVWR,
Front GAWR, Rear GAWR, Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR) and Towing capacity.
All vehicle and trailer weights can be mea-
sured using platform type scales commonly
found at truck stops, highway weigh stations,
building supply centers or salvage yards.
To determine the available payload capacity
for tongue/king pin load, use the following
procedure.
1. Locate the GVWR on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
2. Weigh your vehicle on the scale with all of the passengers and cargo that are nor-
mally in the vehicle when towing a trailer.
3. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the GVWR. The remaining amount is the
available maximum tongue/king pin load.
To determine the available towing capacity,
use the following procedure. 1. Find the GCWR for your vehicle on the
"Towing Load/Specification" chart found
in this section.
2. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the GCWR. The remaining amount is the
available maximum towing capacity.
To determine the Gross Trailer Weight, weigh
your trailer on a scale with all equipment and
cargo, that are normally in the trailer when it
is towed. Make sure the Gross trailer weight
is not more than the Gross Trailer Weight
Rating shown on the trailer and is not more
than the calculated available maximum tow-
ing capacity.
Also weigh the front and rear axles on the
scale to make sure the Front Gross Axle
Weight and Rear Gross Axle Weight are not
more than Front Gross Axle Weight and Rear
Gross Axle Weight on the F.M.V.S.S./
C.M.V.S.S. certification label. The cargo in the
trailer and vehicle may need to be moved or
removed to meet the specified ratings.
Example:
• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed on a scale - including passengers, cargo
and hitch - 6,350 lbs. (2,880 kg).
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label -
7,250 lbs. (3,289 kg). • Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
from “Towing Load/Specification" chart -
15,100 lbs. (6,849 kg).
• Maximum Trailer towing capacity from “Towing Load/Specification" chart - 9,100
lbs. (4,128 kg).
7,250 lbs. (3,289 kg) GVWR
– 6,350 lbs. (2,880 kg)GVW
= 900 lbs. (409 kg) Available for tongue weight
15,100 lbs. (6,849 kg)GCWR
– 6,350 lbs. (2,880 kg)GVW
= 9,123 lbs. (4,138 kg)Capacity availablefor towing
900 lbs. (409 kg) Available tongue weight
/ 8,750 lbs. (3,969 kg)Available capacity
= 10 % tongue weight
The available towing capacity may be less
than the maximum towing capacity due to
the passenger and cargo load in the vehicle.
10-22Technical and consumer information
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight be-
tween 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or within
the trailer tongue load specification recom-
mended by the trailer manufacturer. If the
tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange
the cargo to obtain the proper tongue load.
Do not exceed the maximum tongue weight
specification shown in the “Towing Load/
Specification” chart even if the calculated
available tongue weight is greater than 15%.
If the calculated tongue weight is less than
10%, reduce the total trailer weight to match
the available tongue weight.
Always verify that available capacities are
within the required ratings.TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
WARNING
The towing capacities provided in this
manual are for general reference only. The
safe towing capacity of your vehicle is af-
fected by dealer and factory installed op-
tions and passenger and cargo loads. You
must weigh the vehicle and trailer as de-
scribed in this manual to determine the ac-
tual vehicle towing capacity. Do not exceed
the published maximum towing capacity or
the GCWR or the GVWR shown on the
FMVSS/CMVSS label. Doing so can result
in an accident causing serious personal in-
jury or property damage.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
With Tow Package*1 Without Tow Package
Metric measure US measureMetric measure US measure
Maximum Towing Capacity*2 2,722 kg6,000 lbs. 1,588 kg3,500 lbs.
Maximum Tongue Load 272 kg600 lbs. 158 kg350 lbs.
Maximum Gross Combined
Weight Rating 5,035 kg
11,102 lbs. 4,000 kg8,820 lbs.
*1 Vehicles equipped with the towing package include additional powertrain cooling capacity that is specifically designed to handle the higher towing weight.
*2 The towing capacity values are calculated assuming a base vehicle with driver and any options required to achieve the rating. Additional passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment will add weight to the vehicle and reduce your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
Technical and consumer information10-23
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle may be equipped with an op-
tional trailer tow package. The trailer tow
package includes a receiver-type frame
mounted hitch. This hitch is rated for the
maximum towing capacity of this vehicle
when the proper towing equipment is used.
Choose a proper ball mount and hitch ball
that is rated for the trailer to be towed.
Genuine INFINITI ball mounts and hitch balls
are available from an INFINITI retailer.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the op-
tional trailer tow package, check the towing
capacity of your bumper hitch or receiver-
type frame mounted hitch. Choose a proper
hitch for your vehicle and trailer. A Genuine
INFINITI trailer hitch is available from an
INFINITI retailer. Make sure the trailer hitch is
securely attached to the vehicle to help avoid
personal injury or property damage due to
sway caused by crosswinds, rough road sur-
faces or passing trucks.
WARNING
Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca-
pable of towing a trailer heavier than the
weight rating of the hitch components.
Never exceed the weight rating of the hitch
components. Doing so can cause serious
personal injury or property damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and
weight rating for your trailer:
• The required hitch ball size is stamped on most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on the top of the ball.
• Choose the proper class hitch ball based on the trailer weight.
• The diameter of the threaded shank of the hitch ball must be matched to the ball
mount hole diameter. The hitch ball shank
should be no more than 1/16” smaller than
the hole in the ball mount.
• The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be long enough to be properly secured to
the ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount
and the ball mount is inserted into the hitch
receiver. Choose a proper class ball mount
based on the trailer weight. Additionally, the
ball mount should be chosen to keep the
trailer tongue level with the ground.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball
mount is one that is designed to carry the
whole amount of tongue weight and gross
weight directly on the ball mount and on the
receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-
leveling” or “equalizing” hitch. A set of bars
attach to the ball mount and to the trailer to
distribute the tongue weight (hitch weight) of
your trailer. Many vehicles can't carry the full
tongue weight of a given trailer, and need
some of the tongue weight transferred
through the frame and pushing down on the
front wheels. This gives stability to the tow
vehicle.
10-24Technical and consumer information
A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV)
is recommended if you plan to tow trailers
with a maximum weight over 5,000 lbs.
(2,268 kg). Check with the trailer and towing
equipment manufacturers to determine if
they recommend the use of a weight-
distributing hitch system.
NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may af-
fect the operation of trailer surge brakes. If
you are considering use of a weight-
distributing hitch system with a surge
brake-equipped trailer, check with the surge
brake, hitch or trailer manufacturer to de-
termine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the
weight-distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface.With the ignition switch in the ON position
and the doors closed, allow the vehicle to
stand for several minutes so that it can
level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the cen-
ter of the vehicle. 3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust
the hitch equalizers so that the front bum-
per height is within0-.5inches (0 – 13
mm) of the reference height measured in
step 2. The rear bumper should be no
higher than the reference height mea-
sured in step 2.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no higher
than the measured reference height when
the trailer is attached. If the rear bumper is
higher than the measured reference height
when loaded, the vehicle may handle un-
predictably which could cause a loss of ve-
hicle control and cause serious personal in-
jury or property damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffet-
ing caused by other vehicles can affect trailer
handling. Sway control devices may be used
to help control these affects. If you choose to
use one, contact a reputable trailer hitch sup-
plier to make sure the sway control device will
work with the vehicle, hitch, trailer and the
trailer's brake system. Follow the instructions
provided by the manufacturer for installing
and using the sway control device.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow
trailers of a maximum weight of 2,000 lbs.
(907 kg).
Class II hitch
Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow
trailers of a maximum weight of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 kg).
Class III hitch
Class III trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow
trailers of a maximum weight of 5,000 lbs.
(2,268 kg).
Tire pressures
• When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires to the recommended
cold tire pressure indicated on the
Tire and Loading Information label.
• Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and proper inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and
tire manufacturer's specifications.
Technical and consumer information10-25
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains
should be crossed and should be attached to
the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or axle.
The safety chains can be attached to the
bumper if the hitch ball is mounted to the
bumper. Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chains to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while us-
ing the vehicle tail light, stop light and turn
signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more
than 15 milliamps from the stop and tail
lamp circuits. Using a module/converter
that exceeds these power requirements
may damage the vehicle's electrical sys-
tem. See a reputable trailer retailer to ob-
tain the proper equipment and to have it
installed. Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/or local regulations. For assistance in
hooking up trailer lights, contact an INFINITI
retailer or reputable trailer retailer. Vehicles
equipped with the optional trailer tow pack-
age are equipped with a 7-pin trailer harness
connector. If your trailer is equipped with a
flat 4-pin connector, an adapter will be
needed to connect the trailer lights to the
vehicle. Adapters are available at auto parts
stores and hitch retailers.Trailer brakes
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake sys-
tem MUST be used.
However, most states
require a separate braking system on trailers
with a loaded weight above a specific
amount. Make sure the trailer meets the local
regulations and the regulations where you
plan to tow.
Several types of braking systems are
available. Surge Brakes -
The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydrau-
lic line running to each trailer wheel. Surge
brakes are activated by the trailer pushing
against the hitch ball when the tow vehicle is
braking. Hydraulic surge brakes are common
on rental trailers and some boat trailers. In
this type of system, there is no hydraulic or
electric connection for brake operation be-
tween the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking sys-
tems are activated by an electronic signal
sent from a trailer brake controller (special
brake-sensing module). For additional infor-
mation, see “Electric trailer brake controller”
(P. 10-27).
Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes are
properly installed and demonstrate proper
brake function testing.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
10-26Technical and consumer information
Electric trailer brake controller (if so
equipped)
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may
require the installation of an aftermarket
trailer brake controller.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a connec-
tor and jumper harness that is specifically
designed to be used when installing an after-
market brake controller.To install the electric trailer brake controller
jumper harness, perform the following
procedure:
1. Open the driver door. Move the seat to the
rearmost position.
LTI0117
Jumper Harness
LTI2555
Connector Location
Technical and consumer information10-27
2. Locate the jumper harness connector un-der the lower portion of the instrument
panel. The connector is taped to the wir-
ing harness
O1as indicated.
• The connector is marked with a white tag with “elec brake conn”.
If you have trouble locating the wiring har-
ness, it is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for assistance.
Wire color designation for electric trailer
brake controller jumper harness.
WIRE COLOR NOTE
WHITE Vehicle stop lamp switch
to trailer brake controller.
BLACK Brake controller ground
(-).
WHITE Trailer brake controller
switched output.
RED/BLUE Not used
GREEN Fused trailer brake con-
troller battery feed (B+).
3. Peel off the tape and connect the jumper harness to the connector.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Install the aftermarket electric trailer brake controller according to the manu-
facturer's instructions.
Pre-towing tips
• Be certain your vehicle maintains a levelposition when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if
it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
• Always secure items in the trailer to prevent load shift while driving. • Keep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of grav-
ity low.
• Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the trailer load is in the front half and 40%
is in the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
• Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve- hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation,
and trailer wheel lug nuts every time you
attach a trailer to the vehicle.
• Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
• Determine the overall height of the vehicle and trailer so the required clearance is
known.Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle's behavior, you should practice
turning, stopping and backing up in an area
which is free from traffic. Steering stability and
braking performance will be somewhat differ-
ent than under normal driving conditions.
• Always secure items in the trailer to preventload shift while driving.
LTI2046
Connector
10-28Technical and consumer information
• Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin orlock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
• Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
• Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
• Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed.
• When backing up, hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you push the park button to engage the P
(Park) position before blocking the wheels
and applying the parking brake, transmis-
sion damage could occur. 1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the down-
hill side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the blocks
absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Push the park button to engage the P (Park) position.
6. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks. • While going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descend-
ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine brak-
ing” and reduces the need to brake as
frequently.
• If the engine coolant temperature rises to a high temperature, see “If your vehicle over-
heats” (P. 6-14).
• Trailer towing requires more fuel than nor- mal circumstances.
• Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle's first 500 miles (805 km).
•For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h).
• Have your vehicle serviced more often than at intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule in the “Maintenance
and schedules” section of this manual.
• When making a turn, your trailer wheels will be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
Technical and consumer information10-29