Infiniti TOWING 2005 User Manual
2005
INFINITI TOWING GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
Introduction
3
Towing Equipment
4
What’s Right for You
10
Preparing Your Vehicle
15
Towing Safety
18
Towing Tips
22
Towing Glossary
23
Specifications
25
Protection
26
The Total Ownership Experience®
INTRODUCTION
SAFETY IS PRIORITY ONE
Obviously, your first concern should be safety. Towing has a significant impact on the dynamics,
handling, and braking of your vehicle. Therefore, be certain that your vehicle can meet the demands
of the towing application you have in mind.
Rent or purchase only the highest-quality towing and safety equipment you can find. Reinforced tow
hitches designed especially for FX and QX56 vehicles are available from your Infiniti dealer. Hitches
for the other Infiniti models should be bought from and installed by a professional supplier of
towing equipment. Finally, it is important to follow the towing capacity limit set for your specific
vehicle, and to ensure that your vehicle is in top mechanical condition; especially the tires, brakes,
suspension, and engine cooling system. See your owner’s manual for details.
NEVER EXCEED THE ESTABLISHED TOWING CAPACITY
While any Infiniti vehicle may be used for towing, only FX and QX56 vehicles can tow over 1,000 lbs.
However, actual capacities vary from vehicle to vehicle.
See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide to view the towing capacities of all 2005 Infiniti
vehicles. Use this data to help select the proper Infiniti vehicle to meet your anticipated needs, and
refer to it when renting a trailer or other piece of towing equipment.
EQUIP YOUR INFINITI FOR TOWING
The frequency and type of towing should also influence the manner in which you equip your vehicle.
If you plan to tow often, either for recreation or work, select the engine size, transmission type,
suspension, and towing capacity that are best suited to your requirements. This guide can help you
select that equipment.
If, on the other hand, your towing will be infrequent, choose the Infiniti vehicle and equipment that
best meets your day-to-day needs. Then, be careful not to exceed the towing capacity on those few
occasions when you do tow.
READ THIS GUIDE BEFORE YOU TOW
This guide was designed to provide an overview of safe towing practices. In it you’ll find information
on towing equipment, safety, proper loading and driving techniques, towing tips, and much more.
It is also a good idea to discuss your towing requirements with either your Infiniti dealer or
professional supplier of towing equipment before you equip your Infiniti vehicle for towing. Finally,
there are state and local laws on towing that you should review to ensure you comply with all
regulations.
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2
TOWING EQUIPMENT
RENTING
The first thing to keep in mind when renting a trailer is to rent only from professional companies that
specialize in towing and towing equipment. More than likely, these representatives will have some
experience in selecting and fitting the towing equipment that is appropriate for your Infiniti vehicle.
When renting, make sure you have your owner’s manual on hand so that you can check the towing
capacities for your specific vehicle. Never rent a trailer that exceeds these capacities, and make sure
that any other equipment you rent is sufficient for your loaded trailer.
While you’re there, ask questions: How much does the trailer weigh? What is the trailer tongue load?
How much weight will the trailer hold? What type of brakes is it equipped with? All of these items
have an effect on whether your Infiniti vehicle is capable of safely pulling that trailer or piece of
equipment.
Make certain that all trailer stoplights, taillights, and turn signals are hooked up and operate
correctly, and that all safety equipment is properly installed. Check the safety chains/cables, tiedowns, etc.
Carefully inspect the condition of the trailer and equipment: Are the tires worn excessively? Are the
tire pressures correct? Are there broken welds, missing bolts or pieces? All these factors can also
affect your safety.
Towing safety should be a high priority when choosing and renting equipment, and this is especially
true concerning hitches. Never rent a clamp-on-type hitch. Since Infiniti bumpers are not designed
for trailer loads, using this type of hitch may cause damage to your vehicle and could result in trailer
separation during towing. Tow only with a permanent-type hitch.
PURCHASING
Purchase towing items such as hitches and hitch balls only from your Infiniti dealer or professional
supplier of towing equipment.
If you are intending to use your vehicle to tow a trailer you already own, first determine the trailer’s
weight when fully loaded. This will tell you if, in fact, your vehicle is capable of pulling this amount
of weight. In addition, it will also help you purchase the right type, style, and class* of hitch and
other equipment.
If you are buying a travel or boat trailer, be sure that your Infiniti vehicle has the towing capacity to
pull it. See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide, or refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for
detailed information regarding the towing capacity of your specific vehicle. Your owner’s manual
should ALWAYS be referenced before making any towing decisions.
Naturally, you’ll want to buy the highest-quality equipment you can find for maximum towing safety.
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
small extra investment.
*See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide for equipment class information specific to your
vehicle.
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3
WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
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 dealer or 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 equipment you intend to tow. In addition, keep the following in
mind:
Do not modify the vehicle’s braking or exhaust systems or its body structure/frame when
installing the hitch.
Be sure that the hitch does not interfere in any way with the vehicle’s energy-absorbing bumper.
Regularly check to see that all hitch-mounting bolts are securely fastened.
Where practical, remove the hitch when not in use. Your Infiniti dealer can assist you in hitch
removal and reinstallation. When removed, seal the bolt holes to prevent road spray, fumes,
water, and dirt from entering the vehicle.
For receiver-type hitches using a ball mount, the ball mount should be removed when not towing.
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.
Hitch Types
Bumper Hitch – This is a special reinforced
bumper designed to accommodate a hitch
ball.
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4
Receiver Hitch – A receiver hitch is
bolted directly to the vehicle structure for added
strength and durability. Infiniti bolt-on receiver
hitches are designed specifically for Infiniti
vehicles, and include the necessary
reinforcements, with ample clearance around
bumpers, frame members, etc. These hitches
allow for the removal of the ball mount when not
towing.
Clamp-On Bumper Hitch – As the name suggests,
this type of temporary hitch clamps onto the
bumper assembly. Infiniti does not recommend
the use of this type hitch for a number of reasons.
It may interfere with performance of the energy-
absorbing bumper. And because the bumper was
not designed to carry this type of load, it could
damage the bumper and bodywork, and may
possibly result in trailer separation during towing.
Therefore, tow only with a permanent hitch.
Weight-Distributing Hitch System – This type of
system uses a “load-leveling” or “equalizing”
hitch. The weight-distributing feature helps shift
the trailer tongue weight to all trailer tires and
the tow vehicle front tires.
Purchase of a Weight-Distributing hitch ball
mount (Class IV) is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED if
you own a QX56 vehicle and plan to tow trailers
with maximum weight over 5,000 lbs. This ball
mount includes a
dealer for use with the optional tow package.
5
2
/16” hitch ball rated for up to 10,000 lbs, and is available through your Infiniti
2005 Infiniti Towing Guide
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BALL MOUNT
A ball mount (also known as a drawbar or “stinger”) is a bar that holds a hitch ball and is inserted
into a receiver-type hitch. Ball mounts come in a number of weight capacities (3,500 lbs., 5,000 lbs.,
etc.) and sizes (1
1
/4”, 2”, etc.), and can
be weight-distributing or non-weight-
distributing.
HITCH BALL
A hitch ball is bolted through a ball
mount or a hitch hole in the tow vehicle’s
rear bumper. The coupler on the trailer
tongue attaches over the hitch ball.
Like ball mounts, hitch balls come in
different weight capacities and sizes. Therefore, always make sure the hitch ball selected has the
proper shank diameter and weight rating for the ball mount as well as the coupler on your trailer.
Using a 1
tow vehicle.
There are different diameters of hitch holes. If a hitch ball with a smaller shank is used in a larger
hole, a bushing should be used to take up the excess clearance. Bushings are often included with
Infiniti accessory hitch balls.
A simple maintenance routine for the hitch ball is recommended to keep it in top condition. Coating
it with light grease will minimize wear of both the coupler and hitch ball. Also, by removing the hitch
7
/8” hitch ball in a 2” coupler, for example, could result in the trailer separating from the
Ball
mount
Hitch
ball
ball when not towing, or by protecting it with a special cover, you will help prevent rust from forming
on it.
TRAILER TONGUE
The tongue (see illustration on page 7) is the part of the trailer that extends forward to meet the tow
vehicle, and also carries the coupler assembly. Knowledge of the trailer tongue load is critical, as it
can have a significant effect on the handling of the tow vehicle. See the SPECIFICATIONS section of
this guide, or refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to view the maximum trailer tongue load listed for
your vehicle.
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6
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 some reason, these chains/cables will provide an emergency
connection between the vehicle and the trailer.
The chains/cables should be crossed under the
trailer tongue and attached to the hitch or
vehicle frame. Crossing the chains/cables under
the tongue will help prevent the tongue from
hitting the ground should the trailer become
disconnected. Also, be sure to leave enough
slack in the chains/cables to turn corners
without binding; however, note that excessive
slack will allow the chains/cables to drag on the
ground.
Do not use S-hooks for attaching, as they may
become un-hooked, and are illegal in many
Coupler
Trailer tongue
OK
states. To avoid damage to the bumper and
chains/cables when making a sharp turn, do not
attach the chains/cables too close to the
Not OK
coupler. Consult your trailer manufacturer for
the proper location of the chain/cable attachment to the trailer.
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 and will bring it to a
safer stop with less damage.
Be sure to leave enough slack in the tether on the breakaway switch to turn corners without binding.
If 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.
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SWAY-CONTROL DEVICE
Sway-control devices are used to help
control the effects of sudden maneuvers,
wind gusts, and buffeting caused by other
vehicles. Make sure the sway-control device
is compatible with your trailer braking
system.
Sway-control
device
REAR VIEW MIRRORS
In many cases, a trailer can block your rear vision when you’re using only the standard Infiniti rear
view mirrors. These mirrors 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 local
regulations.
Telescoping Tow Mirrors are available as an accessory for QX56 vehicles. Contact your Infiniti
dealer for details.
TRAILER LIGHTS
Trailer lights should comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and should be
in proper working order at all times. A trailer’s taillights, stoplights, and turn signals must be wired*
into the tow vehicle’s electrical system. Many trailers use the same filament of a dual-filament bulb
for both stoplights and turn signals. The second filament is used for the trailer’s taillights. All Infiniti
vehicles utilize separate filaments for each function. Direct splicing of this type of trailer lighting
may cause damage to your vehicle’s electrical system and malfunction of the trailer lighting. When
connecting your Infiniti vehicle to this type of trailer lighting system, a 3-wire to 2-wire power
converter** must be used. A power converter of this type creates only minimal additional demand
(draw) on the vehicle lighting circuits to power the trailer lighting.
Always check for correct operation of the turn signals, stoplights, and taillights every time you
connect a trailer for towing. Never replace vehicle fuses with fuses of a higher amperage rating than
the original.
NOTE – Improper or poor quality trailer harness wiring may affect your vehicle’s electrical system.
Use only an Infiniti approved wiring harness, or consult your dealer or a professional supplier of
towing equipment for compatible equipment.
* See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide for wiring harness information specific to your
vehicle.
**QX56 vehicles are pre-wired for trailer lighting and do not require a converter.
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8
BRAKES
Many states require a separate braking system on trailers with a loaded weight of more than 1,500
lbs., and as with hitches, there are several types of braking systems available.
NOTE – Never connect a hydraulic trailer brake system directly to the vehicle hydraulic brake system.
Surge Brakes – The surge brake is mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydraulic line running to
each trailer wheel. Surge brakes are activated by the trailer pushing against the hitch when the tow
vehicle is braking. Hydraulic surge brakes are common on rental trailers and some recreational
trailers. In this type of system, there is no hydraulic or electric connection for brake operation
between the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Electric Trailer Brakes – Electric braking systems are activated by an electronic signal sent from a
trailer brake controller (special brake-sensing module).
If electric trailer brakes are used, Infiniti recommends all-electronic actuation because with this
system it will not be necessary to tap into the tow vehicle’s hydraulic system.
For your convenience, QX56 vehicles are pre-wired to accommodate most popular electric trailer
brake controllers. A wiring harness* is either included with your vehicle or available from your
Infiniti dealer. This harness provides electric trailer brake controller input and output connections to
the vehicle wiring. See a professional supplier of towing equipment for trailer brake controller
availability.
NOTE – Improper or poor quality trailer harness wiring may affect your vehicle’s electrical system.
Use only an Infiniti approved wiring harness, or consult your dealer or professional supplier of
towing equipment for compatible equipment.
GENUINE INFINITI PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Whether you’ll be towing occasionally or on a regular basis, Infiniti offers a full range of Genuine
Infiniti Parts and Accessories to help you tow with confidence.
Every accessory is thoroughly tested and inspected for fit and workmanship. Therefore, you can be
certain that every item is designed to be compatible with the standard features of your vehicle and
designed to assist you with your towing needs.
Contact your Infiniti dealer for more information on accessories or towing-related parts for your
Infiniti vehicle.
*See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide for wiring harness information specific to your vehicle.
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