Towing a Trailer{CAUTION:
If you do not use the correct equipment and
drive properly, you can lose control when you
pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work well— or even
at all. You and your passengers could be
seriously injured. You may also damage your
vehicle; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Pull a trailer only if
you have followed all the steps in this section.
Ask your dealer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with your vehicle.
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the
proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what
the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you
should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that
appears later in this section. But trailering is different
than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and
it has to be used properly.
That’sthe reason for this part. In it are many time-tested,
importanttrailering tips and safety rules. Many of these
areimportant for your safety and that of your passengers.
Soplease read this section carefully before you pull
atrailer.
Load-pullingcomponents such as the engine, transaxle,
wheelassemblies and tires are forced to work harder
againstthe drag of the added weight. The engine is
requiredto operate at relatively higher speeds and under
greaterloads, generating extra heat. What’s more, the
traileradds considerably to wind resistance, increasing
thepulling requirements.
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
•There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live
but also where you’ll be driving. A good source for
this information can be state or provincial police.
•Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch
dealer about sway controls.
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