Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
•
Stay within your vehicle’s load limits. If exceeded, cargo should be
removed from the trailer and/or the vehicle until all weights are within
specified limits.
•
Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer to
Preparing to
tow
in this chapter.
•
Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer to
Driving
while you tow
in this chapter.
•
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the
severe duty schedule in the scheduled maintenance guide.
•
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km
(500 miles).
•
Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
Your vehicle is pre-wired for trailer towing. An electrical connector is
provided under the instrument panel for installing a customer-supplied
electric brake controller. Another electrical connector is provided at the
hitch. This connector provides power to the trailer for taillamps, stop
and turn lamps, back up lamps, battery charge, electric brakes (when a
customer provided controller is installed) and ground. The kit included
with your vehicle provides you with adaptors to attach the brake
controller and convert the hitch connector for Class I trailer usage.
Engine
Rear axle
ratio
Maximum GCWR -
kg (lbs.)
Trailer weight
range (0 -
maximum) kg
(lbs.)
5.4L 4V-V8
3.73
6577
(14500)
0-4309
(0-9500)
Maximum frontal area of trailer is 5.6 square meters (60 square feet)
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer
to
Vehicle loading
in this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue
load of your loaded trailer when figuring the total weight.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Driving
140