If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you may cause damage to the
vehicle’s lighting system or other vehicle systems.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•
Ensure that you turn off your speed control. The speed control may
shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•
Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•
Shift out of D (Overdrive) and into 3 (Third) or a lower gear when
towing up or down steep hills. This will eliminate excessive
downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel economy and transaxle
cooling.
•
Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
•
Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•
Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•
The trailer tongue weight should be 10% of the loaded trailer weight.
•
After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
•
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Recreational towing
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
Driving
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