VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
Additional Trailer Towing Warnings
Never overload your trailer or your
vehicle. Gross trailer weight must
never exceed 1,000 pounds (450 kg)
for 2-door models or 1,500 pounds
(680 kg) for 4-door models. Gross
combined weight must never exceed
4,200 pounds (1,905 kg) for 2-door
models or 4,600 pounds (2,087 kg)
for 4 door models. Gross vehicle
weight must never exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) listed
on the Safety Certification Label.
Gross axle weight for the front and
rear axles must not exceed the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on
the Safety Certification Label.
Do not tow a trailer having a gross
trailer weight greater than 1,000
pounds (450 kg) unless the trailer is
equipped with trailer brakes.
Connect trailer lights and hook up
safety chains every time you tow.
Your vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer. For your safe-
ty and the safety of others, you should
observe the following precautions:
* Practice turning, stopping, and
backing up before you begin tow-
ing in traffic. Do not tow in traffic
until you are confident that you can
handle the vehicle and trailer
safely.
* Never exceed posted towing speed
limits or 45 mph (72 km/h), which-
ever is lower.
* Always have someone guide you
when backing.
* Allow adequate stopping distance.
Stopping distance is increased
when you tow a trailer. For each
10 mph (16 km/h) of speed, allow
at least one vehicle and trailer
length between you and the vehi-
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cle ahead. Follow at a greater
distance if roads are wet or slip-
pery.
* Slow down when making turns.
Remember that a larger than nor-
mal turning radius is needed be-
cause the trailer wheels will be
closer than the vehicle wheels to
the inside of the turn.
* Avoid sudden acceleration and
stopping of the vehicle. Do not
make quick maneuvers unless they
are necessary.
* Slow down in cross winds and be
prepared for wind blasts from large
passing vehicles.
* Be careful when passing other
vehicles. Be sure to allow enough
room for your trailer before you
change lanes, and signal well in
advance.
* Slow down and shift into a lower
gear before you reach long or steep
downhill grades. It is hazardous to
attempt downshifting while you are
descending a hill.
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