Driving and operating 187
Towing precautions
• When heavily loading the vehicle
or when towing, inflate tyres to
the maximum recommended
pressure. See Tyre placard on
page 219.
• Ensure that, if fitted, a load
distribution hitch is correctly
distributing the tow ball load. See
Towing and loading equipment
on page 186.
• Tighten the tow ball retaining nut
to 140 Nm (Newton metres) and
check the torque frequently.
• Vehicles handle differently when
towing. Take a couple of short
distance trips with the trailer
before taking a long trip.
• Have the vehicle and trailer
correctly maintained and
serviced, with particular attention
given to the brakes, tyres,
suspension, wheel bearings,
towing coupling and lighting.
• Use an extended-arm mirror
on both sides of the vehicle if
necessary.
• Headlamps may need re-aiming
after the loaded trailer has been
hitched, particularly if a load
distribution hitch is not used.
• Use a lower gear and the brakes
when descending steep hills.
• Do not use axle-mounted
hitches.
• Ensure that the tow bar does not
obscure the rear number plate.
Remove the tow bar tongue
when not required for towing.
• If a tow bar is removed, have any
mounting holes in the underbody
sealed to prevent entry of
exhaust fumes, dust and water.
• The vehicle may have Rear Park
Assist (RPA). It will automatically
deactivate when a trailer lighting
plug is connected to the vehicle.
It will automatically activate again
when the plug is removed.
• The vehicle may have Dual
Park Assist (DPA). The system
must be deactivated manually
by pressing
r
when a trailer
lighting plug is connected to the
vehicle.
Trailer brakes
• Trailer brakes are mandatory on
trailers weighing 750 kg and over
when loaded.
• Consult the appropriate
regulatory body in your State
or Territory for the legal
requirements of trailer brakes.
Running-in when towing
It is recommended that a new
vehicle be driven for at least
1,500 km before towing.
If towing is necessary before this,
do not exceed 80 km/h. This also
applies if the vehicle is fitted with
a new or reconditioned engine,
transmission or rear axle.
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