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Trailering is different than just driving the vehicle by
itself. Trailering means changes in handling,
acceleration, braking, durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and
it has to be used properly.
The following information has many time-tested,
important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of
these are important for your safety and that of your
passengers. So please read this section carefully before
pulling a trailer.
Pulling A Trailer
Here are some important points:
.
There are many different laws, including speed
limit restrictions, having to do with trailering.
Make sure the rig will be legal, not only where
you live but also where you will be driving.
A good source for this information can be
state or provincial police.
.
Consider using a sway control. See “Hitches” later
in this section.
.
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(800 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
.
Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps
the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
.
If the vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system and it doesn't seem to be working properly
while pulling a trailer, turn the system off. See Side
Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
on page 3‑48
for more
information.
Important considerations that have to do with weight:
.
The weight of the trailer
.
The weight of the trailer tongue
.
The weight on the vehicle's tires
.
And the weight of the trailering combination
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