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Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has
to be used properly.
That is the reason for this part. In it
are 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 you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such
as the engine, transmission, wheel
assemblies and tires are forced
to work harder against the drag of
the added weight. The engine
is required to operate at relatively
higher speeds and under greater
loads, generating extra heat.
Also, the trailer adds considerably to
wind resistance, increasing the
pulling requirements.
If You Do Decide To Pull A
Trailer
If you do, here are some important
points:
• There are many different laws,
including speed limit restrictions,
having to do with trailering. Make
sure your 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.
You can ask a hitch dealer about
sway controls.
• Do not tow a trailer at all during
the first 1,000 miles (1 600 km)
your new vehicle is driven. Your
engine, axle or other parts could
be damaged.
• Then, during the first 500 miles
(800 km) that you tow a trailer, do
not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps your engine
and other parts of your vehicle
wear in at the heavier loads.
• Use the Sport Shift mode and the
cruise control when towing. The
Active Select (A/S) may also be
used under light load conditions.
• Obey speed limit restrictions
when towing a trailer. Do not drive
faster than the maximum posted
speed for trailers, or no more than
55 mph (90 km/h), to save wear
on your vehicle’s parts.
Three important considerations have
to do with weight:
• The weight of the trailer.
• The weight of the trailer tongue.
• The total weight on your
vehicle’s tires.
9-90 Vehicle Service and Care