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’ll 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.
• Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(805 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged. The
repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that you
tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
• If you have an automatic transaxle, you can use
INTERMEDIATE (I) or as you need to, a lower
gear which will minimize heat buildup and extend
the life of your transaxle.
• If you have a VTi variable transaxle, you can use
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) or as you need to
INTERMEDIATE (I).
• If you have a manual transaxle, you should not use
FIFTH (5) gear. Drive in FOURTH (4) gear or as
you need to a lower gear.
• Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.
Don’t 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.
• Don’t tow a trailer when the outside temperature is
above 100°F (38°C).
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
• the weight of the trailer
• the weight of the trailer tongue
• and the total weight on your vehicle’s tires
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