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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.
• 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.
• 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 the vehicle’s
parts.
• Do not 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
• The total weight on the vehicle’s
tires
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than
1,500 lbs (680 kg). But even
that can be too heavy.
It depends on how the rig is used.
For example, speed, altitude,
road grades, outside temperature
and how much the vehicle is used to
pull a trailer are all important. It
can depend on any special
equipment on the vehicle, and the
amount of tongue weight the vehicle
can carry. See “Weight of the
Trailer Tongue” later in this section
for more information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the
tow vehicle and it has all the
required trailering equipment. The
weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted
from the maximum trailer weight.
Ask your dealer/retailer for trailering
information or advice.
Driving Your Vehicle 4-27