6-12
●
Choose a trailer hitch drawbar designed for
use with a 5 cm (2 in) receiver. (See page
4-23 for more information.)
●
Do not exceed the maximum tongue
weight. You can measure tongue weight
with a bathroom scale. Put the tongue of
the loaded trailer on the scale with the
tongue at hitch height. Adjust the load in the
trailer, if necessary, to reduce the weight on
hitch. If you are carrying cargo and towing a
trailer, include the tongue weight in the
maximum vehicle load limit.
●
Load cargo in the cargo bed as close to the
center of the vehicle as possible and tie it
down using the cargo hooks equipped on
the cargo bed.
●
Tie down cargo securely in the trailer. Make
sure cargo in the trailer cannot move
around. A shifting load can cause an acci-
dent.
●
Make sure the load does not interfere with
controls or your ability to see where you are
going.
●
Drive more slowly than you would without a
load. The more weight you carry, the slow-
er you should go. Although conditions vary,
it is good practice not to exceed low range
whenever you are carrying heavier loads or
when towing a trailer.
●
Allow more braking distance. A heavier ve-
hicle takes longer to stop.
●
Avoid making sharp turns unless at very
slow speeds.
●
Avoid hills and rough terrain. Choose ter-
rain carefully. Added weight affects the sta-
bility and handling of the vehicle.
EE.book Page 12 Friday, July 22, 2005 4:26 PM