Trailer towing
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Trailer load distribution
Be sure the load in the trailer is held securely in place to prevent it
from shifting forward, backward or s ideways.
Never allow a passenger to ride in a trailer => & in "Driving instruc-
tions" on
page 244 .
Engine cooling system
Towing a trailer makes the eng ine work harde r. It is important that
the cooling system's performance is up to the additional load. Make
sure that the cooling system has enough fluid.
Tire pressure
When towing a trailer, inflate the tires of your vehicle to the cold tire
pressure listed under "Full load" on the label located either on the
dr iver's side B-pillar (visible when the door is open) or inside the fuel
filler flap . Inflate trailer tires to trailer and tire manufacturers' spec-
ifications .
Lights
The headl ight settings should be checked w it h the trailer attached
before driving off. Check to make sure both vehicle and trai ler lights
are wo rking properly.
Safety chains
Be sure trailer safety cha ins are properly connected from the trailer
to the hitch on the vehicl e. Leave enough s lack in the chains to permit
turning corners . When you install safety chains, make sure they will
not drag on the road when you are driving.
The chains should cross under t he trailer tongue t o prevent it from
dropping in case of separation from the hitch .
Driving instruct!ons
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care and
consideration.
To obtain the best possible handling of vehicle and trailer,
please note the following:
- Do not tow a loaded trailer when your car itself is not
loaded.
- Be especially careful when passing ot her vehicles .
- Observe speed limits.
- Do not drive at the maximum permissible speed.
- Always apply brakes early.
- Monitor the temperature gauge .
Weight distribution
Towing a loaded trailer w ith an empty car results in a highly unstable
distr ibution of weight. If this cannot be avoided, drive at very low
speeds only to avo id the risk of losing steer ing control.
A "balanced" rig is easier to operate and con t rol. This means that the
tow vehicle should be loaded to the extent possible and permissible,
wh ile keeping the trailer as light as possible under the circumstances .
Whenever possible, trans fer some cargo to the luggage compart -
ment of the tow vehicle while observing tongue load requirements
and vehicle loading considerations.
Speed
The higher the speed, the more difficult it becomes for the driver to
control the rig . Do not dr ive at the maximum permiss ible speed .
Reduce your speed even more if load, weather or wind conditions are
unfavorable - part icularly when go ing downhill.
Reduce vehicle speed
immediately if the trailer shows the slightest
sign of swaying.
Do not try to stop the swaying by accelerating. _,
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