Perform the maintenance listed in the “Service
and Warranty Handbook”. Refer to “Service And
Warranty Handbook” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals. When towing a trailer, never
exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Fol-
low these guidelines to make your trailer
towing as safe as possible:
• Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured,
dynamic load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control. You could
lose control of your vehicle and have a
collision.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Over-
loading can cause a loss of control, poor
performance or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspen-
sion, chassis structure or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used be-
tween your vehicle and trailer. Always con-
nect the chains to the hook retainers of the
vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under the
trailer tongue and allow enough slack for
turning corners.
(Continued)
WARNING!
(Continued)
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked
on a grade. When parking, apply the park-
ing brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow
vehicle transmission in PARK. For four-
wheel drive vehicles, make sure the trans-
fer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block
or "chock" the trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
• Total weight must be distributed be-
tween the tow vehicle and the trailer
such that the following four ratings are
not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized.
Towing Requirements — Tires
• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.
• Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to
the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle. Refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for proper tire inflation
procedures.
• Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
• Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer. Refer to
“Tires” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for the
proper inspection procedure.
• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires” in “Ser-
vicing And Maintenance” for the proper tire
replacement procedures. Replacing tires with
a higher load carrying capacity will not in-
crease the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR
limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
• Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake sys-
tem or vacuum system of your vehicle with
that of the trailer. This could cause inad-
equate braking and possible personal injury.
• An electronically actuated trailer brake con-
troller is required when towing a trailer with
electronically actuated brakes. When towing
a trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge
actuated brake system, an electronic brake
controller is not required.
• Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers
over 1,000 lbs (453 kg) and required for
trailers in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
197
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