Towiv a Trailer
=mm
If you don’t use the correct equipment and
drive properly, you can lose control when you
pull
a trailer. For example, if the trailer
is
too
heavy, the brakes may not work well
--
or even
at all. You and your passengers could be
seriously injured. Pull a trailer only if you have
followed all the steps
in
this section. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about towing
a trailer with your vehicle.
Notice:
Pulling a trailer improperly can damage
your vehicle and result
in
costly repairs not covered
by
your warranty.
To
pull
a trailer correctly, follow
the advice
in
this
part, and see your dealer for
important information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle. Additional rear axle maintenance
is
required for a vehicle used to tow a trailer.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To identify what the
vehicle trailering capacity
is
for your vehicle, you should
read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that
appears later in this section. But trailering is different
than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment
and
it
has to be used properly.
That’s the reason for this section. In
it
are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many
of
these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers.
So
please read this section carefully
before you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine, transaxle,
wheel assemblies and tires are forced to work harder
against the drag of the added weight. The engine
is required to operate at relatively higher speeds and
under greater loads, generating extra heat. What’s more,
the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance,
increasing the pulling requirements.
4-36
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