A B
If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer
tongue (A) should weigh
10% of the total loaded trailer
weight
(B). If you have a weight-distributing hitch, the
trailer tongue (A) should weigh
12% of the total loaded
trailer weight
(B).
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right
simply by moving some items around in the trailer.
-
.&l T”-!ight un Iuur Vehicle’s 1
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the
recommended pressure for cold tires. You’ll find these
numbers on the Certification label at the rear edge
of the
driver’s door or see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the
Index. Then be sure you don’t go over the
GVW limit
for your vehicle, including the weight of the trailer
tongue.
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a
few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here are
some rules to follow:
0
0 Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?
If you do,
then be sure
to seal the holes later when you remove
the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide
(CO) from your exhaust can get into your
vehicle (see “Carbon Monoxide” in the Index). Dirt and water can, too.
The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended
for hitches.
Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches
to them. Use only a
frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to
* : bumper.
ProCarManuals.com
Safety Chains Driving with a Trailer
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer
so that the tongue will not drop to the road
if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions
about safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety
chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack
so you can turn with your rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes?
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes
so you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain
them properly.
Because you have anti-lock brakes, do not try to tap into
your vehicle’s brake system.
If you do, both brake
systems won’t work well, or at all. Towing
a trailer requires a certain amount
of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel
of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment.
If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
4-35
ProCarManuals.com
Engine ................................... 2.76. 6.9
Accessory Belt
............................... 6-70
Coolant Heater
............................... 2-22
Coolant Level Check
.......................... 7-38
Coolant Temperature Gage
..................... 2-68
Exhaust
..................................... 2-30
Fuse Blocks
................................. 6-66
Identification
................................ 6-56
OilLevelCheck
.............................. 7-38
Overheating
................................. 5-14
Running While Parked
......................... 2-3 1
Specifications
................................ 6-69
StartingYour
................................ 2-20
Engineoil
.................................... 6-10
Adding
..................................... 6-11
Additives
................................... 6-12
Checking
................................... 6- 10
Life Monitor ................................. 2-76
Pressure Light
............................... 2-72
Used
....................................... 6-13
Whentochange
.............................. 6-13
Estimated Time
of Arrival ........................ 2-78
Exhaust. Engine
................................ 2-30
Exit Lighting
.................................. 2-46
Express-Down Window
.......................... 2-32
Coolant
..................................... 6-20
Fabric Cleaning
............................... 6-49
Fan Knob. Climate Control System
.................. 3-2
FillingYourTank
................................ 6-4
Filter. Air
..................................... 6-14
Finish Care .................................... 6-53
Finish Damage
................................. 6-54
First Gear. Automatic Transaxle
................... 2-25
Flash-to-Pass Feature
........................... 2-36
Flashers. Hazard Warning
......................... 5-1
Flat Tire. Changing
............................. 5-24
Fluid Capacities
................................ 6-68
Fluids and Lubricants
............................ 7-43
Foreign Countries. Fuel
........................... 6-3
French LanguageManual
11
Front Storage Armrest ........................... 2-50
FrontTowing
.................................. 5-11
Fuel
.......................................... 6-2
Canada
...................................... 6-3
Filling Your Tank
.............................. 6-4
Gage
....................................... 2-73
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-3
RangeDisplay
............................... 2-76
UsedDisplay
................................ 2-75
Used Reset, Driver Information Center
............ 2-75
FogLamps
.................................... 2-43
.. ...........................
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ....................... 6-58
Gages Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-68
Fuel
....................................... 2-73
GAWR
....................................... 4-30
GloveBox
.................................... 2-50
Gross Axle Weight Rating ........................ 4-30
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-30
Guide en FranGais
-11 .. ................................
GVWR ....................................... 4-30
ProCarManuals.com
Tires ......................................... 6-40
Alignment and Balance
........................ 6-46
Buying New'
................................. 6-44
Chains
..................................... 6-47
ChangingaFlat
.............................. 5-24
Cleaning
.................................... 6-54
Compact Spare
............................... 5-34
Inflation
.................................... 6-41
Inflation Check
............................... 7-38
Inspection and Rotation
........................ 6-42
Loading Your Vehicle
......................... 4-29
Pressure
.................................... 6-41
Temperature
................................. 6-45
Traction
.................................... 6-45
Treadwear
................................... 6-45
Uniform Quality Grading
....................... 6-45
Wear Indicators
.............................. 6-43
Wheel Replacement
........................... 6-46
When It's Time for New
....................... 6-43
TopStrap
..................................... 1-35
TorqueLock
................................... 2-29
Torque, Wheel Nut
......................... 5-32. 6-68
Towing a Trailer
................................ 4-3 1
Towing Your Vehicle
............................. 5-8
Traction
Control System
................................ 4-8
Control System Active Light
................ 2-68, 4-8
Control System Warning Light
.............. 2-67, 4-9
Off Warning Light ............................. 4-9
Brakes
..................................... 4-35
Driving
on Grades ............................ 4-37
Driving with
................................. 4-35
Trailer Hitches
..................................... 4-34
Maintenance When Towing
..................... 4-38
Parking on Hills .............................. 4-37
Safety Chains
................................ 4-35
Tongueweight
............................... 4-33
Total Weight on Tires
.......................... 4-34
Towing
..................................... 4-31
Turnsignals
................................. 4-37
Weight
..................................... 4-33
Transaxle Fluid. Automatic
....................... 6-17
Transaxle Fluid Life
............................. 2-76
Transmitters
Remote Lock Control
........................... 2-8
Universal
................................... 2-55
Transportation. Courtesy
.......................... 8-5
Trip Odometer
................................. 2-61
Trunk
Lock
....................................... 2-13
Release. Remote Lockout
...................... 2-13
Security Override
............................. 2-14
TTYUsers
..................................... 8-3
Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals
............... 2-34
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
................... 2-33
Turn Signal On Chime
........................... 2-35
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer ................ 4-37
Twilight Sentinel
............................... 2-44
Underbody Flushing Service
..................... 7-41
Underbody Maintenance
......................... 6-54
Universal Theft-Deterrent System
.................. 2-15
Universal Transmitter
............................ 2-55
LO
ProCarManuals.com