
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.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when
you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal
longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike
soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
4-61

Stalling on an Incline.......................................4-25
Starter Switch Check.......................................6-28
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-21
Starting Your V6 Engine..................................2-21
Steering in Emergencies..................................4-11
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..............................6-31
Steering Tips..................................................4-11
Steering........................................................4-10
Storage Areas................................................2-57
Convenience Net.........................................2-57
Front Storage Area......................................2-55
Glove Box..................................................2-48
Luggage Carrier..........................................2-56
Overhead Console.......................................2-48
Rear Convenience System............................2-59
Storage.........................................................2-56
Garment Hooks...........................................2-56
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...............5-72
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-42
Sun Visors.....................................................2-16
Sunglasses Storage Compartment.....................2-52
Swing-Out Windows........................................2-13
T
Tachometer....................................................3-24
Tailgate Release.............................................2-14
Tailgate-Mounted Spare...................................2-16Taillamps.......................................................5-51
Temperature and Compass Display....................2-51
Testing the Alarm............................................2-18
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-68
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-17
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-17
Passlock
ž...................................................2-18
Throttle System Inspection...............................6-32
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-4
Time Delay....................................................2-41
Tire In¯ation Check.........................................6-26
Tires.............................................................5-54
Buying New Tires........................................5-58
Chains.......................................................5-62
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-63
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-75
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-62
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure...............................5-55
Inspection and Rotation................................5-56
Spare Tire..................................................5-76
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-59
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-60
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-60
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-57
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-22
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-43
Top Strap......................................................1-42
Torque Lock...................................................2-37
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires..................4-59
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-35
14

W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-21
Warnings......................................................... 3-3
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-3
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-4
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-79
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-27
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-58
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-56
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-13
What to Add..................................................5-38
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-15
What to Use..................5-23, 5-35, 5-36, 5-45, 5-47
Wheels and Tires............................................5-91
Wheels..........................................................5-60
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-60
Replacement...............................................5-60
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-12
When to Change Engine Oil.............................5-14
When to Check and Change Lubricant.......5-45, 5-46
When to Check and Change............................5-17
When to Check and What to Use.....................5-21
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-35
When to Check......................................5-20, 5-56
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter..............................................5-16When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill.........................................4-64
Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-41
Why Safety Belts Work....................................1-10
Window Lockout.............................................2-12
Windows.......................................................2-11
Power........................................................2-12
Rear Window..............................................2-13
Swing-Out Windows.....................................2-13
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check................6-26
Windshield Washer.........................................5-36
Fluid..........................................................5-36
Windshield Wiper............................................5-52
Blade Replacement......................................5-52
Fuses........................................................5-85
Windshield Wipers............................................ 3-6
Winter Driving................................................4-38
Wiper Blade Check.........................................6-27
Y
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle............. 4-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
16