Driving with a Trailer
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.
4-57
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-14
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............5-95
O
Odometer......................................................3-26
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-13
Oil ................................................................5-16
Engine.......................................................5-16
Pressure Light.............................................3-34
Older Children, Restraints................................1-31
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
Opening a Rear Door When the Security
Lock Is On.................................................2-10
Opening and Closing the Sunroof......................2-38
Operating Your All-Wheel-Drive Vehicle
Off Paved Roads.........................................4-16
Operation Tips................................................3-21
Operation......................................................3-18
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-4
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-21
Outside.........................................................2-35
Convex Mirror.............................................2-35
Manual Mirrors............................................2-34
Power Mirrors.............................................2-34
Overdrive Off Light..........................................3-35
Overdrive Off.................................................2-22Overseas ± Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner's Information........................................7-11
P
Park (P)........................................................2-28
Shifting Into................................................2-28
Shifting Out of............................................2-30
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission
Park (P) Mechanism Check...........................6-27
Parking on Hills..............................................4-58
Parking Your Vehicle.......................................2-31
Parking.........................................................2-27
Brake........................................................2-27
Over Things That Burn.................................2-31
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services................6-24
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections..........6-28
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.......6-30
Part E - Maintenance Record...........................6-32
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-22
Passing..........................................4-13, 4-57, 0-3
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-8
Playing a Compact Disc...................................3-40
Playing the Radio...........................................3-38
Power Mode..................................................2-23
Power Steering...............................................4-11
9
