Tow/Haul Mode
Tow/haul mode is used when using your vehicle to
pull a large or heavy load or trailer. Tow/haul is
also useful while pulling a load in rolling terrain, in
stop-and-go traffic, or when you need improved
low-speed control, such as when parking.
The purpose of the tow/haul mode is to do the
following:
Reduce the frequency and improve the
predictability of transmission shifts when
pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load.
Provide the same solid shift feel when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy load as when
the vehicle is unloaded.
Improve control of vehicle speed while requiring
less accelerator pedal activity when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy load.
Tow/haul mode is most effective when the vehicle
and trailer combined weight is at least 75 percent of
the vehicle’s Gross Combination Weight Rating
(GCWR). See “Weight of the Trailer” later in this
section.Press the button on the
instrument panel to the
right of the steering
wheel to enable
the tow/haul mode.
A light on the instrument
panel will illuminate to
indicate that tow/haul
mode has been
selected.
Press the button again to turn off tow/haul mode.
The indicator light on the instrument panel will
turn off. The vehicle will automatically turn
off tow/haul mode every time it is started.
Driving with tow/haul mode activated without a
heavy load or with no trailer will cause reduced
fuel economy and unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics, but will not
cause damage.
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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. 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.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on your instrument panel will
ash whenever you signal a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also
ash, telling other drivers you’re about to
turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your
instrument panel will ash for turns even if the
bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may
think drivers behind you are seeing your signal
when they are not. It’s important to check
occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
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