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4-12 Driving safety
4Cargo loads
N00629700435
Cargo load precautions
N00630300040
To determine the cargo load capacity for your vehicle, subtract
the weight of all vehicle occupants from the vehicle capacity
weight. For additional information, if needed, refer to “Steps
for Determining Correct Load Limit” on page 4-10.
DO NOT USE the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross
Axle Weight Rating numbers listed on the safety certification
label (A) located on the inside sill of the driver’s door as the
guide for passengers and/or cargo weight.
WA R N I N G
!
To reduce the risk of serious injury or death, the
combined weights of the driver, passengers and
cargo and must never exceed the vehicle capacity
weight.
Exceeding the vehicle capacity weight will adversely
affect vehicle performance, including handling and
braking, and may cause an accident.
Do not load cargo or luggage higher than the top of
the seatback. Be sure that your cargo or luggage
cannot move when your vehicle is in motion.
Having either the rear view blocked, or your cargo
being thrown inside the cabin if you suddenly have
to brake can cause a serious accident or injury or
death.
Put cargo or luggage in the cargo area of your vehi-
cle. Try to spread the weight evenly.
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Driving safety
4-13
4
Loading cargo on the roof
N00630400041
NOTE
To prevent wind noise or reduction in gas mileage,
remove the roof carrier when not in use.
Before using an automatic car wash, check with the atten-
dant to determine if the roof carrier should be removed.
Be sure that adequate clearance is maintained for raising
the sunroof and/or flap-fold tailgate when installing a roof
carrier. (For vehicle with sunroof only)
WA R N I N G
!
Weight placed on the roof of the vehicle will raise the
vehicle’s center of gravity and adversely affect its
handling characteristics. As a result, driving errors
or emergency maneuvers could lead to a loss of con-
trol and result in an accident. Drive slowly and
avoid excessive maneuvers such as sudden braking
or quick turning.
Make sure that the weight of luggage and the roof
carrier do not exceed the maximum roof load, 110 lb
(50 kg). If the maximum roof load is exceeded, this
could cause damage to the vehicle or result in an
accident.
The total weight of all occupants and luggage,
including your roof load, must not exceed the vehicle
capacity weight. For more information, refer to
“
““ “Tire and loading information placard”
”” ” on page 9-4
Roof load is determined by adding the weight of the
roof carrier and the weight of the luggage placed on
the roof carrier.
For additional information, refer to “
““ “Maximum roof
load”
”” ” on page 9-7.
CAUTION
!
Do not load luggage directly onto the roof. Use a roof
carrier that properly fits your vehicle.
For installation, refer to the instruction manual pro-
vided with the roof carrier.
Place the luggage on the carrier so that its weight is
distributed evenly with the heaviest items on the
bottom. Do not load items that are wider than the
roof carrier.
Before driving and after traveling a short distance,
always check the load to make sure it is securely fas-
tened to the roof carrier.
Stop the vehicle periodically and check that the load
remains secure. If the load is not secure, it could fall
from the vehicle and damage your vehicle, another
vehicle or create a road hazard.
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4-14 Driving safety
4
Roof carrier mounting brackets
(if so equipped)
N00630600069
Ty p e 1
When installing the roof carrier, use the brackets (A). The
brackets are located under each roof drip moulding (B).Ty p e 2
When installing the roof carrier, use the brackets (A).
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Driving safety
4-15
4
Attaching the roof carrierSlide each cover (B) toward the front of the vehicle to remove
it.
Refitting the covers1. With each cover, put the tabs (C) on the cover in the holes
(D) in the roof.
2. Slide the cover (B) toward the rear of the vehicle to install
it.
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4-16 Driving safety
4Trailer towing
N00629800289
Towing a trailer will adversely affect your vehicle’s handling,
performance, braking, durability and driving economy (fuel
consumption, etc.).
If you do tow a trailer with this vehicle, be sure to use proper
equipment and cautious steering and braking for safe driving.
Weight limitsNever exceed the vehicle capacity weight, maximum trailer
weight (A), maximum tongue weight (B) and Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR).Vehicle capacity weightThe vehicle capacity weight is printed on the tire and loading
information placard as “combined weight of occupants and
cargo”.
The weight includes the weight of all occupants and the total
weight it can carry.
For more information, refer to “Tire and loading information
placard” on page 4-9.
CAUTION
!
Do not lose control of your vehicle when towing a
trailer. Always use proper equipment.
Always drive carefully
Damage to your vehicle caused by improper equip-
ment or driving is not covered by your warranty.
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Driving safety
4-17
4
Maximum trailer weightRecommendations for towing up to this limit are as follows.
2.4 liter models
3.0 liter models
Tongue weightThe tongue weight of any trailer is important because it affects
the vehicle capacity weight.
The vehicle capacity weight includes any cargo you may carry,
and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. If you will tow
a trailer, you must include the tongue weight of the trailer in
your calculation of the vehicle capacity weight. For more infor-
mation regarding vehicle capacity weight, refer to “Tire and
loading information placard” on page 4-9.
Do not exceed the maximum tongue weight for your vehicle.
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the
tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.
Keep the trailer tongue load at 10% of the loaded trailer weight
for dead weight hitches. Tongue loads can be adjusted by
proper distribution of the load in the trailer. This can be
checked by separately weighing the loaded trailer and then the
tongue.Gross axle weight rating (GAWR)The GAWRs are printed on the certification label which is riv-
eted on the door sill on the driver’s side.
Refer to “Vehicle labeling” on page 9-2.
Total trailer weight
Trailer brake requirement
Up to 1,250 lbs. (567 kg) Trailer brake unneccessary
From 1,250 lbs. (567 kg) to
1,500 lbs. (681 kg)Trailer brake necessaryTotal trailer weight
Trailer brake requirement
Up to 1,400 lbs. (635 kg) Trailer brake unneccessary
From 1,400 lbs. (635 kg) to
2,000 lbs. (907 kg)Trailer brake necessary
(Front-wheel drive vehicles)
From 1,400 lbs. (635 kg) to
3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg)Trailer brake necessary
(All-wheel drive vehicles)
Trailer brake
Maximum tongue weight
2.4 liter models
3.0 liter models
With trailer brake
(All-wheel drive vehicles)
150 lbs. (68 kg)350 lbs. (159 kg)
With trailer brake
(Front-wheel drive vehicles)200 lbs. (91 kg)
Without trailer brake 125 lbs. (57 kg) 140 lbs. (64 kg)
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4-18 Driving safety
4
Trailer hitchesChoose a proper hitch and ball, and make sure it is installed at a
height that is compatible with the trailer.
Use a good equalizing hitch which uniformly distributes the
trailer tongue load throughout the frame.NOTE
Mitsubishi Motors recommends that sway control be used
whenever you are towing, to improve towing stability.
For further information, please contact your authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
Safety chainsA safety chain must always be used between the towing vehi-
cle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the chain for turns.
The chain should cross under the trailer tongue to prevent the
tongue from dropping to the ground in case it becomes dam-
aged or separated.
For correct safety chain procedures, consult your authorized
Mitsubishi Motors dealer.Maintenance when trailer towingYour vehicle will need service more often when you’re towing
a trailer. Refer to “WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE
MANUAL”. Especially important in trailer operation are man-
ual transaxle oil, automatic transaxle fluid, engine oil, rear axle
oil, belt, cooling system and brake system. Each of these is
covered in this manual.
For details, please refer to the “Vehicle care and maintenance”
section.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
WA R N I N G
!
If you make any holes in the body of your vehicle for
installing a trailer hitch, 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 enter your vehicle. Refer to “Exhaust
system” on page 7-40.
CAUTION
!
Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain
securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle.
If the coupling unit or hitch ball experiences a prob-
lem, the trailer may separate from your vehicle.
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Driving safety
4-19
4
Trailer brakesMitsubishi Motors recommends that any trailer having a total
weight of 1,250 lbs (567 kg) or more (2400 models), 1,400 lbs
(635 kg) or more (3000 models) be equipped with its own elec-
tric or surge-type brakes.
If you choose electric brakes, be sure they are electrically actu-
ated. Do not attempt to tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic sys-
tem. No matter how successful it may seem, any attempt to
attach trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic system will
lower braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard.Trailer lightsTrailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state,
and local regulations. Check with your local recreational vehi-
cle dealer for the requirements in your area, and use only
equipment designed for your vehicle.
Since lighting and wiring vary by trailer type and brand, you
should have a qualified technician install a suitable connector
between the vehicle and the trailer. Improper equipment or
installation can cause damage to your vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem and affect your vehicle warranty.Additional trailer equipmentMany states and Canadian provinces require special outside
mirrors when towing a trailer. Even if they do not, you should
install special mirrors if you cannot clearly see behind you, or
if the trailer creates a blind spot.
Ask your trailer sales or rental agency if any other items are
recommended or required for your towing situation.
Operating hints
Driver preparationTowing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get to know
your trailer. 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 without a
trailer.
WA R N I N G
!
If you have a rear window open and you tow a
trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide gas
which you cannot see or smell could come into your
vehicle. It can cause unconsciousness or death. Refer
to “Exhaust system” on page 7-40.
To maximize your safety when towing a trailer:
Have your exhaust system inspected for leaks, and
make necessary repairs before starting on your trip.
Keep the rear windows closed.
If exhaust does come into your vehicle through a
window or another opening, drive with your front,
main heating or cooling system on and with the
blower on any speed. This will bring fresh, outside
air into your vehicle. Do not use recirculation
because it only recirculates the air inside your vehi-
cle. Refer to “
““ “Air selection switch”
”” ” on page 5-8, 5-18,
5-28, 5-38.
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