NOTE:
•To help control wind noise when the
crossbars are not in use, place the front
and rear crossbars approximately 24 in
(61 cm) apart. Optimal noise reduction
can then be achieved by adjusting the
front crossbar forward or aft using incre-
ments of 1 in (2.5 cm).
• If the rear crossbar (or any metallic ob-
ject) is placed over the satellite radio
antenna (if equipped), you may experi-
ence interruption of satellite radio recep-
tion. For improved satellite radio recep-
tion, avoid placing the rear crossbar over
the satellite radio antenna.
• The grab handles on the back of the
vehicle (if equipped) are not to be used as
a towing feature.CAUTION!
• To prevent damage to the roof of your
vehicle, do not carry any loads on the roof
rack without the crossbars installed. The
load should be secured and placed on top
of the crossbars, not directly on the roof. If
it is necessary to place the load on the roof,
place a blanket or some other protection
between the load and the roof surface.
• To avoid damage to the roof rack and
vehicle, do not exceed the maximum roof
rack load capacity of 150 lbs (68 kg).
Always distribute heavy loads as evenly as
possible and secure the load appropriately.
• Long loads which extend over the wind-
shield, such as wood panels or surfboards,
or loads with large frontal area should be
secured to both the front and rear of the
vehicle.
(Continued)CAUTION!(Continued)
• Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners
carefully when carrying large or heavy
loads on the roof rack. Wind forces, due to
natural causes or nearby truck traffic, can
add sudden upward lift to a load. This is
especially true on large flat loads and may
result in damage to the cargo or your
vehicle.
WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied before driving
your vehicle. Improperly secured loads can fly
off the vehicle, particularly at high speeds,
resulting in personal injury or property dam-
age. Follow the roof rack cautions when car-
rying cargo on your roof rack.
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Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system
determines that the fuel filler cap is
loose, improperly installed, or
damaged, a loose gascap indica-
tor will display in the EVIC telltale
display area. Refer to “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly
and press the SELECT button to turn off the
message. If the problem continues, the mes-
sage will appear the next time the vehicle is
started.
TRAILER TOWINGIn this section you will find safety tips and
information on limits to the type of towing you
can reasonably do with your vehicle. Before
towing a trailer, carefully review this information
to tow your load as efficiently and safely as
possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the re-
quirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer
towing.
Common Towing DefinitionsThe following trailer towing related definitions
will assist you in understanding the following
information.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers,
cargo and trailer tongue weight. The total load
must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables and equip-
ment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on
the trailer in its loaded and ready for operation
condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to
put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
The entire weight of the trailer must be sup-
ported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of
your vehicle and trailer when weighed in com-
bination. NOTE:
The GCWR rating includes a 150 lbs (68 kg)
allowance for the presence of a driver.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front
and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front
and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do
not exceed either front or rear GAWR.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the ve-
hicle and have an accident.
Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should
not be more than 5% of the trailer load. You
must consider this as part of the load on your
vehicle.
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