Driving safety
4-17
4
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.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.NOTEMitsubishi recommends that sway control be used when-
ever you are towing, to improve towing stability.
For details, please consult 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 auto-
matic transaxle fluid, engine oil, rear axle oil, belt, cooling sys-
tem and brake system. Each of these is covered in this manual.
For details, please refer to the “Vehicle care maintenance” sec-
tion.
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 7-34.
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.
BK0121600US.book 17 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
4-18 Driving safety
4
Trailer brakesMitsubishi recommends that any trailer having a total weight
of 1,500 lbs (680 kg) or more be equipped with its own electric
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 7-34.
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
vehicle. Refer to “Air selection switch” on page 5-
8, 5-19.
BK0121600US.book 18 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
For emergencies
6-13
6
NOTEThe chocks shown in the illustration do not come with
your vehicle. It is recommended that you purchase chocks
or blocks and keep them in the vehicle for use if needed.
If chocks or blocks are not available, use stones or any
other objects that are large enough to hold the wheel in
position.
6. Get the jack, bar and wheel nut wrench ready.
Refer to “Tools and jack” on page 6-7.Spare tire information
N00849600269
Check the air pressure of the spare tire frequently and make
sure it is ready for emergency use at any time.
Maintaining the spare tire at the air pressure listed on the tire
and loading information placard will ensure that it can always
be used under any conditions (city/high-speed driving, varying
load weight, etc.).
The spare tire is stored beneath the luggage floor board of the
luggage compartment.
WA R N I N G
!Tires, including spare tire, degrade over time with
age even when they are not being used.
It is recommended that tires over 6 years generally
be replaced even if damage is not obvious.
CAUTION
!While the spare tire is stowed, the inflation pressure
should be checked at least once a month to assure
that it remains at the recommended inflation pres-
sure. See the tire and loading information placard
attached to the driver’s door sill. Refer to “Tire and
loading information placard” on page 9-3.Driving with an improperly inflated tire can cause
an accident. If you have no choice but to drive with
an under-inflated tire, keep your speed down and
avoid sudden steering or braking, if possible. Inflate
the tire to the correct pressure as soon as possible.
Refer to “Tire inflation pressures” on page 7-24.If your vehicle is equipped with the 17-inch-steel
spare tire or compact spare tire, it should only be
used temporarily. When the spare tire is used, the
tire pressure monitoring system will not work prop-
erly. See an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer as
soon as possible to replace or repair the original tire.You can use the same wheel nuts on the spare tire
wheel.
BK0121600US.book 13 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
6-14 For emergencies
6
Compact spare tire
(if so equipped)
The compact spare tire is designed to save space in the luggage
compartment. Its lighter weight makes it easier to use if a flat
tire occurs.
To remove the spare tire
N00849700143
1. Lift up the luggage floor board.
2. To remove the spare tire, remove the installation clamp
(A) by turning it counterclockwise.
CAUTION
!You can use the same wheel nuts on the compact
spare tire wheel.Do not go over 50 mph (80 km/h) when driving with
the compact spare tire.Avoid fast starting and braking when driving with
the compact spare tire. Do not drive through automatic car washes and over
obstacles that could possibly damage the underside
of your vehicle. Because the compact spare tire is
smaller than the original tire, there is less clearance
between the ground and your vehicle. Because the compact spare tire is designed only for
your vehicle, do not use it on any other vehicle. Do not put the compact spare tire on a different
wheel, and do not put standard tires, snow tires,
wheel covers or trim rings on the compact spare
wheel. Otherwise, you could damage these parts or
other parts on your vehicle.
BK0121600US.book 14 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-5
7
Support the engine hood with the hood prop. Insert the hood
prop securely in the opening under the hood marked with an
arrow.
To closeUnlatch the prop from the engine hood and put it back in its
retainer.
Slowly lower the engine hood about 8 inches (20 cm), then let
it drop from its own weight. NOTEIf this does not close the engine hood properly, drop it
again from a slightly higher position.
CAUTION
!Always insert the support prop into the hole spe-
cially made for it. Propping the engine hood at any
other place could cause the prop to slip out and lead
to an accident. The hood prop can fall out if the hood is lifted by a
strong wind.
CAUTION
!Be careful not to trap your hands or fingers when
closing the engine hood.
BK0121600US.book 5 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-21
7
Intended outboard sidewall:
• The sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears white let-
tering or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name
molding that is higher or deeper than the same molding
on the other sidewall of the tire,
or
• The outward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Passenger car tire: a tire intended for use on passenger
cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and trucks, that
have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000
pounds or less.
Light truck (LT) tire: a tire designated by its manufacturer
as primarily intended for use on lightweight trucks or mul-
tipurpose passenger vehicles.
Tread: portion of a tire that comes into contact with the
road.
Tread rib: a tread section running circumferentially
around a tire.
Tread separation: pulling away of the tread from the tire
carcass.
Carcass: the tire structure, except tread and sidewall rub-
ber which, when inflated, bears the load.
Sidewall: portion of a tire between the tread and bead.
Section width: the linear distance between the exteriors of
the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations due
to labeling, decoration, or protective bands.
Bead: the part of the tire that is made of steel wires,
wrapped or reinforced by ply cords and that is shaped to
fit the rim.
Ply: a layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.Cord: the strands forming the plies in the tire.
Rim: a metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly
upon which the tire beads are seated.
Rim diameter: nominal diameter of the bead seat.
Groove: the space between two adjacent tread ribs.
BK0121600US.book 21 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
Vehicle care and maintenance
7-25
7
The recommended inflation pressures should be used for the
tires listed below.
Tire pressures should be checked, and adjusted if necessary, at
least once a month.
Pressures should be checked more often whenever weather
temperatures change severely, because tire pressures change
with outdoor temperatures. The pressures listed are always
“cold inflation pressure”.
Cold inflation pressure is measured after the vehicle has been
parked for at least three hours or is driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km) after having been parked for three hours.
Cold inflation pressure must not go above the maximum values
molded into the tire sidewall. After driving several miles, your
tire inflation pressure may increase 14 to 41 KPA, 2 to 6 PSI
from the cold inflation pressure. Do not let air out of the tires to
get back to the specified cold pressure, or your tire pressure
will be too low.
Check your tires each time you refuel. If one tire looks lower
than the others, check the pressure for all of them.
You should also take the following safety precautions:
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressures.
(See the tire and loading information placard attached to
the driver’s door sill.)
Stay within the recommended load limits.Make sure that the weight of any load in your vehicle is
evenly distributed.
Drive at safe speeds.
After inflating your tires to the correct pressure, check
them for damage and air leaks. Be sure to reinstall the
caps on the valve stems.
Item
Tire size
Front
Rear
Spare
Normal tireP235/65R17
P255/55R18220 KPA,
32 PSI220 KPA,
32 PSI220 KPA,
32 PSI
Compact
spare tire T135/90R16
T155/90D16420 KPA, 60 PSI —
BK0121600US.book 25 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分
9
Specifications
Vehicle labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9- 2
Vehicle dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9- 4
Vehicle weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9- 5
Engine specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9- 6
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9- 7
Tires and wheels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9- 7
Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9- 8
BK0121600US.book 1 ページ 2010年4月12日 月曜日 午前10時39分