Gross Combination Weight Rating
(GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible
weight of your vehicle and trailer
when weighed in combination.
NOTE:
The GCWR rating includes a 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.
Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle
Certification Label” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.WARNING!
It is important that you do not ex-
ceed the maximum front or rear
GAWR. A dangerous driving condi-
tion can result if either rating is ex-
ceeded. You could lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight 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.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum
height multiplied by the maximum
width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescop-
ing link that can be installed between
the hitch receiver and the trailer
tongue that typically provides adjust-
able friction associated with the tele-
scoping motion to dampen any un-
wanted trailer swaying motions while
traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the
trailer tongue weight, just as if it were
luggage located at a hitch ball or some
other connecting point of the vehicle.
These kinds of hitches are the most
popular on the market today and they are commonly used to tow small- and
medium-sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works
by applying leverage through spring
(load) bars. They are typically used
for heavier loads to distribute trailer
tongue weight to the tow
vehicle's
front axle and the trailer axle(s).
When used in accordance with the
manufacturer's directions, it provides
for a more level ride, offering more
consistent steering and brake control
thereby enhancing towing safety. The
addition of a friction / hydraulic sway
control also dampens sway caused by
traffic and crosswinds and contrib-
utes positively to tow vehicle and
trailer stability. Trailer sway control
and a weight distributing (load equal-
izing) hitch are recommended for
heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and
may be required depending on vehicle
and trailer configuration / loading to
comply with Gross Axle Weight Rat-
ing (GAWR) requirements.
229
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted weightdistributing hitch system may re-
duce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in a
collision.
Weight distributing systems may
not be compatible with surge
brake couplers. Consult with your
hitch and trailer manufacturer or
a reputable recreational vehicle
dealer for additional information.
BREAKAWAY CABLE
ATTACHMENT
European braking regulations for
braked trailers up to 3 500 kg require
trailers to be fitted with either a sec-
ondary coupling or breakaway cable.
The recommended location for at-
taching the normal trailer's break-
away cable is in the stamped slot lo-
cated on the sidewall of the hitch
receiver. With Attachment Point
For detachable tow bar, pass the
cable through the attachment point
and clip it back onto itself.
For fixed ball tow bar, attach the clip directly to the designated
point. This alternative must be spe-
cifically permitted by the trailer
manufacturer since the clip may
not be sufficiently strong for use in
the way. Without Attachment Points
For detachable ball tow bar, you
must follow the recommended
manufacturer or supplier proce-
dure.
For fixed ball tow bar, loop the cable around the neck of the tow
ball. If you fit the cable like this, use
a single loop only.
Detachable Ball Clip Loop Method
Fixed Ball Clip Loop Method
Detachable Ball Neck Loop Method
Fixed Ball Neck Loop Method
230
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your
new vehicle drivetrain components
the following guidelines are recom-
mended:CAUTION!
Do not tow a trailer at all duringthe first 805 km the new vehicle is
driven. The engine, axle or other
parts could be damaged.
Then, during the first 805 km that
a trailer is towed, do not drive
over 80 km/h and do not make
starts at full throttle. This helps
the engine and other parts of the
vehicle wear in at the heavier
loads.WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an in-
jury collision. Follow these guide-
lines to make your trailer towing as
safe as possible:
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
Make certain that the load is se-
cured in the trailer and it will not
shift during travel. When traile-
ring cargo that is not fully se-
cured, dynamic load shifts can oc-
cur that may be difficult for the
driver to control. You could lose
control of your vehicle and have a
collision.
When hauling cargo or towing a
trailer, do not overload your ve-
hicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor per-
formance, or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steer-
ing, suspension, chassis structure,
or tires.
Safety chains must always be used
between your vehicle and trailer.
Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the ve-
hicle hitch. Cross the chains under
the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning corners.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
Vehicles with trailers should not
be parked on a grade. When park-
ing, apply the parking brake on
the tow vehicle. Put the tow ve-
hicle automatic transmission in
PARK. Always, block or "chock"
the trailer wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distrib-
uted between the tow vehicle
and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not
exceeded:
1. Max loading as defined on the
“Tire and Loading Information”
placard.
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the
trailer hitch utilized. (This require-
ment may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of
tongue weight as a percentage of
total trailer weight.)
Towing Requirements – Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact spare tire.
232