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. Weight
Distribution hitched are recom-
mended for loads in excess 2,268 kg.WARNING!
An improperly adjusted WeightDistributing Hitch system may
reduce handling, stability, brak-
ing performance, and could result
in a collision.
Weight Distributing Systems may not be compatible with Surge
Brake Couplers. Consult with
your hitch and trailer manufac-
turer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional in-
formation.
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.
Detachable Ball Clip Loop Method
Fixed Ball Clip Loop Method
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Without Attachment Points
For detachable ball tow bar, youmust 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.TRAILER TOWING
WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM
TRAILER WEIGHT
RATINGS)
The following chart provides the
maximum trailer weight ratings tow-
able for your given drivetrain.
Engine/Transmission Frontal AreaMax. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Maximum weight on the
sphere/ball (See Note)
3.6L Automatic 2.04 sq m1 725 kg 86 kg
3.0L Diesel Automatic 2.97 sq m1 996 kg 100 kg
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo,
and it should never exceed the weight referenced on the “Tire and Loading Information” placard. Refer to
“Tire Safety Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
Detachable Ball Neck Loop Method
Fixed Ball Neck Loop Method
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TRAILER AND TONGUE
WEIGHT
Always load a trailer with 60% to
65% of the weight in the front of the
trailer. This places 5% of the Gross
Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow
hitch of your vehicle. Loads balanced
over the wheels or heavier in the rear
can cause the trailer to swayseverely
side to side which will cause loss of
control of the vehicle and trailer. Fail-
ure to load trailers heavier in front is
the cause of many trailer collisions.
Never exceed the maximum tongue
weight stamped on your bumper or
trailer hitch. Consider the following items when
computing the weight on the rear axle
of the vehicle:
The tongue weight of the trailer.
The weight of any other type of
cargo or equipment put in or on
your vehicle.
The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE: Remember that every-
thing put into or on the trailer adds
to the load on your vehicle. Also,
additional factory-installed op-
tions or dealer-installed options
must be considered as part of the
total load on your vehicle. Refer to
the “Tire and Loading Informa-
tion” placard for the maximum
combined weight of occupants and
cargo for your vehicle.
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 during the 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.
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WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an in-
jury collision. Follow these guide-
lines to make your trailer towing as
safe as possible:
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 secured,
dynamic load shifts can occur 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 perfor-
mance, or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, sus-
pension, 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 notbe parked on a grade. When
parking, apply the parking brake
on the tow vehicle. Put the tow
vehicle 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 Informa-
tion” placard.
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized. (This re-
quirement may limit the abil-
ity 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.
– Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe and satisfactory
operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires – General Information” in
“Starting and Operating” for infor-
mation on tire pressures and for
proper tire inflation procedures.
– Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures before
trailer usage.
– Check for signs of tire wear or vis- ible tire damage before towing a
trailer. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Starting and Op-
erating” for information on tread
wear indicators and for the proper
inspection procedure.
– When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Information” in “Start-
ing and Operating” for information
on replacement tires and for the
proper tire replacement proce-
dures. Replacing tires with a higher
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load carrying capacity will not in-
crease the vehicle's GVWR and
GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements – Trailer
Brakes
–Do notinterconnect the hydraulic
brake system or vacuum system of
your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate brak-
ing and possible personal injury.
– An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is required when
towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a
trailer equipped with a hydraulic
surge actuated brake system, an
electronic brake controller is not
required.
– Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 454 kg and re-
quired for trailers in excess of
907 kg.CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than
454 kg loaded, it should have its
own brakes, and they should be of
adequate capacity. Failure to do
this could lead to accelerated brake
wear, higher brake pedal effort, and
longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes toyour vehicle's hydraulic brake
lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You
might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an col-
lision.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping distance. When
towing, you should allow for ad-
ditional space between your ve-
hicle and the vehicle in front of
you. Failure to do so could result
in a collision. Towing Requirements – Trailer
Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regard-
less of the trailer size, stoplights and
turn signals on the trailer are required
for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include
a 7-pin or a 13-pin wiring harness.
Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring
into the vehicles wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all
complete to the vehicle but you must
mate the harness to a trailer connec-
tor.
7–Pin Connector
246
Pin
Number Function Wire
Color
7 Left Rear Position,
Side Marker Lights, and
Rear Regis-
tration Plate Illumination Device.
b
Black
8 Reverse lights Red/
Black
9 Permanent Power Sup-ply (+12V) Brown/
White
10 Power Sup- ply Con-
trolled by IgnitionSwitch
(+12V) Red
11
aReturn for Contact
(Pin) 10 White
12 Reserve for Future Allo-cation Red/
Blue
Pin
Number Function Wire
Color
13
aReturn for Contact(Pin) 9 White
Note: The allocation pin 12 has
been changed from “Coding for
coupled Trailer” to “Reserve for Future Allocation.”
aThe three return circuits shall notbe connected electrically in the trailer.
bThe rear position registration
plate illumination device shall be
connected such that no light of the device has a common connection with both pins 5 and 7.
TOWING TIPS
Before setting out on a trip, practice
turning, stopping, and backing up the
trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected
when towing. The transmission con-
trols include a drive strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting does occur
while in DRIVE, you can use the
AutoStick® shift control (for
versions/markets, where provided) to
manually select a lower gear.
NOTE: Using a lower gear while
operating the vehicle under heavy
loading conditions will improve
performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat buildup. This ac-
tion will also provide better engine
braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for
more than 45 minutes of continuous
operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter as speci-
fied for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing" (five-speed transmis-
sion only). Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance
intervals.
Electronic Speed Control
Do not use in hilly terrain or with
heavy loads.
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When using the speed control, ifyou experience speed drops greater
than 16 km/h, disengage until you
can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel
efficiency.
AutoStick® (for versions/markets,
where provided)
– When using the AutoStick® shift control, select the highest gear that
allows for adequate performance
and avoids frequent downshifts.
For example, choose “4” if the de-
sired speed can be maintained.
Choose “3” or “2” if needed to
maintain the desired speed.
– To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous driving at high
RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as nec-
essary to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear
or vehicle speed when grade and
road conditions allow. Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and
transmission overheating, take the
following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of
time, shift the transmission into NEU-
TRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
TRAILER HITCH
ATTACHING POINTS
Your vehicle will require extra equip-
ment to tow a trailer safely and effi-
ciently. The trailer tow hitch must be
attached to your vehicle using the
provided attaching points on the ve-
hicle's frame. Refer to the following
chart to determine the accurate at-
taching points. Other equipment,
such as trailer sway controls and
braking equipment, trailer equalizing
(leveling) equipment and low profile mirrors, may also be required or
strongly recommended.
Trailer Tow Hitch Attaching
Points And Overhang Dimen- sions
A 638.9 mm
B 746.1 mm
C 831.1 mm
D (maximum
overhang) 1161.5 mm
E 535.3 mm
F 520.3 mm
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RECREATIONAL
TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Recreational towing (with all four
wheels on the ground, or using a tow-
ing dolly) isNOT ALLOWED.The
only acceptable method for towing
this vehicle (behind another vehicle)
is on a vehicle trailer with all four
wheels OFFthe ground.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of
the above requirements can cause
severe transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
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