6-1VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
74LH0-74E
Vehicle LoadingYour vehicle was designed for specific
weight capacities. The weight capacities of
your vehicle are indicated by the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR, front
and rear). The GVWR and GAWR (front
and rear) are listed in the “SPECIFICA-
TIONS” section.
GVWR – Maximum permissible overall
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (including
all the occupants, accessories and cargo
plus the trailer nose weight if towing a
trailer).
GAWR – (Front and Rear) Maximum per-
missible weight on an individual axle.
Actual weight of the loaded vehicle and
actual loads at the front and rear axles can
only be determined by weighing the vehi-
cle. Compare these weights to the GVWR
and GAWR (front and rear). If the gross
vehicle weight or the load on either axle
exceeds these ratings, you must remove
enough weight to bring the load down to
the rated capacity.
Trailer TowingYour MARUTI SUZUKI was originally
designed to carry people and a normal
amount of cargo, not to tow a trailer.
MARUTI SUZUKI does not recommend
you use your vehicle to tow a trailer. Tow-
ing a trailer can adversely affect handling,
durability,
Some countries have regulations which
specifically allow trailer towing up to a
specified maximum trailer weight (regis-
tered or statutory towing capacity, which-
ever is smaller); vehicles sold in these
countries can be used to tow a light trailer,
provided the trailer does not exceed the
maximum trailer weight specified in the
country’s regulations.
If you use your MARUTI SUZUKI to tow a
trailer, you should always observe the
requirements and recommendations in this
section. If you intend to tow a trailer, it is
essential to select a trailer and trailer tow-
ing equipment which are compatible. A
reputable towing specialist can help you.
and fuel economy.
WA R N I N G
Never overload your vehicle. The
gross vehicle weight (sum of the
weights of the vehicle, all the occu-
pants, accessories, cargo plus trailer
nose weight if towing a trailer) must
never exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). In addition,
never distribute a load so that the
weight on either the front or rear axle
exceeds the Gross Axle Weight Rat-
ing (GAWR).
WA R N I N G
Always distribute cargo evenly. To
avoid personal injury or damage to
your vehicle, always secure cargo to
prevent it from shifting if the vehicle
moves suddenly. Place heavier
objects on the floor and as far for-
ward in the cargo area as possible.
Never pile cargo higher than the top
of the seat backs.
NOTICE
Trailer towing puts additional stress
on the engine, drive train, and brakes
of your vehicle. Never tow a trailer
during the first 960 km (600 miles) of
vehicle operation.
Vehicle Loading: 11
Trailer Towing: 5, 11
6-4
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
74LH0-74E
60A186
Towing Your VehicleYour vehicle may be towed behind another
vehicle (such as a motor-home), provided
your vehicle is 2 wheel drive (2WD) and
you use the proper towing method speci-
fied for your vehicle.
Use the towing instruction table to select
the proper towing method for your vehicle,and carefully follow the corresponding
instructions. Be sure to use proper towing
equipment designed for recreational tow-
ing and make sure that towing speed does
not exceed 90 km/h (55 mph)
TOWING INSTRUCTION TABLE
WA R N I N G
Be careful when overtaking other
vehicles. Be sure to allow enough
room for your trailer before you
change lanes, and signal well in
advance. Slow down and change into a lower
gear before you reach long or steep
downhill grades. It is hazardous to
attempt changing down while you
are descending a hill.
Avoid “riding” the brakes. This
could cause the brakes to overheat
resulting in reduced braking effi-
ciency. Use engine braking as
much as possible.
Because of the added trailer
weight, your engine may overheat
on hot days when going up long or
steep hills. Pay attention to your
engine temperature gauge. If it indi-
cates overheating, pull off the road
and stop in a safe place. Refer to “If
the Engine Overheats” in “EMER-
GENCY SERVICE” section.
WA R N I N G
When parking your vehicle and con-
nected trailer, always use the follow-
ing procedure:
1) Apply the vehicle’s brakes firmly.
2) Have another person place wheel
chocks under the wheels of the
vehicle and the trailer while you
are holding the brakes.
3) Slowly release the brakes until the
wheel chocks absorb the load.
4) Fully engage the parking brake.
5) Change the manual transmission
into reverse or first gear and turn
off the engine.
When starting out after parking:
1) Depress the clutch and start the
engine.
2) Change into gear, release the
parking brake, and slowly pull
away from the chocks.
3) Stop, apply the brakes firmly and
hold them.
4) Have another person remove the
chocks.
WA R N I N G
When you tow your vehicle, follow
the instructions below to avoid acci-
dents and damage to your vehicle. In
addition, be sure to observe govern-
ment and local requirements regard-
ing vehicle lighting and trailer hitches
or tow bars.
DRIVE
TRAINTRANS
MISSIONTOWING
METHOD
2WD M/T
(MANUAL)A/B
2WD A/T
(AUTOMATIC)A
2WD AGS
(AUTO GEAR
SHIFT)A/B
