Trailer Towing (U.S.A. and Canada)
Your Mazda was designed and built primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
If you tow a trailer, follow these instructions because driver and passenger safety depends
on proper equipment and safe driving habits. Towing a trailer w ill affect handling, braking,
durability, performance , and fuel economy.
Never overload your vehicle or trailer. Consult an Authorized M azda Dealer if you need
further details.
CAUTION
Do not tow a trailer during the first 1,000 km (6 00 miles) of your new Mazda. If you do, you
may damage the engine, transaxle, differenti al, wheel bearings, and other power-train
components.
NOTE
Your vehicle is equipped with a Trailer St ability Assist (TSA) mechanism, which enhances
vehicle stability when towing a trailer.
Refer to Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) on page 4-76.
▼ Weight Limits
TTW and GCWR
The total trailer weight (TTW),
gross combination weight rating (GCWR), gross axle
weight rating (GAWR), trailer l oad, and trailer tongue load mus t be within the
prescribed limits.
•The total trailer weight (TTW) i s the sum of the weights of the trailer load (trailer
weight plus cargo), trailer hitc h, 2 passengers, and vehicle load (baggage, food, camp
gear, etc.). Never allow the total trailer weight (TTW) to exceed specifications in the
Trailer Towing-Load Table.
•The maximum GCWR is the combinat ion weight of the trailer and load plus the
towing vehicle (includ ing trailer hitch, vehicle passengers, and load). It must not
exceed specifications in the load table.
GAWR and GVWR
Do not exceed front and rear GAWR (gross axle weight rating) an d GVWR (gross vehicle
weight rating). If you do, vehicle handling, braking, and perfo rmance will be affected. These
values are also on the Motor Vehi cle Safety Certification Label posted on the driver's door
frame.
Before Driving
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High-altitude operation
CAUTION
Be aware of the towing load weight differences when towing at high altitudes. For altitudes
exceeding 1,000 meter (3,280 ft 10 in), always reduce the towing load by 10 % for every 1,000
meter (3,280 ft 10 in) increase in altitude from the load indicated under the maximum GCWR
heading in the trailer towing-load table. If the determined maximum total towing load
weight is exceeded, the engine and ot her power-train parts may be damaged.
TRAILER TOWING-LOAD TABLE
Because vehicle weights vary, adjustments must be made to meet the requirements in this
table.
Item Model
2WD AWD
MAX. FRON-
TA L A R E A
2.97 m2 (32 ft2)
MAX. TTW
1,587.5 kg (3,500 lb)
MAX. GCWR
3,629 kg (8,000.4 lb) 3,782 kg (8,337.7 lb)
MAX. GAWR
Front 1,217 kg (2,683 lb) 1,241 kg (2,736 lb)
Rear 1,386 kg (3,056 lb) 1,433 kg (3,159 lb)
MAX. GVWR
2,568 kg (5,661 lb) 2,638 kg (5,816 lb)
TRAIL-
ER-TONGUE
LOAD Tongue load
Tongue load/Trailer load × 100 = 10 % to 15 %
Trailer load
DISTRIBU-
TION OF
TRAILER
LOADFront 60 %
Rear 40 %
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WA R N I N G
Always keep tow loads within specified limits as indicated in the Trailer Towing-Load Table:
Attempting to tow loads greater than those sp ecified is dangerous as it may cause serious
handling and performance problems that could res ult in personal injury or vehicle damage,
or both.
Load your trailer with the weight about 60 % toward the front and 40 % toward the rear:
Loading the trailer with more weight in the rear than in the front is dangerous. Doing so could
cause you to lose control. The tr ailer tongue load must be 10 %―15 % of the total trailer load
(sum of the weights of the trailer and cargo).
Always have the total trailer weight and tongue load determined prior to departure:
Attempting to tow loads without determining the total trailer weight and tongue load is
dangerous. Trailer sway from crosswinds, rough roads or other causes could result in loss of
control and a serious accident.
CAUTION
The total trailer weight and tongue load ca n be determined by weighing the trailer on
platform scales at a highway weight station or a trucking company.
▼ Trailer Hitch
Use only a hitch ball recommended by the trailer manufacturer t
hat conforms to the gross
trailer weight requirement.
When not towing a trailer, remov e the trailer hitch (if detachable) to reduce the possibility of
damage as a result of the vehicle being rear-ended.
WA R N I N G
Always make sure the trailer hitch is securely attached before departure:
An unsecured trailer hitch is dangerous as it causes greater trailer sway from crosswinds,
rough roads or other causes, resulting in loss of control and a serious accident.
Examine all trailer-hitch mounting bolts regularly and tighten any that are loose. If the hitch
is removed, seal any open mounting holes to prevent exhaust, dust, water, dirt and other
foreign elements from filtering in, possibly endangering personal safety and damaging your
vehicle.
Do not install a hitch that stiffens the bumper as it will reduce the bumper's performance.
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▼Trailer Lights
Trailer lights must comply with
all federal, state, and local regulations. Equip your trailer as
required before towing it day or night.
CAUTION
Do not connect a trailer lighting system directl y to the lighting system of your Mazda. This
may damage your vehicle's electrical system an d lighting systems. Have a recreational vehicle
dealer or trailer rental agency connect the system, and inspect the brake lights and turn
signals yourself before each trip.
▼ Trailer Brakes
If the total trailer weight ex
ceeds 450 kg (1,000 lb), trailer brakes are required. If your trailer
has brakes, make sure they comply with all federal, state, and local regulations.
WA R N I N G
Do not connect a hydraulic trailer-brake system to your vehicle's brake system:
Connecting a hydraulic trailer-brake system directly to the vehicle brake system is dangerous
and will result in inadequate braking and possible injury.
▼ Trailer Towing Tips
•Verify that your Mazda maintains a near-normal attitude when a
loaded or unloaded trailer
is connected. Do not drive if it h as an abnormal front-up or front-down position. Inspect
for incorrect tongue load, worn suspension parts, and trailer o verloading.
•Make sure the trailer is properly loaded and the cargo is secur e to prevent it from shifting.
•Make sure the mirrors conform to all government regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.
The three main causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver e rror, excessive speed, and
improper trailer loading.
Before driving
•Have your cooling and braking sy stem checked by an Authorized M azda Dealer.
•Before starting out, inspect the operation of all vehicle and t railer lights and all
vehicle-to-trailer connections. Stop and re-inspect all lights and connections after driving
a short distance.
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Driving
•Your Mazda will handle differently with a trailer in tow, so practice turning, backing, and
stopping in a traffic-free area.
•Take time to get accustomed to the extra weight and length.
•Allow more room between your vehicle and the one in front becau se braking distance
increases with a trailer. For eac h 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, a llow at least one vehicle
and trailer length between your Mazda and the vehicle ahead.
•Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
•Avoid sudden braking. It may cau se loss of control and result in jackknifing, especially so
on wet or slippery roads.
•Shift the selector lever to the D position when towing a traile r in hilly terrain or when
heavily loaded.
The D position will allow opera ting the vehicle without frequen t shifting.
Lane changes and turning
Avoid quick lane changes, sudden turns, and tight turns. Slow d own before turning to avoid
the need of sudden braking.
A turning trailer will make a tigh ter arc than the tow vehicle. Compensate with turns that are
larger than normal.
Passing
Plan well ahead to pass other vehicles, and provide plenty of r oom before changing lanes.
Crosswinds from passing vehicles, especially larger ones, and t he effects of rough roads will
affect handling.
If swaying occurs, fir mly grip the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately, but
gradually.
Steer straight ahead. If no extreme correction of steering or b raking is made, the
combination of less speed and firm steering will result in stab ility.
Backing up
Backing a vehicle with a trailer requires practice and patience . Back slowly, and have a
helper outside at the rear of th e trailer to reduce the risk of an accident.
To turn the trailer, place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and turn it in the
direction you want the trailer to go. Make only slight movements to prevent sharp or
prolonged turning.
Ascending a hill
Shift into a lower gear to reduce the possibility of overloadin g or overheating the engine, or
both.
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Descending a hill
Shift into a lower gear and use engine compression as a braking effect.
WA R N I N G
Always use lower gears to reduce speed:
Holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently is dangerous as it could cause the
brakes to overheat and lose power, resulting in loss of control and a serious accident. Use
lower gears to help reduce speed. Pull off the road and allow brakes to cool down whenever
braking performance feels reduced.
Overheated engine
The extra weight of the trailer may strain the engine on hot days and on long or steep
upgrades.
If the temperature gauge indicates overheating, turn off the ai r conditioner, drive safely to
the side of the road, park off the right-of-way and wait for en gine to cool. Refer to
Overheating on page 7-25.
Parking
Always make sure the tires of the trailer and the tow vehicle a re blocked while parked.
Apply the parking brake firmly and put the transaxle in P.
Avoid parking on an incline, but if you must, follow these instructions:
1. Depress and hold down the brake pedal.
2. Have a helper put wheel blocks against the downhill side of a ll vehicle and trailer tires.
3. Then release the brake pedal slowly until the blocks bear the load.
•If the grade is downhill, turn the steering wheel so that the front of the front tires face
the curb.
•If it is uphill, face the rear of the front tires against the curb.
4. Firmly apply t he parking brake.
5. Shift the transaxle into P, and stop the engine.
To restart after parking on an incline:
1. With the transaxle in P, start the engine. (Be sure to depres s and hold the brake pedal.)
2. Shift into gear.
3. Release the parking brake (also the foot brake) and pull away from the wheel blocks.
Stop; apply the parking brake and shift into P.
4. Have a helper retrieve the wheel blocks.
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Driving Tips
WA R N I N G
Do not let the vehicle move in a direction
opposite to the direction selected by the
selector lever:
Do not let the vehicle move backward with
the selector lever in a forward position, or
do not let the vehicle move forward with
the selector lever in the reverse position.
Otherwise, the engine may stop, causing
the loss of the power brake and power
steering functions, and make it difficult to
control the vehicle which could result in an
accident.
Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transaxle will
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
NOTE
•The accelerator pedal may initially feel
heavy as it is being depressed, then feel
lighter as it is depressed further. This
change in pedal force aids the engine
control system in determining how much
the accelerator pedal has been
depressed for performing kickdown, and
functions to control whether or not
kickdown should be performed.
•While the selector lever is in the M
position and the TCS is turned off,
manual shift mode does not switch to
automatic shift mode even if the
accelerator pedal is completely
depressed. Operate the selector lever.
Climbing steep gra des from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the load weight and grade steepness.
3. Release the brake pedal while gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to
lower gears, depending on load weight and
grade steepness. Descend slowly, using the
brakes only occasionally to prevent them
from overheating.
When Driving
Automatic Transaxle
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To turn on the lights
When the ignition switch and the headlight
switch are in the following conditions, the
headlights will illuminate when the
transmitter unlock button is pressed and
the vehicle receives the transmitter signal.
The headlights turn off after a certain
period of time has elapsed (30 seconds).
•Ignition switch: off
•Headlight switch: , , or
Lock button
Unlock
button
NOTE
•Operation of the leaving home light can
be turned on or off.
Refer to Personalization Features on
page 9-11.
•When the transmitter lock button is
pressed and the vehicle receives the
transmitter signal, the headlights turn
off.
•When the headlight switch is turned to
the
position, the headlights turn off.
▼ Headlight Leveling
The number of passengers and weight of
cargo in the luggage compartment change
the angle of the headlights.
The angle of the headlights will be
automatically adjusted when turning on
the headlights.
▼Daytime Running Lights
Some countries require moving vehicles to
have their lights on (daytime running
lights) during the daytime.
The daytime running lights turn on when
the vehicle is driven and turn off when the
parking brake is operated or the selector
lever is shifted to
the P position.
NOTE
(Except Canada)
The daytime running lights can be
deactivated.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
9-11.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
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