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uuBefore Driving uMaximum Load Limit
408
Driving
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That we ight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicl e. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVW R) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.1 Maximum Load Limit
Towing a Trailer:
See Towing a Trailer to determine whether your
vehicle is designed to tow a trailer.
2 Towing a Trailer P. 409
Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load 850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs (68 kg x 2 = 136 kg) Cargo Weight
550 lbs
(249 kg)
Example2
Max Load 850 lbs
(385 kg) Passenger Weight
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs (68 kg x 5 = 340 kg) Cargo Weight
100 lbs
(45 kg)
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409Continued
Driving
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your
warranties.
Towing Preparation
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelin es. Check the load limits before driving.
■Total trailer weight
Maximum allowable weight of the trailer,
cargo, and everything in or on it must not
exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg). Towing loads in
excess of this can seriously affect vehicle
handling and performance and can damage
the engine and drivetrain.
■Towing Load Limits
1.5 L engine models
2.0 L engine models
1 Towing Load Limits
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale.
If a public scale is not av ailable, add the estimated
weight of your cargo load to the weight of your
trailer (as quoted by th e manufacturer), and the
tongue load.
Break-in Period.
Avoid towing a trailer dur ing your vehicle’s first
600 miles (1,000 km).
Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
Gross weight information 2 Vehicle Specifications P. 636
3WARNING
Exceeding any load limit or improperly
loading your vehicle and trailer can cause a
crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and
trailer carefully before starting to drive.
Total Load
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410
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
■Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded
trailer on the hitch should be approximately
10% of the total trailer weight.
• Excessive tongue load reduces front tire
traction and steering control. Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway.
• To achieve a proper tongue load, start by
loading 60% of the load toward the front
of the trailer and 40% toward the rear.
Readjust the load as needed.
Tongue LoadTongue Load
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411
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
Towing equipment varies by th e size of your trailer, how much load you are towing,
and where you are towing.
■Hitches
The hitch must be of an approved type and properly bolted to the underbody.
■Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
■Trailer brakes
There are two common types of trailer bra kes: surge and electric. Surge brakes are
common for boat trailers, since the brakes will get wet. If you choose electric brakes,
be sure they are electronically actuated. Do not attempt to attach trailer brakes to
your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as it wi ll lower braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
■Additional towing equipment
Many states and provinces/territories requ ire special outside mirrors when towing a
trailer. Even if mirrors are not required in your locale, you should install special
mirrors if visibility is restricted in any way.
■Trailer light
Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state, province/territory, and
local regulations. Check with your local trailer sales or rental agency for the
requirements in the area where you plan to tow.
■Towing Equipment and Accessories1Towing Equipment and Accessories
Make sure that all equipmen t is properly installed and
maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province/
territory, and lo cal regulations.
Consult your trai ler maker for prope r installation and
setup of the equipment.
Improper installation and setup can affect the
handling, stability, and br aking performance of your
vehicle.
Consult your traile r sales or rental agency if any other
items are recommended or required for your towing
situation.
The lighting and wiring of tra ilers can vary by type
and brand. If a connector is required, it should only
be installed by a qua lified technician.
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412
uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer
• Have the trailer properly serviced and keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2Towing Load Limits P. 409
•Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the tr ailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressure of the traile r tires, including the spare.
• Turn off the Low Speed Braking Control syst em. It may activate if it detects the
vehicle being towed as an obstacle.
2 System On and Off P. 469
•Turn off the rear parking sensor system.
2 Turning off All Rear Sensors P. 526
•Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■Towing Speeds and Gears
■Turning and Braking
2.0 L engine models
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Operating speed when towing a trailer must not
exceed 62 mph (100 km/h).
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.
Models with Low Speed Braking Control
1Towing Speeds and Gears
When towing a fixed-sided trailer (e.g., camper), do
not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h). At higher speeds, the
trailer may sway or af fect vehicle handling.
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413
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Behind a Motorhome
Driving
• Monitor your temperature gauge. If it nears the red (Hot) mark, turn off the
climate control system and reduce speed. Pull to the side of the road safely to cool
down the engine if necessary.
Towing Behind a Motorhome
Your vehicle is not designed to be towed behind a motorhome. If your vehicle needs
to be towed in an emergency, refer to the emergency towing information.
2Emergency Towing P. 628
■Driving in Hilly Terrain
Page 449 of 659
Continued447
uuWhen Driving uTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Driving
1Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The low tire pressure/TPMS indicator may come on
under the following conditions:
•A compact spare tire is used.
•There is a heavier and une ven load on the tires,
such as when towing a trailer*, than the condition
at calibration.
•Tire chains* are used.
The Vehicle Stability Assist
TM (VSA ®) system, Vehicle
Stability AssistTM (VSA ®) OFF, adaptive cruise control
(ACC) with Low Speed Follow, safety support and
low tire pressure/TPMS indicators may come on in
amber along with a message in the driver information
interface when you set the power mode to ON after
reconnecting the battery.
Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h).
Each indicator should go off. If any do not, have your
vehicle checked by a dealer.
* Not available on all models
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Continued453
uuWhen Driving uBlind spot information System*
Driving
■When the system detects a vehicle
Blind spot information System Alert Indicator:
Located on the outside rearview mirror on
both sides.
Comes on when:
•A vehicle enters the alert zone from behind
to overtake you with a speed difference of
no more than 31 mph (50 km/h) from your
vehicle.
• You pass a vehicle with a speed difference
of no more than 12 mph (20 km/h).
Blinks and a beeper sounds when:
You move the turn signal lever in the direction
of the detected vehicle. The beeper sounds
three times.1 Blind spot information System*
The system is for your convenience only. Even if an
object is within the alert zone, the following
situations may occur.
•The blind spot informatio n system alert indicator
may not come on due to obstruction (splashes,
etc.) even without the Blind Spot Information
System Not Available driver information
interface appearing.
•The blind spot informatio n system alert indicator
may come on even with the message appearing.
You can change the setting for the blind spot
information system. 2 Customized Features P. 352
The system does not operate when in
( R.
Turn the system off when towing a trailer.
The system may not work properly for the following
reasons:
•The added mass tilts the vehicle and changes the
radar coverage.
•The trailer itself can be detected by the radar
sensors, causing the blind spot information system
alert indicators to come on.
2.0 L engine models
Comes On
Blinks
* Not available on all models