
78STARTING AND OPERATING  
(Continued)
Weight-Distributing Hitch
The weight-distributing hitch 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 
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer 
stability. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) and a weight 
distributing (load equalizing) 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 Rating (GAWR) requirements.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry 
standard for the maximum trailer weight a given 
trailer hitch class can tow and should be used to 
assist you in selecting the correct trailer hitch 
for your intended towing condition.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing 
Hitch system may reduce 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 manufac
-
turer or a reputable Recreational Vehicle 
dealer for additional information.
WARNING!  (Continued)
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4,535 kg)
See chart on  Ú page 79 for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 78   

178SAFETY  
LATCH-compatible child restraint systems will 
be equipped with a rigid bar or a flexible strap 
on each side. Each will have a hook or 
connector to attach to the lower anchorage and 
a way to tighten the connection to the 
anchorage. Forward-facing child restraints and 
some rear-facing child restraints will also be 
equipped with a tether strap. The tether strap 
will have a hook at the end to attach to the top 
tether anchorage and a way to tighten the strap 
after it is attached to the anchorage.
Center Seat LATCH
Always follow the directions of the child 
restraint manufacturer when installing your 
child restraint. Not all child restraint systems 
will be installed as described here.
To Install A LATCH-Compatible Child 
Restraint
If the selected seating position has a 
Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) 
seat belt, stow the seat belt, following the 
instructions below. See  Ú page 179 to check 
what type of seat belt each seating position has.
1. Loosen the adjusters on the lower straps  and on the tether strap of the child seat so 
that you can more easily attach the hooks 
or connectors to the vehicle anchorages.
2. Place the child seat between the lower  anchorages for that seating position. If the 
second row seat can be reclined, you may 
recline the seat and/or raise the head 
restraint (if adjustable) to get a better fit. If 
the rear seat can be moved forward and 
rearward in the vehicle, you may wish to 
move it to its rear-most position to make 
room for the child seat. You may also move 
the front seat forward to allow more room 
for the child seat. 3. Attach the lower hooks or connectors of the 
child restraint to the lower anchorages in 
the selected seating position.
4. If the child restraint has a tether strap,  connect it to the top tether anchorage. See  
Úpage 181 for directions to attach a tether 
anchor.
5. Tighten all of the straps as you push the  child restraint rearward and downward into 
the seat. Remove slack in the straps 
according to the child restraint 
manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Test that the child restraint is installed  tightly by pulling back and forth on the child 
seat at the belt path. It should not move 
more than 1 inch (25.4 mm) in any 
direction.
How To Stow An Unused Switchable-ALR 
(ALR) Seat Belt:
When using the LATCH attaching system to 
install a child restraint, stow all ALR seat belts 
that are not being used by other occupants or 
being used to secure child restraints. An unused 
belt could injure a child if they play with it and 
accidentally lock the seat belt retractor. Before 
WARNING!
Do not install a child restraint in the center 
position using the LATCH system. This posi -
tion is not approved for installing child 
seats using the LATCH attachments. You 
must use the seat belt and tether anchor to 
install a child seat in the center seating 
position.
Never use the same lower anchorage to 
attach more than one child restraint. See 
Ú page 178 for typical installation instruc -
tions.
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 178   

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY203
(Continued)
Insert the power plug into the vehicle power 
outlet socket. Start the vehicle engine.
Push the Tire Service Kit power button on. The 
electric compressor will be turned on, sealant 
and air will inflate the tire.
Minimum 26 psi (1.8 bar) of pressure should be 
reached within 20 minutes. If the pressure has 
not been reached, turn off and remove the Tire 
Service Kit, drive the vehicle 30 feet 
(10 meters) back and forth, to better distribute 
the sealant inside the tire.
Attach the clear flexible filling tube of the 
compressor directly to the tire valve and repeat 
the inflation process.
When the correct pressure has been reached, 
start driving the vehicle to uniformly distribute 
the sealant inside the tire. After 10 minutes, 
stop and check the tire pressure. If the pressure 
is below 19 psi (1.3 bar), do not drive the 
vehicle, as the tire is too damaged, contact the 
nearest authorized dealer.WARNING!
Do not attempt to seal a tire on the side of 
the vehicle closest to traffic. Pull far enough 
off the road to avoid the danger of being hit 
when using the Tire Service Kit.
Do not use Tire Service Kit or drive the 
vehicle under the following circumstances:
If the puncture in the tire tread is 
approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) or 
larger.
If the tire has any sidewall damage.
If the tire has any damage from driving 
with extremely low tire pressure.
If the tire has any damage from driving 
on a flat tire.
If the wheel has any damage.
If you are unsure of the condition of the 
tire or the wheel.
Keep Tire Service Kit away from open 
flames or heat source.
A loose Tire Service Kit thrown forward in a 
collision or hard stop could endanger the 
occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the 
Tire Service Kit in the place provided. 
Failure to follow these warnings can result 
in injuries that are serious or fatal to you, 
your passengers, and others around you.
Take care not to allow the contents of Tire 
Service Kit to come in contact with hair, 
eyes, or clothing. Tire Service Kit sealant is 
harmful if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed 
through the skin. It causes skin, eye, and 
respiratory irritation. Flush immediately 
with plenty of water if there is any contact 
with eyes or skin. Change clothing as soon 
as possible, if there is any contact with 
clothing.
Tire Service Kit Sealant solution contains 
latex. In case of an allergic reaction or rash, 
consult a physician immediately. Keep Tire 
Service Kit out of reach of children. If swal -
lowed, rinse mouth immediately with plenty 
of water and drink plenty of water. Do not 
induce vomiting! Consult a physician imme -
diately.
WARNING!  (Continued)
7
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 203   

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY211
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE  
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service.
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to 
prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow 
bars and other equipment designed for this 
purpose, following equipment manufacturer’s 
instructions. Use of safety chains is mandatory. 
Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main 
structural members of the vehicle, not to 
fascia/bumpers or associated brackets. State 
and local laws regarding vehicles under tow 
must be observed. If you must use the accessories (wipers, 
defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition 
must be in the ON/RUN mode.
If the ignition key is unavailable, or the vehicle's 
battery is discharged, for instructions on 
shifting the transmission out of PARK (P) for 
towing  Ú
page 209.
Towing Condition
Wheel OFF The Ground ALL MODELS
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow Front
OK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type equipment when 
towing. Vehicle damage may occur.
When securing the vehicle to a flat bed 
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspen-
sion components. Damage to your vehicle 
may result from improper towing.
7
21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 211