Advertisement
If you have an automatic transmission, you should
use DRIVE
(D)
(or, as you need to, a lower gear)
when towing a trailer. Operating your vehicle in
DRIVE
(D)
when towing a trailer will minimize heat
buildup and extend the life of your transmission. If
you have a manual transmission and you are towing
a
trailer, it's better not to use FIFTH (5) gear. Just
drive in FOURTH (4) gear (or, as you need to, a
lower gear).
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
the weight of the trailer,
the weight of the trailer tongue
0
and the weight on your vehicle's tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a
trailer are all important. And, it can also depend on any
special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
The following chart shows how much your trailer can
weigh, based upon your vehicle model and options.
Vehicle
2-Wheel Drive,
Auto. Trans.
2-Wheel Drive,
Manual Trans.
4-Wheel Drive,
Auto. Trans.
4-Wheel Drive,
Manual Trans.
Axle Ratio Trailer
Wt.
3.08
3.42
3.42
4,500 lbs. (1 816 kg)
5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg)
4,500 Ibs. (1 8 16 kg)
3.08
.
4,000 Ibs. (1 8 16 kg)
3.42
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
3.73
5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg)
3.42
4,000 lbs.
(1
8 16 kg)
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the
driver and one passenger are in the tow vehicle and it
has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of
additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight.
4-48
Advertisement
