Suzuki 2008 XL7 Owner's Manual page 162

DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
After you have loaded your trailer, weigh
the trailer and then the tongue, separately,
to see if the weights are proper. If they are
not, you may be able to get them right sim-
ply by moving some items around in the
trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
Be sure your vehicle's tires are inflated to
the upper limit for cold tires. You will find
these numbers on the Certification/Tire
Label at the rear edge of the driver's door,
or refer to "Loading Your Vehicle" in this
section. Then be sure you do not go over
the GVW limit for your vehicle, including
the weight of the trailer tongue.
Hitches
It is important to have the correct hitch
equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going
by and rough roads are a few reasons why
you will need the right hitch. Here are
some rules to follow:
• If you will be pulling a trailer that, when
loaded, will weigh more than 2,000 lbs
(900 kg), be sure to use a properly
mounted, weight-carrying hitch and sway
control of the proper size. This equip-
ment is very important for proper vehicle
loading and good handling when you're
driving.
• Will you have to make any holes in the
body of your vehicle when you install a
trailer hitch?
If you do, remember to seal the holes
4-17
when you remove the hitch. If you do not
seal them, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) from your exhaust can get into your
vehicle. Refer to "Engine Exhaust" in
"Starting and Operating Your Vehicle" in
the "Features and Controls" section. Dirt
and water can, too.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between
your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of the
trailer to help prevent the tongue from con-
tacting the road if it becomes separated
from the hitch. Instructions about safety
chains may be provided by the hitch manu-
facturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Fol-
low the manufacturer's recommendation
for attaching safety chains and do not
attach them to the bumper. Always leave
just enough slack so you can turn with your
rig. Never allow safety chains to drag on
the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs
(450 kg) loaded, then it needs its own
brakes, and they must be adequate. Be
sure to read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so you will be able to
install, adjust and maintain them properly.
Because your vehicle has anti-lock brakes,
do not try to tap into your vehicle's brake
system. If you do, both brake systems will
not work well, or at all.
Driving with a Trailer
WARNING
If you have the liftgate open and you
pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon
monoxide (CO) could come into your
vehicle. You cannot see or smell CO.
It can cause unconsciousness or
death. Refer to "Engine Exhaust" in
"Starting and Operating Your Vehi-
cle" in the "Features and Controls"
section. To maximize your safety
when towing a trailer:
• Have your exhaust
inspected for leaks, and make nec-
essary repairs before starting on
your trip.
• Keep the liftgate closed.
• If exhaust does come into your
vehicle through a window in the
rear or another opening, drive with
your front, main heating or cooling
system on and with the fan on any
speed. This will bring fresh, out-
side air into your vehicle. Do not
use the climate control setting for
maximum air because it only recir-
culates the air inside your vehicle.
Refer to "Automatic Climate Con-
trol System" in "Climate Controls"
in the "Instrument Panel" section.
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount
of experience. Before setting out for the
open road, you will want to get to know
system