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T r ailer
mod e
Operating instructions
6"
~
2
\
. 1/2 "
.(.
'-
I}
1-1 / 2"
-
Fig. 189
Permitted ball position of the traile r hitch
Traile r t owing we ights
With a factory-installed or an aft ermarket trailer
hitch, the maximum permissib le trailer weight is
4,400 lbs (2,000 kg) . The maximum perm iss ible
unb raked trailer weight is 1,650 lbs (750 kg) .
These spec ificat ions apply when dr iving on roads
hav ing an incl ine of less tha n 12%.
Perm issible tongue load
For best vehicle handling under these changed
conditions, adjust the trailer load so that the
tongue load is at the maxim um allowable or
slightly lower. You can get an approx imation of
the tongue load w ith a bathroom scale or you can
measure the load at a tr ucking company or
weighing station.
With a factory-installed or an aftermarket t railer
hitch, t he maximum permissib le load on t he ball
hitch may not exceed 440 lbs (200 kg). It is rec-
ommended to use the maximum permissible
load.
Trailer load di stribution
Be su re the load in the trailer is held securely in
place to prevent it from s hift ing fo rwa rd, back -
ward or sideways.
Never allow a passenger to ride in a trail er
c::>
A
in Driving instructions on page 205.
Ball mount
The trailer hitch may only be used w ith suitable
ball mount and ball
c::>
fig. 189 .
Installat ion of
the hitch ball must be carr ied out in accordance
w ith the manufacturer 's inst ruct ions.
204
Engine cooling system
Towing a t ra ile r makes t he engine work harder. It
is important that the cooling system's perform-
ance is up to the additional load . Make sure that
the cooling system has enough fluid .
Tire pressure
When towing a t railer, inflate the ti res of your
vehicle to the cold tire pressure listed under "Full
load" on the tire press ure label. The tire pressure
label is located on the driver 's side B-pillar . In-
flate tra iler tires to trailer and tire manufactur-
ers' specifications.
Lights
The head light settings shou ld be checked with
the trailer attached before driving off. Check to
make sure both vehicle and trailer lights are
working properly.
Safety chains
Be sure t ra ile r safety cha ins a re properly connect-
ed from the trailer to the hitch on the vehicle.
Leave enough slack in the chains to permit tu rn-
ing corners . When you install safety chains, make
sure they will not drag on the road when you are
driv ing.
The chains should cross under the trai ler tongue
to prevent it from dropping in case of separation
from the hitch.
Driving instructions
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care
and consideration.
To obtain the best possible handling of veh icle
and t railer, p lease note the following:
.., Do not tow a loaded trai ler when your car itself
is not loaded.
.., Be especially care ful when passing other
vehicles .
.., Observe speed limits.
.., Do not drive at the maximum permissible
speed.
.., Always app ly brakes early.
.., Monitor the temperature
gauge.
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