Table of Contents
Advertisement
Main Menu
Towing a Trailer
Connecting the Trailer
If you will be using a trailer with a
gross weight of more than 1000 lb
(450kg), it should have its own
electrically-operated braking system.
It should not connect to your car's
brake system. Any attempt to attach
the trailer's brakes to your car's hy-
draulic system, no matter how
successful it may seem, will lower
braking effectiveness and create a
potential hazard.
Always use a safety chain when
towing a trailer. Connect the safety
chain securely at both ends. Make
sure the chain crosses under the
tongue so it will catch the trailer if it
becomes unhitched. Leave enough
slack in the chain so it can't bind in a
sharp turn. Do not let it drag on the
ground.
Driving
Table of Contents
TAIL LIGHT
(R/B)
LEFT TURN
GROUND
SIGNAL
(B)
(G/L)
Your car has a trailer lighting connec-
tor in the trunk. To use the connec-
tor, remove the left cover by un-
screwing the knob. Refer to the draw-
ing above for the wiring color code
and purpose of each connector pin.
Since the lighting and wiring can be
different for various brands of trail-
ers, have a technician who is familiar
with your trailer modify its lighting
plug. A converter may be required
between the car and trailer for the
lights to work correctly.
Before Starting Out
BRAKE LIGHT
As you are preparing to tow your
(G/W)
trailer, do the following:
RIGHT TURN
SIGNAL
(G/Y)
Measure the trailer's tongue load.
You can do this with a bathroom
scale.
Verify that the hitch and safety
chain are securely fastened.
Check the condition and air pres-
sure of all tires on the trailer and
your car. Low tire pressure can
seriously affect the handling. Also
check the spare tires.
With everything loaded and the
trailer connected, check that the
rear of the car is not sagging. If so,
redistribute the load in the car.
Check that all lights on the car and
trailer are working properly.
Advertisement
Table of Contents
