Towing Tips - Jeep Compass 2015 Operating Information Manual

vehicle. Refer to "Tires – General Informa-
tion" in "Starting and Operating" for proper
tire inflation procedures.
• Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
• Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer. Refer to
"Tires – General Information" in "Starting and
Operating" for the proper
procedure.
• When replacing tires, refer to "Tires – Gen-
eral Information" in "Starting and Operating"
for proper tire replacement procedures. Re-
placing tires with a higher load carrying ca-
pacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
• Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake sys-
tem or vacuum system of your vehicle with
that of the trailer. This could cause inad-
equate braking and possible personal injury.
• When towing a trailer equipped with a hy-
draulic surge actuated brake system, an
electronic brake controller is not required.
• Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers
over 1,000 lbs (450 kg) and required for
trailers in excess of 1,653 lbs (750 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs
(450 kg) loaded, it should have its own
brakes and they should be of adequate
inspection
capacity. Failure to do this could lead to
accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake
pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
• Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehi-
cle's hydraulic brake lines. It can overload
your brake system and cause it to fail. You
might not have brakes when you need
them and could have an accident.
WARNING! (Continued)
• Towing any trailer will increase your stop-
ping distance. When towing, you should
allow for additional space between your
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
Failure to do so could result in an accident.

Towing Tips

Before setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing the trailer in an area away
from heavy traffic.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer
towing, all starts must be in first gear to avoid
excessive clutch slippage.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
However, if frequent shifting or changes in
engine speed occur while in DRIVE, use the
(Continued)
AutoStick shift control to manually select a
lower gear ratio.
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