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Trailer Towing: 5, 11, 13
Trailer Towing
You can use your SUZUKI to tow a trailer,
but you should always observe the require-
ments and recommendations in this sec-
tion. If you intend to tow a trailer, it is
essential to select a trailer and trailer tow-
ing equipment which are compatible. A
reputable trailer dealer can help you.
CAUTION
Trailer towing puts additional stress
on the engine, drive train and brakes
of your vehicle. Never tow a trailer
during the first 960 km (600 miles) of
vehicle operation.
CAUTION
Because towing a trailer puts addi-
tional stress on your vehicle, more
frequent
maintenance
required than under normal driving
conditions. Follow the schedule for
Maintenance Recommended Under
Severe Driving Conditions or perform
more frequent maintenance as nec-
essary.
For Automatic transmission vehicles, shift
into "3" (Low 2) or "L" (Low 1) (if necessary)
and frequently monitor the coolant temper-
ature gauge when towing up a steep hill. If
the gauge indicates overheating, park the
vehicle in a safe place and let the engine
cool down. Refer to "If the Engine Over-
heats" section for details on how to deal
with overheating.
CAUTION
Towing in "D" range up a steep hill
can cause coolant overheating which
may result in engine/automatic trans-
mission damage.
Hitches
Use only a trailer hitch bracket that is
designed to bolt to the frame of your vehi-
cle, and a hitch that is designed to bolt to
this bracket. We recommend that you use
a genuine SUZUKI trailer hitch bracket and
trailer hitch (available as options), or equiv-
alent.
WARNING
will
be
Never use a bumper hitch or a hitch
which attaches to the axle of your
vehicle.
Safety Chains
Always attach safety chains between your
vehicle and trailer. Cross safety chains
under the tongue of the trailer so that the
tongue will not drop to the road if the trailer
becomes separated from the hitch. Follow
the manufacturer's recommendation for
attaching safety chains. Always leave just
enough slack to permit full turning. Never
allow safety chains to drag on the road.
VEHICLE LOADING AND TOWING
WARNING
Never attach safety chains to the
bumper of your vehicle. Secure con-
nections so that they can't come
loose.
Trailer Lights
Make sure your trailer is equipped with
lights which meet federal, state and local
requirements. Always check for the proper
operation of all trailer lights before you
start to tow.
WARNING
Never splice trailer lights directly into
your vehicle's electrical system, or
electrical system damage may occur.
Brakes
WARNING
If trailer brakes are used, you should
follow all instructions provided by the
manufacturer. Never tap into the
brake system of your vehicle.
66J21-03E
8-2
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