Trailer Towing; Operating Precautions - Renault ALASKAN 2017 Driver's Handbook Manual

TRAILER TOWING

Your new vehicle was designed to be used primarily
to carry passengers and luggage.
Towing a trailer will place additional loads on your
vehicle's engine, drive train, steering, braking and
other systems. The towing of a trailer will exagger-
ate other conditions such as sway caused by cross-
winds, rough road surfaces or passing trucks.
Your driving style and speed must be adjusted ac-
cording to the circumstances. Before towing a
trailer, see an approved dealer or qualified work-
shop for an explanation about the proper use of tow-
ing equipment.

OPERATING PRECAUTIONS

•
Avoid towing a trailer during the running-in pe-
riod.
•
Before driving, make sure that the lighting sys-
tem of the trailer works properly.
•
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer
operation.
•
Avoid abrupt starts, accelerations and stops.
•
Avoid sharp turns and lane changes.
•
Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed.
•
Follow the trailer manufacturer's instructions.
•
Choose proper coupling devices (trailer hitch,
safety chain, roof carrier, etc.) for your vehicle
and trailer. These devices are available from an
approved dealer or qualified workshop where
you can also obtain more detailed information
about trailer towing.
5-48
Starting and driving
•
Never allow the total trailer load (trailer weight
plus its cargo weight) to exceed the maximum
set for the vehicle and the coupling device. See
an approved dealer or qualified workshop for
more information.
•
The trailer must be loaded so that heavy goods
are placed over the axle. The maximum allowable
vertical load on the trailer hitch must not be ex-
ceeded.
•
Have your vehicle serviced more often than at
the intervals specified in a separate maintenance
booklet.
•
Trailer towing requires more fuel than under nor-
mal circumstances because of a considerable
increase in traction power and resistance.
While towing a trailer, check the engine coolant
temperature indicator to prevent the vehicle from
overheating.
TYRE PRESSURE
When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tyres to the
maximum recommended COLD tyre pressure (for
full loading) indicated on the tyre placard.
Do not tow a trailer when the vehicle is installed with
a temporary spare tyre or a compact spare tyre.
SAFETY CHAINS
Always use a suitable chain between the vehicle
and trailer. The chain should be crossed and should
be attached to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper
or axle. Be sure to leave enough slack in the chain
to permit turning corners.
TRAILER BRAKES
Ensure that trailer brakes are installed as required
by local regulations. Also check that all other trailer
equipment conforms to local regulations.
Always block the wheels on both the vehicle and
trailer when parking. Apply the hand brake on the
trailer where fitted. Parking on a steep slope is not
recommended.
If parking on a steep slope is unavoidable, place the
shift lever in the P (Park) position (Automatic trans-
mission model), or in an appropriate position
(Manual transmission model), and turn the front
wheels towards the kerb.
TRAILER DETECTION (where fitted)
When towing a trailer with a genuine RENAULT tow
bar electrical kit and the turn signal switch is used,
the electrical system of the vehicle will detect the
additional electrical load of the trailer lighting. As a
result, the direction indicator tone will be different.