Towing A Trailer - Saab 2004 9-3 Owner's Manual

178 Starting and driving

Towing a trailer

WARNING
• Do not drive with a trailer on inclines
steeper than 15 %. The load on the
drive (front) wheels will be so low that
the wheels can start to spin and
prevent further progress.
• In addition, the car's parking brake
may not always be sufficient to hold
the car and trailer securely, as the
wheels may start to slide.
• Always apply the trailer's parking
brake when unhitching it. There is
otherwise a risk of personal injury or
damage to the bumper should the
trailer start to roll.
• When you hitch up the trailer be sure
to attach its safety chains to the holes
by the hitch.
Make sure you are familiar with the legal
requirements regarding speed limits for
towing, maximum trailer weights, trailer
braking requirements, and also any spe-
cial driving licence provisions.
Trailer hitch attachment
Trailer hitch attachments are available as
accessories. These are designed for a max-
imum trailer weight of 3500 lbs (1588 kg),
with trailer brakes.
An electrical socket is provided for connect-
ing the trailer electrics. This is located under
the floor trim by the left-hand tail light.
The Saab genuine electrical socket enables
a battery in the trailer on tow to be charged
while driving. Also, if the car has SPA, this
is deactivated automatically if a trailer is
hitched up and correctly connected to the
Saab genuine trailer socket.
Saab recommendations:
• Use a genuine Saab trailer hitch that is
designed and tested for your Saab.
• Contact your Saab dealer for advice on
which trailer hitch is designed for your car.