Driving With A Trailer - Hyundai Tucson 2023 Owner's Manual

Driving with a Trailer

Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. Before driving,
acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added
weight of the trailer. And always keep in
mind that the vehicle you are driving is
now longer and not nearly as responsive
as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch
and platform, safety chains, electrical
connector(s), lights, tires, and brakes.
During your trip, occasionally check the
load is secure, and that the lights and
trailer brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when driving
your vehicle without a trailer. This can
help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing Distance
You need more passing distance when
you are towing a trailer. Because of the
increased vehicle length, you may need
to go much farther beyond the passed
vehicle before you can return to your
lane.
Backing up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
with one hand. Then, to move the trailer
to the left, move your hand to the left. To
move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly
and, if possible, have someone guide
you.
Making turns
When you are turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so your
trailer does not strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees, or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal
well in advance.
Turn signals
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has
to have a different turn signal flasher and
extra wiring. The green arrows on your
instrument panel flashes whenever you
signal a turn or lane change. Properly
connected, the trailer lights also flash to
alert other drivers when you are about to
turn, change lanes, or stop.
When towing a trailer, the green arrows
on your instrument panel flashes for
turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. Thus, you may think drivers
behind you are seeing your signals when,
in fact, they are not. It is important to
check occasionally to make sure the
trailer bulbs are still working. Check the
lights every time you disconnect and
then reconnect the wires.
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer lighting system
directly to your vehicle's lighting system.
Use an approved trailer wiring harness.
Failure to do so may result in damage
to the vehicle electrical system and/or
personal injury. Contact an authorized
HYUNDAI dealer for assistance.
Driving on hills
On a long uphill grade, shift down and
reduce your vehicle speed to around 45
mph (70 km/h) to reduce the possibility
of engine and transmission overheating.
If you do not shift down, you might have
to use the brakes and your brakes may
overheat and may not operate efficiently.
If your trailer weighs more than the
maximum trailer weight without trailer
brakes and you have an automatic
transmission, drive in D (Drive) when
towing a trailer.
Operating your vehicle in D (Drive)
when towing a trailer can minimize heat
build-up and extend the life of your
transmission.
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