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TOWINg PRECAUTIONS
•
When heavily loading your vehicle or when towing, your tyres should be inflated to
the maximum recommended pressure. Refer to Tyres in chapter 7, for tyre placard
and information about tyre pressures.
Also, refer to Driving precautions in chapter 4, for driving information with
increased loads.
•
Ensure the load distribution hitch is correctly distributing the tow ball load. Refer to
Towing equipment previously in this chapter.
•
Tighten the tow ball retaining nut to 140 Nm (Newton Meters) and check the torque
frequently.
•
Vehicles handle differently when towing. It is a good idea to make a couple of short-
distance trips with the trailer before setting off on a longer journey.
•
Have your vehicle correctly maintained and serviced.
•
Have the trailer maintained and serviced, with particular attention to the condition
of the brakes, tyres, suspension, wheel bearings, lighting and the tow coupling.
•
Use extended-arm rear view mirrors on both sides of the vehicle if necessary.
•
Headlamps may need realignment after the loaded trailer has been hitched,
particularly if a load distribution hitch is not used.
•
Use a lower gear and the brakes, when descending steep hills.
•
Do not use axle-mounted hitches as this will damage the vehicle.
•
Ensure that no part of the tow bar (including the tongue or tow ball) obscures the
vehicle's licence plate. If necessary, remove the tow bar tongue when it is not
in use.
•
If a tow bar is removed:
Ensure to have any mounting holes in the underbody properly sealed to prevent the
possible entry of exhaust fumes, dust and water.
Trailer brakes
•
Trailer brakes are mandatory on trailers weighing 750 kg and over when loaded.
The brakes on the trailer must be designed to cope with the braking requirements
of the trailer under all towing conditions, without adversely affecting the brakes on
the vehicle.
•
Consult the appropriate regulatory body in your State or Territory for the legal
requirements of trailer brakes.
Park Assist
3
The Park Assist system will automatically deactivate when a trailer lighting plug is connected
to the vehicle. It will automatically activate again when the plug is removed.
TOWINg cont.
Chapter 9
TOW AND LOAD
9-7
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