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Operating instructions
6"
r-2
~ ·
~
1/2"
1·1/2"
ill
Fig. 79 Perm itted ball pos itio n of the t rail er hitch
Trailer towing weights
With a factory-installed or an aftermarket trailer
hitch, the maximum permissible trailer weight is
2,200 lbs (1,000 kg) . The maximum permissible
unbraked trailer weight is 1,650 lbs (750 kg) .
These specifications apply when driving on roads
having an incline of less than 12%.
Permissible tongue load
For best vehicle handling under these changed
conditions, adjust the trailer load so that the
tongue load is at the maximum allowable or
slightly lower . You can get an approximation of
the tongue load with a bathroom scale or you can
measure the load at a trucking company or
weighing station.
With a factory-installed or an aftermarket trailer
hitch, the maximum permissible load on the ball
hitch may not exceed 220 lbs (100 kg) . It is rec-
ommended to use the maximum permissible
load.
Trailer load distribution
Be sure the load in the trailer is held securely in
place to prevent it from shifting forward, back-
ward or sideways.
Never allow a passenger to ride in a trailer ¢ .&.
in Driving instructions on page
76 .
Ball mount
The trailer hitch may only be used with suitable
ball mount and ball ¢
fig. 79.
Installation of the
hitch ball must be carried out in accordance with
the manufacturer's
instructions .
Trailer
towing
Engine cooling system
Towing a trailer makes the engine work harder. It
is important that the cooling system's perform-
ance is up to the additional load. Make sure that
the cooling system has enough fluid.
Tire pressure
When towing a trailer, inflate the tires of your
vehicle to the tire pressure listed under "Full
load" on the tire pressure label
¢ page 181.
In-
flate trailer tires to trailer and tire manufactur-
ers' specifications.
Lights
The headlight settings should be checked with
the trailer attached before driving off. Check to
make sure both vehicle and trailer lights are
working properly.
Safety chains
Be sure trailer safety chains are properly connect-
ed from the trailer to the hitch on the vehicle .
Leave enough slack in the chains to permit turn-
ing corners. When you install safety chains, make
sure they will not drag on the road when you are
driving.
The chains should cross under the trailer tongue
to prevent it from dropping in case of separation
from the hitch.
· Driving instructions
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care
ond consideration.
Weight distribution
Towing a loaded trailer with an empty car results
in a highly unstable distribution of weight. If this
cannot be avoided, drive at very low speeds only
to avoid the risk of losing steering control.
A "balanced " rig is easier to operate and control.
This means that the tow vehicle should be loaded
to the extent possible and permissible, while
keeping the trailer as light as possible under the
circumstances. Whenever possible, transfer
some cargo to the luggage compartment
of the
tow vehicle while observing tongue load require-
ments and vehicle loading considerations.
.,.
75
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