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214
Trailer
towing
Operating instructions
6"
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Fig. 201
Permitted ball posit ion of the tra iler hitch
Trailer towing weights
With a factory-installed or an aftermarket
trailer hitch, the max imum permissib le trailer
weight is 4,410 lbs (2,000 kg). The maximum
perm iss ible unbraked trailer weight is 1,650
lbs (750 kg). These spec ifications apply when
driving on roads having an incl ine of less than
12%.
Permissible tongue load
For best vehicle handling under these
changed condit ions, adjust the trailer load so
that the tongue load is at the maximum al-
lowable or slightly lower . You can get an ap-
prox imati on of the tongue load w ith a bath-
room scale or you can measure the load at a
trucking company or weighing sta t ion.
With a factory-installed or an aftermarket
trailer hitch, the maximum perm issible load
on the ball hitch may not exceed 441 lbs
(200 kg). It is recommended
to use the maxi-
mum permissible load .
Trailer load distribution
Be sure the load in the trai ler is held securely
in place to prevent it from shifting fo rward,
backward or s ideways.
Never allow a passenger to ride in a trailer
¢ .&.in Driving instructions on page 215.
Ball mount
The trailer hitch may only be used with su ita-
ble ball mount and ball¢
fig. 201.
Installa-
tion of the hitch ball must be carr ied out in ac-
cordance with the manufacturer's
instruc-
tions.
Engine cooling system
Towing a trailer makes the engine work hard-
er . It is important that the cooling system's
performance 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 cold tire pressure listed under
"Full load" on the tire pressure label. The tire
pressure label is located on the driver's side 8-
pillar. Inflate trailer tires to trailer and tire
manufacturers'
spec ificat ions.
Lights
The headlight settings should be checked with
the trai ler 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 con-
nected from the trailer to the hitch on the ve-
hicle . Leave enough slack in the chains to per-
mit turning 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
core and consideration.
To obtain t he best possible handling of vehicle
and t railer, please note the following:
.,. Do not tow a loaded trailer when you r car it-
self is not loaded .
.. Be especially caref ul when passing other ve-
hicles .
.. Observe speed limits.
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