Driving with a Trailer
When towing a trailer:
Use a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often.
Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open. When towing a trailer:
For information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust. |
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. The combination you are driving is longer and not as responsive as the vehicle itself. Get acquainted with the handling and braking of the rig before setting out for the open road.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps, tires and mirrors. If the trailer has electric brakes, start the combination moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure and the lamps and any trailer brakes still work.
Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the sound of the stability control system might be heard. The system is reacting to the vehicle movement caused by the trailer, which mainly occurs during cornering. This is normal when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer. Because the rig is longer, it is necessary to go farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. 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
Caution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering. |
When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal so the trailer will not strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Use the turn signal well in advance and avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The turn signal indicators on the instrument panel flash whenever signaling a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps also flash, telling other drivers the vehicle is turning, changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument panel flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before starting down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, engine coolant boils at a lower temperature than at normal altitudes. If the engine is turned off immediately after towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle could show signs similar to engine overheating.
To avoid this, let the engine run while parked, preferably on level ground, with the transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes before turning the engine off. If the overheat warning comes on, see Engine Overheating.
Parking on Hills
Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a flat surface. |
If parking the rig on a hill:
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a trailer. See Maintenance Schedule.
Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system and brake system. Inspect these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat during severe operating conditions. See Engine Overheating.
Intake Manifold Replacement Intake and Forced Induction Intake Manifold
Removal ProcedureRecover the A/C system. Refer toRefrigerant Recovery and Recharging.Relieve the fuel system pressure. Refer toFuel Pressure Relief.Remove the air cleaner outlet duct. Refer toAir Cleaner Assembly Replacement.Caution:Never attempt to remove the intake manifold from a hotengine, allow ...