Trailer towing
In this section you will find safety tips and information on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully review this information to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, follow the requirements and recommendations in this manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not exceed the GVWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification Label” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tem- porary) loaded in or on the trailer in its loaded and ready for operation condition. The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle and trailer when weighed in combination.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or rear GAWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certi- fication Label” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
WARNING! It is important that you do not exceed the maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose control of the vehicle and have a collision.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should not be less than 10% of the trailer load. You must consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds of hitches are the most popular on the market today and they are commonly used to tow small and medium sized trailers.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry standard for the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/Transmission Max. Frontal Area Max. Gross Trailer Wt. (GTW) Max. Trailer Tongue Wt. (See Note 1)
2.4L/Auto 11 sq.ft. (1.0 sq.m) (See Note 2) 1,000 lbs (450 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.6L/Auto 22 sq.ft. (2.0 sq.m) 1,000 lbs (450 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
Note 1: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and it should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to “Tire Safety Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
Note 2: Enclosed trailers or open utility trailers with front shields/guards are not recommended for use with all four-cylinder engines with automatic transmission. Please see your authorized dealer for additional infor- mation.
Trailer And Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear can cause the trailer to sway severely side to side which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of many trailer collisions. Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.
Consider the following items when computing the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle: • The tongue weight of the trailer. • The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment put in or on your vehicle. • The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE: Remember that everything put into or on the trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional factory-installed options or dealer-installed options must be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer to the “Tire and Loading Information” placard for the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive- train components the following guidelines are recom- mended:
CAUTION!
• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle or other parts could be damaged.
• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
WARNING! Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as possible:
• Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and it will not shift during travel. When trailering cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts can occur that may be difficult for the driver to control. You could lose control of your vehicle and have a collision.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a loss of control, poor performance, or dam- age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chassis structure, or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used between your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for turning corners.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in PARK. Always, block or chock the trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
• Total weight must be distributed between the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the following four ratings are not exceeded: 1. Max loading as defined on the “Tire and Loading Information” placard. 2. GTW 3. GAWR 4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
Towing Requirements — Tires
• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire. • Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to “Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Oper- ating” for proper tire inflation procedures.
• Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres- sures before trailer usage.
• Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Operating” for the proper inspection procedure.
• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor- mation” in “Starting and Operating” for the proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
• Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer. This could cause inadequate braking and possible personal injury.
• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is required when towing a trailer with electronically actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic brake controller is not required.
• Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION! If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg) loaded, it should have its own brakes and they should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
• Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake system and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you need them and could have a collision.
• Towing any trailer will increase your stopping distance. When towing you should allow for addi- tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Failure to do so could result in a collision.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for motoring safety. The Trailer Tow Package may include a four-pin and seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness and connector.
NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle, but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector. Refer to the following illustrations.
1 — Female Pins 4 — Park 2 — Male Pin 5 — Left Stop/Turn 3 — Ground 6 — Right Stop/Turn
1 — Battery 5 — Ground 2 — Backup Lamps 6 — Left Stop/Turn 3 — Right Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps 4 — Electric Brakes
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping, and backing up the trailer in an area located away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How- ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, select the 3 range (with four-speed transmission) or select a lower gear using the AutoStick® shift control (with six-speed transmission).
NOTE: Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, will improve perfor- mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces- sive shifting and heat build-up. This action will also provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY TOW a trailer for more than 45 minutes of continuous operation, then change the auto- matic transmission fluid and filter as specified for “po- lice, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.” Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the transmission fluid level (four-speed transmission only) before towing. The six-speed trans- mission does not require a fluid level check before towing. If, however, you notice fluid leakage or transmis- sion malfunction, see your authorized dealer immedi- ately for assistance.
AutoStick®
– When using the AutoStick® shift control, select the
highest gear that allows for adequate performance and avoids frequent downshifts. For example, choose “4” if the desired speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if needed to maintain the desired speed.
– To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as neces- sary to avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return to a higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and road conditions allow.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads. • When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until you can get back to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over- heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans- mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground All Models
Flat Tow NONE NOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Front OK Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALL OK
Recreational Towing — All Models
Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the front wheels are OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this procedure: 1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following
the dolly manufacturer’s instructions. 2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly. 3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place the transmis-
sion in PARK. 4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following
the dolly manufacturer’s instructions. 5. Release the parking brake.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe transmission damage. Damage from improper towing is not covered un- der the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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