Pulling a Trailer

Here are some important points:

  • There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure the rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you will be driving.
  • Consider using a sway control. See “Hitches” later in this section.
  • Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 800 km (500 miles) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle or other parts could be damaged.
  • Then, during the first 800 km (500 miles) that a trailer is towed, do not drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
  • Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission to a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under heavy loads and/ or hilly conditions.
  • If the vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) system and it doesn't seem to be working properly while pulling a trailer, turn the system off. See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)   for more information.

Important considerations that have to do with weight:

  • The weight of the trailer
  • The weight of the trailer tongue
  • The weight on the vehicle's tires
  • And the weight of the trailering combination
    See also:

    Defensive Driving
    Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively is to wear the safety belt. See Safety Belts  . Assume that other road users (pedestrians, bicy ...

    Safety Chains
    Always attach chains between the vehicle and the trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting the road if it becomes separated from t ...

    Passive Door Lock
    If the vehicle has the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system, when enabled, this feature allows the doors to lock after several seconds if all doors are closed and at least one RKE transmitter has been ...