Operation Manual

Trailer towing
Driving safety 6-13
6
Choose a proper hitch and ball, and make
sure it is installed at a height that is compati-
ble with the trailer.
Use a good equalizing hitch which uniformly
distributes the trailer tongue load throughout
the frame.
A safety chain must always be used between
the towing vehicle and the trailer. Leave suf-
ficient slack in the chain for turns. The chain
should cross under the trailer tongue to pre-
vent the tongue from dropping to the ground
in case it becomes damaged or separated.
For correct safety chain procedures, consult
your authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
Your vehicle will need service more often
when you’re towing a trailer. Refer to “WAR-
RANTY AND MAINTENANCE MAN-
UAL”. Especially important in trailer
operation are manual transaxle oil, automatic
transaxle fluid, engine oil, rear axle oil, belt,
cooling system and brake system. Each of
these is covered in this manual.
For details, please refer to the “Vehicle care
and maintenance” section.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts
and bolts are tight.
Mitsubishi Motors recommends that any
trailer having a total weight of 1,250 lbs (567
kg) or more (2400 models), 1,400 lbs (635
kg) or more (3000 models) be equipped with
its own electric or surge-type brakes.
If you choose electric brakes, be sure they are
electrically actuated. Do not attempt to tap
into your vehicle’s hydraulic system. No mat-
ter how successful it may seem, any attempt
to attach trailer brakes to your vehicle’s
hydraulic system will lower braking effec-
tiveness and create a potential hazard.
Trailer lights and equipment must comply
with federal, state, and local regulations.
Check with your local recreational vehicle
dealer for the requirements in your area, and
use only equipment designed for your vehi-
cle.
Since lighting and wiring vary by trailer type
and brand, you should have a qualified tech-
nician install a suitable connector between the
vehicle and the trailer. Improper equipment or
installation can cause damage to your vehi-
Trailer hitches
WARNING
 If you make any holes in the body of your
vehicle for installing a trailer hitch, be
sure to seal the holes later when you
remove the hitch. If you don’t seal them,
deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your
exhaust can enter your vehicle. Refer to
“Exhaust system” on page 9-24.
NOTE
 Mitsubishi Motors recommends that sway
control be used whenever you are towing, to
improve towing stability.
For further information, please contact your
authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
Safety chains
CAUTION
 Never tow a trailer without using a safety
chain securely attached to both the trailer
and the vehicle. If the coupling unit or hitch
ball experiences a problem, the trailer may
separate from your vehicle.
Maintenance when trailer tow-
ing
Trailer brakes
Trailer lights
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