Operation Manual

Trailer towing
6-14 Driving safety
6
cle’s electrical system and affect your vehicle
warranty.
Many states and Canadian provinces require
special outside mirrors when towing a trailer.
Even if not required, you should install spe-
cial mirrors if you cannot clearly see behind
you, or if the trailer creates a blind spot.
Ask your trailer sales or rental agency if any
other items are recommended or required for
your towing situation.
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of
experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll
want to get to know your trailer. Acquaint
yourself with the feel of handling and braking
with the added weight of the trailer. Always
keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving
is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is without a trailer.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch,
safety chains, tires and mirror adjustment.
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the
cold inflation pressure listed in the manual.
You’ll find these numbers on the tire and
loading information placard at the sill of the
driver’s door.
Refer to “Tire inflation pressures” on page
9-18.
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle
ahead as you would when driving your vehi-
cle without a trailer. This can help you avoid
situations that require heavy braking and sud-
den turns.
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead
when you’re towing a trailer. And, because
you’re a good deal longer, you’ll need to go
much farther beyond the passed vehicle
before you can return to your lane.
Additional trailer equipment
Operating hints
WARNING
 If you have a rear window open and you
tow a trailer with your vehicle, carbon
monoxide gas which you cannot see or
smell could come into your vehicle. It can
cause unconsciousness or death. Refer to
“Exhaust system” on page 9-24.
To maximize your safety when towing a
trailer:
 Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.
 Keep the rear windows closed.
 If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window or another opening,
drive with your front, main heating or
cooling system on and with the blower on
any speed. This will bring fresh, outside
air into your vehicle. Do not use recircula-
tion because it only recirculates the air
inside your vehicle. Refer to “Air selection
switch” on page 7-9.
Driver preparation
Vehicle preparation
WARNING
Tire
Following distance
Passing
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