To identify the trailering capacity of the vehicle, read theinformation in “Weight of the Trailer” that appearslater in this section.Trailering is different than just driving the vehicle by itself.Trailering means changes in handling, acceleration,braking, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safetrailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be usedproperly.The following information has many time-tested,important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of theseare important for your safety and that of your passengers.So please read this section carefully before pulling atrailer.Pulling A TrailerHere are some important points:• There are many different laws, including speed limitrestrictions, having to do with trailering. Make surethe rig will be legal, not only where you live butalso where you will be driving. A good source forthis information can be state or provincial police.• Consider using a sway control. See “Hitches” laterin this section.• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles(800 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,axle or other parts could be damaged.• Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that atrailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)and do not make starts at full throttle. This helpsthe engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in atthe heavier loads.• Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmissionto a lower gear if the transmission shifts too oftenunder 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 properlywhile pulling a trailer, turn the system off. SeeSide Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) on page 2-44 for moreinformation.Three important considerations have to do with weight:• The weight of the trailer• The weight of the trailer tongue• And the weight on the vehicle’s tires5-45
